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Walking Netball

Walking Netball

Walking Netball brings the game back to players who love netball but can no longer manage the running, jumping, and quick footwork of the full-paced version. Same court, same seven positions, same skills — just brought down to a walking pace that keeps everyone involved and enjoying the game.

What is Walking Netball?

Walking Netball is played on the same court layout as regular netball, with the same seven playing positions and the same basic skills — passing, shooting, marking. The core adaptation is simple: no running or jumping, with players keeping at least part of one foot in contact with the court at all times. Players are also given a little more time and flexibility than standard netball rules allow, making the game easier to play at a walking pace without losing its essential structure.

Sessions welcome complete beginners as readily as lifelong netball players looking for a way to keep playing.

The history of netball

Netball’s roots trace back to basketball, invented in 1891 by James Naismith. Just a year later, the game was adapted for women in the United States, and by the mid-1890s a version had reached England, where physical education instructor Martina Bergman-Österberg further adapted it at her college in Dartford — moving it outdoors, dividing the court into zones, and swapping backboards for netted hoops. This new sport eventually took the name “netball” in the early 20th century.

Walking Netball has a more precisely documented origin than most walking sports: it was developed in 2017 through a partnership between England Netball and Age UK, specifically designed to bring the sport back within reach of older players and anyone managing reduced mobility.

Who is Walking Netball for?

Walking Netball has grown fastest among older adults, but it welcomes players of any age and fitness level. It’s a genuine fit for:

  • Former netball players who want to keep playing without the running and jumping of the full-paced game
  • Complete beginners curious about netball without the intensity of a fast match
  • Anyone managing a long-term health condition, recovering from surgery, or returning to activity after injury
  • Players looking for a social, team-based activity with a strong sense of community

Why try Walking Netball?

Walking Netball keeps everything that makes netball engaging — the quick decision-making, the satisfaction of a well-timed pass, the teamwork of moving the ball down the court — without the running and jumping that eventually pushes many players away from the full-paced game. Because it was developed centrally by England Netball and Age UK rather than growing piecemeal from club to club, it’s also one of the more consistently structured walking sports, which many newcomers find reassuring. For former players, it’s a genuine route back onto the court; for complete beginners, the familiar seven-position structure makes it an approachable way into team sport.

The benefits, briefly

Walking Netball builds fitness through sustained low-impact movement, keeps coordination and decision-making sharp, and offers real social connection through regular team sessions. Read the full breakdown of Walking Netball’s benefits

The rules, in brief

The core adaptations are straightforward: no running or jumping, players keep part of one foot grounded at all times, and slightly more time and movement is allowed once a player has the ball compared to standard netball. Read the full rules guide

Getting started

New to Walking Netball? Find out what to expect, what to bring, and how a first session usually runs. Read the getting started guide

Find a session

Ready to find your local session? Search our directory of Walking Netball clubs across the UK — updated regularly, free to browse, no signup required. Find Walking Netball Near You

Browse Walking Netball by Session Type

Looking for something specific? Browse our Walking Netball directory by session type:

FAQ

Do I need to have played netball before?

No. Walking Netball sessions are specifically designed to welcome complete beginners alongside lifelong netball players. Coaches — often called “hosts” in Walking Netball — typically talk newcomers through the basic positions and footwork rules before any real game play starts, so you won’t be expected to know the game in advance.

What age do I need to be?

Most sessions are open to any adult, regardless of age. Walking Netball has grown particularly popular with players in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, but clubs generally welcome younger adults too, especially those managing an injury or returning to activity after time away from the full-paced game.

Is Walking Netball safe if I have joint or balance concerns?

The no-running, no-jumping format significantly reduces the strain and fall risk associated with full-paced netball, which is exactly why it was originally developed in partnership with Age UK. Many players specifically take up Walking Netball to manage existing joint or balance concerns, though as with any new activity, it’s worth checking with a doctor first if you have specific health concerns.

Can men play Walking Netball too?

While netball has traditionally been associated with women’s sport, many Walking Netball sessions are mixed and welcome male players. Check with your local club to see whether they run mixed sessions or women-only sessions in your area.

How do I find a club near me?

Search our directory of Walking Netball sessions at walkingsports.com/walking-netball/ to find clubs and sessions in your area, filterable by location, alongside all our other walking sports listings.

More Walking Netball Guides

Explore other walking sports

Last updated: August 2026 — This guide draws on guidance from national governing bodies where available, established club practices from across our directory, and real feedback from the walking sports community. Walking Sports Hub has been connecting players for over 5 years, with 3,500+ sessions and clubs listed across 8 walking sports. Clubs and players are welcome to submit updates or corrections. Learn more about Walking Sports Hub

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