Diamonds gather for whirlwind netball camp

They've worked for the All Blacks and netball's Diamonds, now even the Wallabies hope quick regular team gatherings will work in their favour.

Like Russell Crowe and pavlova, Lisa Alexander's latest ploy isn't uniquely Australian.

The Diamonds netball coach brought together 22 players in Canberra on Sunday night for a training camp that will last less than 48 hours.

It's a short and sharp gathering between rounds of the trans-Tasman championship that Alexander hopes to repeat before their next international series in August.

"They're so important," Alexander said on Monday.

"In fact, they're so important that Michael Cheika is starting to do it now with the Wallabies, even if it's just getting the guys together for breakfast the morning after a match.

"He understands, as I do, it's those connections together that are really important with a team.

"We've talked about it a lot and I know Michael really admires what the Diamonds do and how we work with all the franchises.

"I know they've sought to do that as well (with Super Rugby clubs) to try and really build that high-performance system."

Alexander says the idea is based on what the rugby's world champion All Blacks do.

"We're a different country - we've got more distances to travel but certainly that idea of connection together is very important," she said.

Alexander hopes to cram in a lot of work in the two days, including a performance analysis session, commercial obligations, housekeeping and some on-court tactical work.

She has three months to prepare for their three Tests against South Africa, England and New Zealand, but very little time with all players in one room.

Paige Hadley, who played in the NSW Swifts' 58-54 comeback win over competition leaders the Queensland Firebirds on Sunday, said it was nice to reconnect again after their 3-0 sweep of England in January.

"We're from different states and play for different franchises, so I think it's really important to come together and just refocus on the Diamonds' goals and what we're trying to achieve," she said.

"Coming in for two days and seeing not just the athletes but the support staff and high-performance staff I think is vital."


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Source: AAP



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