All positions
C
Engine of the team

Centre (C)

The C position in netball

Link attack and defence. Run the floor, take the centre pass, set the tempo.

Everywhere except both shooting circles

DEFENCECENTREATTACK

Where C can move

Court map

Where C can move

Coloured zones show the thirds and circles C is allowed into. Cross the line and the umpire calls offside — so footwork around the third lines is a core skill.

Allowed: Everywhere except both shooting circles

DEFENCECENTREATTACK
Train it

Drills

  • 01

    Box-to-box run

    Receive at the back line, sprint to the opposite circle edge, receive again. 10× both ways.

    ~15 min

  • 02

    Centre-pass options

    Practise 5 different first-phase moves until each is automatic.

    ~20 min

  • 03

    Transition turnover

    After every shot, sprint to the next phase. 10-minute continuous game.

Build the engine

Fitness tips

  • VO2 max intervals

    4× 4-minute hard runs with 3-minute recovery. Centres need the biggest engine on court.

  • Lateral strength

    Side lunges, lateral band walks. You change direction more than anyone.

  • Recovery routine

    Mobility flow + foam rolling daily. Cumulative load is your enemy.

Who owns it

Famous players

  • C

    Laura Malcolm

    Energetic, two-way Centre — England's midfield engine.

  • C

    Imogen Allison

    Plays through Centre with composure and quick decision-making.

People also ask

Centre (C) FAQ

The questions players, parents and new fans ask about the C position in netball.

What does a Centre (C) do in netball?
Link attack and defence. Run the floor, take the centre pass, set the tempo. The C is allowed in everywhere except both shooting circles, and crossing those lines is called offside.
Where can the C go on a netball court?
The Centre (C) can move in everywhere except both shooting circles. Any other third or circle is out of bounds for this position.
Can the C score goals in netball?
No. Only Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) can score. The C sets up attacks or defends instead.
Who is a famous England Roses C?
Laura Malcolm is one of the most recognised England Roses C players — see more on the Centre guide.
What kind of player suits Centre?
Engine of the team. The C role rewards players with the mindset and movement described above — start with the drills on this page.
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Search hundreds of UK clubs by postcode, region or age — most have spots open for Centre players.

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