Best Netballs for Beginners
Just starting out with netball and not sure what type of ball to get? Choosing the right netball is important when you're learning the sport. The ball affects handling, catching and throwing technique, so beginners should look for balls designed specifically for new players. Here are the key features to look for.
Affordable Price
As a beginner, you don't need the most expensive ball. Look for netballs under $20 that offer good quality and durability at a budget-friendly price, such as:
- Gilbert Pro Netball - $16
- Molten Prizm Netball - $18
- Gilbert Satellite Netball - $19
Soft Grip Texture
Look for a netball with a soft, textured outer material which makes the ball easier to grip, especially if you have smaller hands. Balls like the Gilbert Pro have a microfiber composite cover that provides a tacky, secure grip for developing players.
Lightweight Material
Beginner netballs are made of lightweight polymer or composite materials. Lighter balls are easier to handle and require less strength to pass and shoot, perfect for beginners developing technique. The Molten Prizm weighs just 400-420g.
Over-Inflated Option
Some beginner balls like the Gilbert Satellite can be over-inflated to make them bouncier. The extra bounce helps reinforce proper catching technique by forcing you to cradle and absorb the ball. It also slows the pace of play, allowing you to practice skills with a bit more reaction time.
Soft, Durable Cover
Look for softer cover materials like polyurethane leather which are durable yet less abrasive on bare hands compared to synthetic leather. The Gilbert Pro has a PU cover that retains its soft grip after frequent use and provides great control and feel for new players.
Investing in a quality beginner netball like those reviewed above will help you safely develop fundamental skills as you get started with netball. Don't be tempted to buy match balls at this stage - save those for when you're competing and focus on balls designed to boost growth and enjoyment as a new player. With the right ball, you'll fast track your progress!
Affordable yet Quality Netballs for New Players
Getting started with netball doesn't have to be expensive. While professional netballs can cost $50 or more, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that offer great quality and performance for recreational play and developing fundamental skills as a beginner.
Gilbert Pro Netball - $16
The Gilbert Pro is specifically designed for new netballers. It has a soft PU outer cover that provides excellent grip and control. The microfiber composite material makes it long lasting yet lightweight at 400-420g. The Pro bounces and handles consistently and its affordable price makes it perfect for club players.
Molten Prizm Netball - $18
Molten is known for high quality sports balls and the Prizm is their budget netball. It has a soft PU cover and 12 panel stitchless construction for a soft feel and seamless flight. Weighing 400-420g, it has a lively bounce and is easy to handle. A great starter netball at an affordable price.
Gilbert Satellite Netball - $19
The Gilbert Satellite can be over-inflated for extra bounce, helping reinforce catching technique. Made of durable TPU material, it has a textured cover for control and skin-friendly feel. The Satellite is an IIHF approved netball for recreational use and its over-inflation feature makes it great for developing players.
Rucanor Ruby Netball - $15
The Ruby from Rucanor is crafted of durable composite leather and weighs just 400g. The 12 panel design and pebble texture cover provides great control and handling. It's an approved ball for school competitions and its excellent quality and price make it the ideal starter netball for junior players.
Other Budget Options
- Spalding TF-250 - $14
- Adidas Response Netball - $20
- Kwela Rookie Netball - $18
You don't need to spend a fortune to get a decent netball when starting out. With so many quality budget options like those highlighted here, you can get great value gear to safely develop your skills without breaking the bank.
Key Netball Features for Beginners
As a netball beginner, considering durability, grip and weight when choosing a ball will help improve your handling skills, technique and enjoyment of the game.
Durability
Look for durable cover materials like PU or composite leather which better withstand outdoor use on rougher surfaces compared to synthetic leather. Materials like microfiber composite and TPU are also hardwearing yet soft.
Benefits of durability:
- Withstands frequent use for longer lifespan
- Maintains performance for longer
- Sustains grip and feel as ball ages
Durable beginner netball options:
- Gilbert Pro - PU cover
- Molten Prizm - PU cover
- Rucanor Ruby - Composite leather
Grip
Look for balls with a tacky, textured outer surface which makes them easier to hold with wet or sweaty hands. Pebble textures provide the best grip.
Benefits of grip:
- Prevents slippage when handling
- Allows better ball control
- Boosts confidence catching and passing
Good grip netballs:
- Gilbert Satellite - Textured TPU
- Gilbert Pro - Microfiber composite
- Rucanor Ruby - Pebble texture
Weight
Look for lightweight netballs around 400-420g. Lighter balls are easier to handle and require less strength, suiting new players developing skills.
Benefits of lightweight:
- Easier to pass and shoot
- Requires less effort and strength
- Improves handling technique
Considering these key factors when selecting your first netball will ensure you get the best ball to safely progress your skills as a beginner.
Reviews of Top Entry Level Netballs Under $20
Here are reviews of some of the best netballs under $20 for beginners and casual players.
Gilbert Pro Netball - $16
The Gilbert Pro provides excellent grip and control thanks to its microfiber composite cover. It has a soft, durable PU material that retains its quality with frequent use. Weighing just 400-420g, it's easy for entry level players to handle. The Pro bounces and flies consistently and is available in vivid color combinations.
Molten Prizm Netball - $18
Known for their excellent sports balls, Molten's Prizm is a top quality budget netball. Its 12 panel stitchless construction and PU cover gives it a soft, seamless feel. The Prizm weighs 400-420g for easy handling and has lively bounce through its Cushion Control core. A great first netball at an affordable price.
Gilbert Satellite Netball - $19
The Satellite's key feature is its ability to be over-inflated for extra bounce. The high bounce is ideal for improving catching technique. It has a textured TPU cover for durability and control. The Satellite provides great performance for casual play and skill development.
Rucanor Ruby Netball - $15
Crafted from durable composite leather, the Ruby weighs just 400g for effortless play. Its 12 panel, pebble texture cover gives excellent grip and handling. Approved for school competitions, the Ruby's quality rivals more expensive training balls. Ideal for junior development.
Spalding TF-250 - $14
The TF-250 has a soft TPU cover for optimal grip and control. The 12 panel design reduces hand abrasion while its lighter weight makes it perfect for recreational use. Priced under $15, the TF-250 delivers surprising quality and is a top choice for casual players and beginners.
Investing in an affordable yet high quality netball is the best way to develop skills as a new player. These sub $20 options offer great performance without breaking the bank.
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How Amazon Prime Benefits Frequent Netball Buyers
For netball players who regularly purchase gear and equipment, an Amazon Prime membership can provide some useful benefits and perks.
Free Fast Shipping
Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items. For netball gear like balls, bibs and bags, this means you can get the equipment you need quickly without paying extra shipping fees.
The fast free shipping is perfect if you have an upcoming game or training session and need to order replacement items like new netball shoes or a uniform last minute. You can order right up until the shipping cut-off time and still receive your gear in just a couple days.
Easy Returns
Amazon Prime simplifies the returns process with free return shipping. This is handy for netball gear as you may need to return or exchange items that don't fit properly or aren't the right specification.
Being able to return items like netball sneakers for free until you find the right fit avoids incurring additional shipping fees.
Early Access to Deals
Prime members get 30 minute early access to Lightning Deals on Amazon. This lets you jump on sales for netball products before items sell out or deals expire.
You can take advantage of flash sales on training gear, team uniforms, nets and other equipment you regularly need to stock up and save money.
Prime Wardrobe
Prime Wardrobe allows you to try on eligible items like netball dresses and activewear for 7 days before committing to purchase. This makes it easy to test sizing and fit before buying.
Any unworn items can be returned using the resealable bag and prepaid shipping label. So you can order multiple sizes or styles risk-free.
For regular netball shoppers, a Prime membership can really pay for itself with the free fast shipping and returns alone. If you frequently buy netball gear on Amazon, Prime definitely helps maximize convenience and savings.
Discover The Latest Netball Products That Will Take Your Game To The Next Level.
Discovering the latest netball products that can take your game to the next level can be a game-changer. Here are some products that can help you improve your performance and prevent injuries:
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What Are The Benefits Of Using Netball-Specific Warm-Ups?
Netball-specific warm-ups have several benefits for players. Here are some of the benefits of using netball-specific warm-ups:
In summary, netball-specific warm-ups can help enhance performance, reduce the risk of injury, improve performance outcomes, improve performance outcome in youth netballers, and increase flexibility.
