Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Netball

How to Choose the Right Netball

Choosing the right netball is based on age, purpose and level of competition. Getting the best netball for the right purpose can significantly impact player development, confidence, performance and overall enjoyment of the game. Netballs can vary in construction, materials, size and intended use.

Netball Sizes

What size netball should you buy for different age groups? 

Size 4 netballs are for younger players aged 7 through 10. This size is perfect for those getting introduced to the game often in school settings.

Adults and children aged 11 and up use Size 5 netballs. Competitive matches and official leagues would often use Size 5 netball.

What do pros use? 

According to World Netball, the dimensions of a standard regulation netball is typically 690-710 mm (27-28 in) in circumference and weighs 400-450 g (14-16 oz).

Netball Materials & Grip

What is the material of a netball? 

The material of the netball affects its grip, bounce, and durability. Choose based on your playing surface and conditions:

• Rubber: Soft and grippy, suitable for indoor matches.

• Synthetic Rubber: Versatile and durable, perfect for outdoor training and matches, and also usable indoors.

• Grip Patterns: Textured surfaces improve handling and control, especially in wet or high-impact environments.

• Indoor vs Outdoor Balls: Indoor balls are softer with a smoother bounce, while outdoor balls are made to withstand rougher surfaces and harsher conditions.

Types of Netballs

What are the different types of netballs?

When deciding on what netball to buy, it’s important to understand the different types of netballs to find the right fit for your needs.

Match Netballs: Designed for Performance

Match netballs are engineered to deliver the consistency, control and responsiveness required in competitive play. Built to meet official standards, they prioritise key performance elements such as grip, balance, and shape retention.

For Elite Competition, choose the HART Ignite Netball. It has premium feel, superior control and is designed for top-level indoor matches. The HART Ignite Netball uses high-grade nano-technology rubber and a fine classic grip, delivering outstanding feel and precision for elite performance.

For Advanced Competition, consider the HART Evolve Netball. It also has premium construction and grip for serious club players. Designed with an international standard 18-panel construction and a bold grip surface, the Evolve offers excellent control, durability and consistent performance.

For Mid-Level Competition, buy the HART Ultra Netballs or HART Fuse Netballs. They have reliable performance, durability and great value for regular games. These models deliver dependable handling and all-weather versatility, making them ideal for consistent club and school competition.

Training Netballs

Training netballs are constructed in a similar way to match balls but are designed with durability as the primary focus. The rubber compounds are typically more wear-resistant, and the bladder systems are engineered to retain air for longer periods. While they may not deliver the same level of high-performance responsiveness as match balls, they provide reliable consistency for repeated use. The internal linings are often more cost-effective but are selected for strength and longevity under regular training conditions.

For Training & Development, you select between the HART Team Trainer Netballs, HART Club Netballs or the HART Weighted Netball. These are durable options built for repeated use at clubs, schools and training sessions.

Recreational & Training Netballs

Recreational netballs are designed for enjoyment, accessibility and confidence-building, making them ideal for casual play and developing skills in a relaxed environment. For this, you can purchase the HART Intercept Netball, HART Street Netball, HART Love Heart Netball or the HART Pineapple Netball. They all have fun, vibrant designs suitable for all skill levels. Ideal for casual training sessions, social games and building confidence on court.

Whether you’re selecting a ball for junior development, club competition, training sessions or advanced skill progression, understanding the different types of netballs will help you choose the most suitable option. 

All HART netballs are hand-stitched, providing enhanced durability, truer flight characteristics and superior shape retention. Check out our entire Netball Equipment Range here at HART Sport.