Young Netball Central Zone Players Learning From the Best

Young Netball Central Zone Players Learning From the Best

19 February 2014

Netball Central Zone held the second of three NZ Talent Development (NZTD) days at Arena Manawatu, in Palmerston North. A total of 46 elite players ranging from 15-17 years and seven umpires were involved in Sunday’s event. Participants travelled from across the zone to take part a number of key sessions that focused on improving skills, nutrition and match play.

The day began with Sally Duxfield, Director of Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre, speaking to the young players about Mental Toughness and Pushing Past the Boundaries: What makes a good athlete a great athlete.

Adrienne Morrin, a Netball NZ CoachForce Manager, then worked on court with players and coaches, helping to develop decision making and game awareness.

However, the emphasis during the day wasn’t just on the technical and tactical side of netball, with participants also learning about personal preparation. Dietician Heniti Davis ran a highly-informative workshop with both the players and umpires on the importance of pre and post-game nutrition and recovery.

The day concluded with former Silver Ferns Captain and Netball Central Zone’s Coach Development Officer, Sandra Edge, leading a session on ‘Back to Basics’ skill development, footwork and landing skills. This was a follow-up to the first NZTD in January and gave the players the chance to develop their basic skills.

The players had an added incentive during the day with the presence of Netball NZ Emerging Talent selectors Charissa Barham and Adrienne Hayes who kept a watchful eye during the skills and match play sessions.

Kelly Curr, Netball Central Zone’s High Performance Manager, was delighted with the day and is looking forward to seeing the players go through their paces again next month. “It was a highly-successful day and everyone got a great deal out of the expert coaching and advice on offer,” she explained

“The players and umpires have a third and final NZTD session to look forward to on 9 March at Arena Manawatu, which will give them another excellent opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge of the game.”

ENDS

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