Performance norms and tactical differences in international netball

The study aimed to establish normative profiles and evaluate tactical differences relative to opposition quality for international Netball teams during the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2023 World Cup. A total of 15,708 possession events from 98 matches were analysed using key performance indicators (KPIs) including possession conversions (Centre Pass (CP) and Turnover (TO) toGoal), shooting percentage and number of phases. Teams were grouped into three tiers by final ranking, and matches classified into six groups. Percentile-based normative profiles were calculated for nine percentiles (10% to 90%) for each KPI by tier. CP to goal %for Tier 1 (75.0%) and Tier 2 (72.6%) were statistically greater than Tier 3 (68.8%) when playing opposition of equal quality (p < .05). All tiers showed decreased possession-to-goal conversions when opposition quality increased. Tier 1 maintained a consistent shoot-ing percentage across all opponents (2.0% difference; p > .05) while Tiers 2 and 3 had significant differences across opponents (p < .05).Phases differed significantly when playing Tier 1 opposition across all tiers (p < .05). Interquartile ranges evidenced performance inconsistencies likely influenced by condensed competition schedules.Findings provide international teams with performance targets to advance world ranking. Further research should explore phases and player networks to better understand possession characteristics.