BBC Sport

London Pulse have had a perfect start to the Netball Super League season so far, beating Birmingham Panthers at the weekend to secure their fifth win in a row. Can they keep up that momentum this weekend against Manchester Thunder?

The two sides met as recently as last month in the Netball Super Cup Semi-Final, a closely fought game where Manchester made the best start in the first quarter and held the lead for the majority of the contest, Pulse only taking the lead for the first time towards the end of the second half, Thunder regained the lead momentarily before a last minute Super Shot from England international Olivia Tchine put Pulse back ahead and through to victory, they then went on to beat Leeds in the Netball Super Cup final.

Manchester Thunder had drawn level at the top of the table with Pulse over the weekend having secured a 71-57 win over Leeds Rhinos, but the win for Pulse against Birmingham on Sunday put them three points in the lead going into this Friday’s clash.

With both sides clearly in form, it promises to be a tasty contest this Friday, can the 2024 finalists Manchester Thunder finally put an end to London Pulse’s unbeaten run?

BBC iPlayer

2025 Netball Super League: London Pulse v Manchester Thunder, 18:45-20:45 BST Friday 18th April

Venue: Copper Box Arena, London

First Centre Pass: 19:00

Live on BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website & Red Button

BBC Sport

London Pulse’s Gracie Smith is the youngest player to earn a Netball Super League contract for the 2025 season. The 16-year-old will complete her GCSEs this summer alongside competing for side.

Sill want more?

Catch up on the latest news here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/netball/articles/ce92xj9yx73o

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport

Players from the Netball Super League pitch their teams, looking for your support as the new-look league season begins.

Get Inspired
#GetInspired

How do I start?

Find a club in England,, externalWales,, externalScotland, external or Northern Ireland , external to get going.

What is netball?

Netball is a seven-a-side game where the aim is to score goals by passing the ball down the court and throwing it in your opponents net. Unlike basketball, players are not allowed to move/run/dribble with the ball. It is all about the passing.

The 2023 World Cup is taking place next summer in South Africa, with teams from England, Scotland, and Wales competing against the likes of Australia and Jamaica. So there's no better time to get inspired by the top teams and have a go at netball yourself!

Is it for me?

No matter what your fitness level is, there is a position on court for everyone. Netball is a semi-contact sport, so men and women and boys and girls can all play on the same side. There's also a strong sense of friendship and team-bonding within netball teams.

• Find your netball position from how you use your phone

Take a listen to the Netballers podcast for more insights about all levels of netball.

What to expect when I start?

• Netball is an all over body workout so is great for general fitness and improving muscle tone.
• You don't need any special kit, just clothes that you feel comfortable exercising in and trainers.
• You move through the court by running and jumping so it helps with balance and co-ordination.
• Walking Netball, external is growing in popularity and is a low-impact way to play the game with no age limits - younger or older!
• Disability Netball is similar to the traditional game but with a few adaptations such as using a ball with a bell inside for people with visual impairments or installing an induction loop for those who are hearing-impaired. Find your nearest club on Parasport UK, external.