Aust out to improve Fast5 netball showing

Australia, wooden spooners a year ago, are determined to adapt better to the different strategies required at the Fast5 netball world series.

Australia are determined to make a better job of adapting to the rules of netball's shortened game at the six-nation Fast5 world series in Auckland.

World champions in the traditional format, Australia finished bottom in last year's five-a-side tournament at the same venue, losing all six matches.

They have picked a completely new team this year, led by veterans Susan Pratley and Demelza McCloud and featuring a host of newcomers including Gretel Tippett, the 20-year-old sister of Sydney Swans AFL star Kurt Tippett.

In netball's answer to Twenty20 cricket, Fast5 involves five players rather than the usual seven while each quarter lasts only six minutes, compared to a regulation 15.

Teams can nominate a "power play" quarter, when their goals count for double points and there are multiple scoring zones.

New coach Jane Searle wants the Flyers to embrace the rules rather than play it safe.

"We're really looking forward to seeing what we can do out there and using the strategies that lend themselves to the Fast5 format," she said.

"We'll be encouraging fast play, speed and the outside shot."

In Fast5, goals are worth one, two or three points depending on where an attempt is made.

A feature of the Australian performance last November was how few super shots they put up compared with other teams.

Australia have a tough opening day taking on England, South Africa and defending champions New Zealand, who are stacked with Test players.

They conclude the round robin phase on Saturday with games against Malawi and Jamaica.

The Flyers team features five players, including shooter Tippett, from the Australian under-21 team which finished second at the 2013 World Youth Netball Championships.

Searle said the inclusion of the under-21 contingent had had a big impact within the camp.

"Being able to work side-by-side with `Prats' and Demelza is great for them," she said.

"Also, the enthusiasm that goes through the team because of that combination makes it really exciting for us."


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Source: AAP


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