A new netball season is the perfect time to refresh your kit, check your training equipment and make sure you have everything you need to get back on court. From choosing the right netball, netball footwear and teamwear, to making sure your club has the essential training equipment, having the right equipment can make every training session and match day run more smoothly. Whether you’re a player getting ready for the season ahead, a coach planning your sessions or a club replacing well-used equipment, here are the netball essentials worth checking off your list.
1. A Quality Netball
It goes without saying that every netball season starts with the ball.
Whether you’re training your passing, working on shooting accuracy or preparing for your next competitive fixture, using a reliable netball that suits your level of play is essential.
Gilbert’s range includes training, competition and match balls, giving players and clubs plenty of options depending on how and where they play. The right ball should offer consistent grip, feel and performance, helping players develop confidence with every touch.
For the new season, it’s also worth checking the condition of your existing training balls. If the surface has become worn or the ball is struggling to retain air, it could be time for an upgrade.
Explore the latest Gilbert Netball range and find a ball suited to your level of play.
2. Netball Posts for Training
You don’t need to wait for your next club session to work on your shooting.
A netball post can be a fantastic addition to home gardens, schools, clubs and training venues, allowing players to practise shooting, rebounding and attacking drills outside of regular training sessions.
The Gilbert Netball Posts range includes options designed for both beginners and more experienced players. Adjustable posts can also be particularly useful when working with younger players, allowing the height to be adapted as they develop.
For clubs, having additional posts available can make training sessions more efficient too. Coaches can split players into smaller groups and create multiple shooting or attacking stations rather than having everyone queue for one post.
3. The Right Netball Footwear
Netball is a fast-moving sport involving constant changes of direction, sudden stops, pivots, jumps and landings. Your footwear needs to keep up.
Before the new season begins, take a look at the condition of your current trainers. If the grip has started to wear down, the cushioning feels different or your shoes are simply looking a little worse for wear, it could be time for a new pair.
Gilbert’s netball footwear collection is designed specifically around the demands of the sport, with options including the Impact and Volt shoes for senior and junior players.
A good pair of court shoes should feel secure and comfortable, while giving you the grip and stability you need to move confidently around the court.
4. Bibs for Training Sessions
For coaches, training bibs are one of those pieces of equipment that are easy to overlook - until you need them.
Bibs are essential for drills involving positional play, opposition work and small-sided games. They make it much easier for players to identify teammates, understand their roles and quickly organise into groups during training.
Having a good supply of durable bibs also means coaches can keep sessions moving without wasting valuable training time.
Gilbert offers netball bibs designed to help clubs, schools and coaches build well-organised training sessions.
5. Don't Forget the Pump
There’s nothing worse than arriving at training with a flat netball.
A reliable pump is one of the simplest pieces of equipment to keep in your kit bag or club equipment bag. Regularly checking your balls before training and matches means you can make sure they are ready to go as soon as you step onto court.
Gilbert’s Quicker Pump is a useful addition to any player, coach or club equipment collection - particularly for teams managing multiple balls across regular training sessions.
It’s a small piece of kit, but one that can save plenty of last-minute stress.
6. Comfortable Training Kit
Equipment isn’t only about what you use on court. What you wear can also make a big difference to how comfortable you feel throughout a training session or match day.
As the new season gets underway, check that your training tops, shorts, skorts, leggings and warm-up layers still fit comfortably and are in good condition.
Gilbert’s netball clothing collection includes training and performance options designed to allow players to move freely on court.
And for clubs looking to start the season with a fresh look, Gilbert’s teamwear service offers both ready-made options and customisable kit, including the opportunity to add your club crest.
7. A Netball Bag That Keeps Everything Together
Once you have all your equipment, you need somewhere to put it.
A good netball bag can make the difference between an organised kit bag and one where you spend ten minutes searching for your socks, pump or spare top.
For players, a practical rucksack or sports bag is ideal for keeping footwear, clothing and smaller accessories together. For clubs and coaches, larger ball bags can help transport multiple netballs and training equipment between sessions.
The Gilbert Bags & Training Accessories collection includes options for individual players as well as clubs and coaches.
8. Make Safety Part of Your New Season Preparation
Getting your equipment ready is also a good opportunity to think about preparation away from the equipment bag.
Netball involves repeated jumping, landing and changes of direction, so players should make movement preparation and good warm-ups part of their routine. England Netball’s Jump High, Land Strong guidance provides resources designed to help players develop strong landing mechanics and reduce lower-limb injury risk.
It’s also worth making sure your club has everything it needs for a smooth training session, from whistles and cones to pumps, bibs and posts.
Ready for the New Season?
A new season is the perfect excuse to give your netball equipment a refresh. Check your balls, replace worn footwear, make sure your training equipment is ready to go and give your kit bag a proper clear-out before that first session.
Whether you’re an individual player, coach, parent or club, having the right equipment means you can spend less time worrying about what you’ve forgotten and more time doing what you love - playing netball.
For everything you need to get ready, explore the full Gilbert Netball collection and start the new season prepared.
New season. New goals. New equipment. Let’s get on court.
