CPCentre Pass
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WD
Reads the game

Wing Defence (WD)

The WD position in netball

Disrupt their WA. Anticipate, intercept, and turn defence into attack.

Centre third + defensive goal third (not the circle)

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DEFENCECENTREATTACK

Where WD can move

Court map

Where WD can move

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

Allowed: Centre third + defensive goal third (not the circle)

DEFENCECENTREATTACK
Train it

Drills

  • 01

    Shadow drill

    Mark a partner with no ball for 90 seconds — match every dodge. 5 rounds.

    ~15 min

  • 02

    Tip and gather

    Tip a thrown pass, recover, gather, send a clean ball away. 30 reps.

    ~15 min

  • 03

    Centre-pass deny

    Defend the WA off centre pass — first phase only, 20 reps each side.

    ~10 min

Build the engine

Fitness tips

  • Reactive agility

    Mirror drills with a partner — they lead, you follow. 4× 30 seconds.

  • Vertical reach

    Tuck jumps + arm-driven reaches. Win the airball above your opponent.

  • Posterior chain

    RDLs, glute bridges, hamstring curls. You sprint backwards a lot.

Who owns it

Famous players

  • WD

    Fran Williams

    Reads the play beautifully — usually GD but covers WD with the same intensity.

  • WD

    Beth Cobden

    Combative, athletic WD with a sharp tactical brain.

People also ask

Wing Defence (WD) FAQ

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

›What does a Wing Defence (WD) do in netball?
Disrupt their WA. Anticipate, intercept, and turn defence into attack. The WD is allowed in centre third + defensive goal third (not the circle), and crossing those lines is called offside.
›Where can the WD go on a netball court?
The Wing Defence (WD) can move in centre third + defensive goal third (not the circle). Any other third or circle is out of bounds for this position.
›Can the WD score goals in netball?
No. Only Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Attack (GA) can score. The WD sets up attacks or defends instead.
›Who is a famous England Roses WD?
Fran Williams is one of the most recognised England Roses WD players — see more on the Wing Defence guide.
›What kind of player suits Wing Defence?
Reads the game. The WD 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 Wing Defence players.

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