Wing attack
The wing attack is a netball playmaker who feeds the ball into the shooting circle, moving through the centre and attacking thirds but not entering the goal circle.
Overview
Abbreviated WA, the wing attack is a key feeder and link player. They operate in the centre third and the attacking goal third, but are not permitted to enter the goal circle and cannot shoot.
Quick movement and accurate passing define the role, as the wing attack delivers the ball to the shooters and drives the team’s attacking play.
Responsibilities
- Feeds the ball into the shooting circle for the scorers.
- Links the centre third with the attack.
- Uses quick movement to get free for passes.
- Drives attacking play and creates scoring chances.
- Stays out of the goal circle as the rules require.
Where it’s used
Sports that use wing attack:
Related positions
Goal shooter
The goal shooter is a netball attacker who scores goals and is one of only two players allowed to shoot, working within the attacking goal third and circle.
Goal attack
The goal attack is a versatile netball attacker who both feeds the shooter and scores goals, moving through the centre and attacking thirds.
Centre (netball)
The centre is netball’s link between attack and defence, the only player allowed in every third except the two goal circles, and the player who takes the centre pass.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Wing attack to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Player roles
- PlaymakerThe playmaker is a team's creative hub — the player who orchestrates attacks, controls the tempo and distributes the ball so teammates can score.
- FinisherA finisher is the attacking outlet in a team sport whose main job is converting chances into points — the striker, goal shooter or go-to scorer.
- Last line of defenceThe final barrier between an attack and a score — the goalkeeper, sweeper or last-ditch defender whose job is to stop what the rest of the team has let through.
- CaptainThe captain is a team's on-field leader who communicates, makes in-game decisions and sets standards — a role any player can hold, not a fixed position.
- All-RounderAn all-rounder is a versatile player who contributes across attack and defence rather than specialising in a single phase, position, or skill.
Skills
- PassingThe skill of moving the ball to a teammate accurately to keep possession and create chances.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
- SpikingThe volleyball skill of jumping and striking the ball forcefully down into the opponent’s court.
- SettingThe volleyball skill of accurately placing the ball for a teammate to attack.
Learning paths
Tactics
- Wing playAttacking down the flanks and crossing the ball into the box to stretch the defence and create chances.
- Counter-attackWinning the ball and moving forward at speed to attack before the opponent can reorganise their defence.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Serve and volleyAn attacking tennis tactic where the server follows their serve to the net to finish the point with a volley.
Techniques
- Volleyball SpikeA powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
- Volleyball DigA defensive contact that keeps a hard-driven ball in play by passing it up off the forearms, usually from a low position.