In netball, what is the purpose of a substitution?

In netball, the primary purpose of a substitution is to replace a player currently on the court with a player from the team bench. This ensures that the team maintains optimal performance by allowing fresh players to come in, which can help to sustain energy levels and address any tactical changes needed during the game.

While all players ultimately aim to participate, the specific intent behind making a substitution is centered on the swapping of personnel during a match. This allows teams to adapt their strategy based on the flow of the game, the performance of players, or injury management.

Other options may touch on aspects of player management and participation, but they do not capture the central mechanic of why substitutions are made during the game. Players may indeed rest or rotate through positions, but these activities typically arise from the instinct to substitute effectively for performance reasons rather than being the core purpose.