The internal and external characteristics of female netball match-play: A systematic review

Netball is an intermittent, high-intensity, multidirectional sport. Understanding the internal and external characteristics of match-play is essential for athlete monitoring and training prescription. This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence describing the match-play characteristics of female netball players across competition levels (international, national, and developmental/trained). A systematic search of four databases (PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) was conducted on 18 April 2025. Studies reporting internal or external match-play characteristics in female netball players using movement-tracking technologies, video time-motion analysis, or psychophysiological monitoring methods were eligible. Nineteen studies from 243 screened met the inclusion criteria. Mid-court positions consistently demonstrated the highest total and relative PlayerLoad™, distances covered, and change of direction frequencies. Attackers and defenders performed more frequent jumps and exhibited greater frontal-plane movement characteristics but accumulated lower total movement volumes. Internal responses reflected these positional differences, with mid-court players presenting higher heart-rate responses and ratings of perceived exertion. Interpretation and comparison across studies were limited by methodological heterogeneity and predominantly low study quality. Female netball match-play imposes distinct, position-specific physiological and biomechanical characteristics, highlighting the need for tailored monitoring and training prescription strategies. Future research should adopt standardised measurement approaches, consider dose-response interactions, and employ longitudinal, multi-team designs.