Starting netball lessons is an exciting time, and having the right gear can help you to feel at your most comfortable and confident on court. Here are the essential junior netball kit items you will need if you are joining a club, playing for your school, or going for lessons as an extracurricular activity.
Netball shoes
It’s important to have comfortable and supportive footwear. Avoid fashion trainers because these are not likely to have good enough grip or cushioning for your feet. Do not wear trainers with excessive wear and tear, as these will not be grippy or supportive enough and will increase your risk of falls and injury.
There’s no need to spend a lot of money on high-end labels, but your netball trainers do need to have anti-slip soles, support your foot arch, and have cushioning to absorb the impact of running and jumping. Your trainers should fit properly, without cramping your toes or slipping off the back of your heel.
If you are going to play competitive matches on a regular basis, you may want to consider investing in shoes that are specifically designed for netball. These are designed to support multi-directional movement, as opposed to running trainers that support straight-line movement.
Otherwise, buy good quality trainers that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use to avoid buying multiple pairs.
Netball clothing
If you are playing netball at school, you will probably already have a PE kit that you can wear for lessons, such as a short-sleeved polo shirt and leggings, shorts or skorts. Otherwise, you will need breathable clothing that fits well and does not restrict your movement. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics that will keep you cool and comfortable.
You may also want to bring a hoodie or sweatshirt to keep you warm off court. A sports bra will help to keep you comfortable during high-impact movements. Sports socks will provide an extra layer of cushioning and stability.
Other items of kit
A reusable water bottle is essential to help you stay well hydrated, especially during longer training sessions or warmer weather. Plain water is better than sports drinks, which are expensive and contain high amounts of sugar. Add a few drops of natural fruit juice if you don’t like the taste of plain water.
Most netball instructors will ask you to tie long hair back and remove jewellery and watches during lessons and matches for safety reasons. A sports bag will help you to keep all your items in one place.
Netball equipment
The club will usually supply kit items such as bibs, which have two large letters printed on the front and back to show what position you are playing, such as GD (goal defence).
They will also supply a netball, of course, but if you want to practice in your own time, getting your own ball is a good idea. Size 4 is recommended for under 14s, while older players use a size 5.