Basketball vs. Netball: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 3, 2023
Basketball is a team sport using hands to shoot a ball into a hoop; Netball, similar in objective, prohibits dribbling and has specific player positions without a backboard.
Key Differences
Basketball is a globally recognized sport, played between two teams where players aim to shoot a ball through the opposing team's hoop. This game allows dribbling, where players bounce the ball while moving. In Basketball, both offensive and defensive strategies play a significant role, with players often trying to outmaneuver their opponents through passes, dribbles, and strategic plays. The game's iconic moves, like slam dunks and three-pointers, make it widely popular.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
In contrast, Netball has its roots in early forms of women's basketball. Netball teams aim to score by passing the ball and shooting it into a hoop. However, players in Netball can't dribble the ball or move with it. Instead, they pass it to teammates while remaining stationary when in possession. Another distinguishing feature is that Netball doesn't utilize a backboard.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
While both Basketball and Netball share a primary objective - shooting a ball into a hoop to score points - their rules and gameplay methods differ considerably. For instance, in Basketball, the court has a three-point line, allowing for long-range shots worth three points. In Netball, the court's segmentation and scoring areas differ, with two semi-circular areas dictating where players can shoot.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Moreover, player positions and roles in Basketball and Netball have different names and responsibilities. Basketball has positions like guards, forwards, and centers, each with unique duties on the court. Netball, on the other hand, designates positions such as goal shooter, wing attack, and goal defense, each with strict areas they can occupy and specific tasks.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Comparison Chart
Objective
Shoot ball into a hoop with a backboard
Shoot ball into a hoop without a backboard
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Oct 03, 2023
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Dribbling
Allowed, players can move with the ball
Not allowed; players must remain stationary with the ball
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Oct 03, 2023
Player Positions
Guards, forwards, centers
Goal shooter, wing attack, goal defense, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Court Design
Includes a three-point line
Different segmentation with two semi-circular shooting areas
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Basketball and Netball Definitions
Basketball
A game characterized by dribbling, passing, and shooting.
Basketball requires a combination of strength and strategy.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
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Netball
A game with designated player positions and no backboard.
She plays the goal shooter position in Netball.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Basketball
A sport played on a rectangular court with a raised hoop.
The Basketball court was newly painted with team logos.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Netball
A team sport where players aim to score by shooting a ball into a hoop without dribbling.
Netball is popular in many Commonwealth countries.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Basketball
A team sport where players shoot a ball into a hoop.
They played Basketball every weekend at the park.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Netball
A game played with seven players on each team.
Their Netball team practiced daily to improve coordination.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
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Basketball
A round ball used in the sport of the same name.
She bought a new Basketball for practice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Netball
A sport derived from early forms of women's basketball.
Netball has evolved significantly over the years.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Basketball
A game played between two teams of five players each, the object being to throw a ball through an elevated basket on the opponent's side of a rectangular court. Players may move the ball by dribbling or passing with the hands.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Netball
A sport with specific court segments and shooting areas.
The Netball court was bustling with players.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Netball
(uncountable) A (usually women's) team sport derived from basketball, with seven players on each side who attempt to score goals by passing a ball and throwing it into the opponent's goal, which is a raised hoop with a net at one end of the playing area. Unlike basketball, a player in possession of the ball cannot move until the ball is passed to another player.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Basketball
A sport in which two opposing teams of five players strive to put a ball through a hoop.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Basketball
(countable) The particular kind of ball used in the sport of basketball. Basketball
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Oct 15, 2022
Netball
A team game that resembles basketball; a soccer ball is to be thrown so that it passes through a ring on the top of a post
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Oct 15, 2022
Basketball
A ball game, usually played indoors in an area called the basketball court, in which two opposing teams of five players each contest with each other to toss a large inflated ball (the basketball) into opposite goals (baskets) resembling baskets, each typically a cylindrical mesh suspended from a circular rim which is held ten feet above the court. A goal scored by passing the basketball through the basket may count from one to three points, depending on the situation in which it was thrown.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Basketball
A game played on a court by two opposing teams of 5 players; points are scored by throwing the basketball through an elevated horizontal hoop
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 15, 2022
Basketball
A game with positions like guard, forward, and center.
He excelled as a center in Basketball.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
FAQs
Are Basketball and Netball the same sport?
No, while both involve shooting a ball into a hoop, their rules and gameplay differ.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is Netball played mostly by women?
Historically, Netball was a women's sport, but it's played by both genders today.
Harlon Moss
Oct 03, 2023
How many players are in a Basketball team on the court?
Typically, there are five players from each team on the court.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
How many players are in a Netball team on the court?
Netball teams have seven players on the court.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Can men play Netball?
Yes, while traditionally a women's sport, men's and mixed teams exist today.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Are the balls used for Basketball and Netball the same?
No, they differ in size and grip.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Do both sports have World Championships?
Yes, both Basketball and Netball have world championship events.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Why does Basketball have a backboard?
The backboard helps direct missed shots, allowing for rebounds and bank shots.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Which sport is more popular globally?
Basketball has more global recognition, while Netball is popular in Commonwealth countries.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Which sport is older, Basketball or Netball?
Basketball was invented first, with Netball evolving from early forms of women's basketball.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
How long is a typical Basketball game compared to a Netball game?
Basketball games, especially professionally, tend to be longer than Netball matches.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
Is the court size the same for both sports?
No, Basketball and Netball courts have different dimensions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
How did Netball evolve from Basketball?
Netball started as a form of women's basketball with modified rules, later evolving into its own sport.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
How do scoring systems differ between Basketball and Netball?
Basketball has variable points (e.g., 2-point or 3-point shots), while Netball typically has a consistent scoring value.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Why doesn't Netball have a backboard?
It's a distinctive feature of the game, making shooting more challenging.
Sara Rehman
Oct 03, 2023
Are there any shared strategies between Basketball and Netball?
While distinct, both sports emphasize teamwork, passing, and positioning to outmaneuver opponents.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
What's the primary defensive objective in both sports?
In both, players aim to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
Janet White
Oct 03, 2023
Which is more physically demanding, Basketball or Netball?
Both sports have their challenges, but Basketball involves more continuous movement due to dribbling.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 03, 2023
Can Basketball players play Netball, and vice versa?
While the core objective is similar, the different rules might require adaptation. However, players can play both sports.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 03, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
