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Jenny Sinclair
Have you ever wondered what an elite coach is thinking as a game unfolds? How they prepare for a match? The decisions they make under pressure? Netball Scoop is delighted to share insights from Lisa Alexander AM. With a lifetime of coaching experience behind her, including an extraordinary 81% success rate as head of the Australian Diamonds programme between 2011 and 2020, Alexander will reveal her thoughts about one Suncorp Super Netball game per round. Her expert commentary will include a few general insights, analysis of some aspects of the game plan, key match ups and athletes, and what a coach could have done differently to change the game.
READ https://netballscoop.com/ns-exclusive-view-from-the-bench-with-coach-lisa-alexander/
Round 11: GIANTS Netball 59 def. New South Wales Swifts 55
GENERAL THOUGHTS
The match was like a chess game, and at half time the score was level on 29 goals apiece. It was fascinating to see what coaches Briony Akle and Julie Fitzgerald were going to pull out of their toolbox in the second half, whether it was going to the bench, changing their tactics, or a combination of both.
While a coach should never be afraid to go to the bench, the Swifts made 9 positional changes during the third quarter and I don’t believe it worked for them. They were good for most of the game, but unfortunately they lost that quarter by five goals as a result of 7 turnovers and 15 penalties, compared to a tidy quarter by the GIANTS. Against the top teams, you need consistency across all four quarters.
I also wonder if it was a coincidence that Maddy Proud, Maddy Turner and Sarah Klau were down on form during the match – all three are South Australians and they would have trained on that court since they were teenagers.
Read more… https://netballscoop.com/ns-exclusive-view-from-the-bench-with-lisa-alexander/
Round 12: Collingwood Magpies 75 def. NSW Swifts 68
General thoughts
This was a very high scoring match, and the margin would have been even more significant without the supershot, as the Swifts sunk nine to keep themselves in the game.
We witnessed some really solid coaching by first year coach, Nicole Richardson, and her assistant Kate Upton, as the Magpies have grown and built across the season. They were totally on point in this game. In contrast I thought the Swifts looked tired, they’ve been on the road for a long time which has probably impacted them.
They were also clearly missing their coach, Briony Akle, who at the time of this match, was still in quarantine in Adelaide. I think her team are reliant on the energy she gives them and the appropriate changes she makes. Mostly that is a good thing, but in this situation the players weren’t able to get themselves into the match.
Read more… https://netballscoop.com/ns-exclusive-view-from-the-bench-with-lisa-alexander-2/
Round 14: Queensland Firebirds 62 defeated Melbourne Vixens 58
General thoughts
Winning this game with three of their team missing through injury, Queensland Firebirds showed us a pointer to their future. It was a brave effort, that gave people hope of what they can achieve.
The Firebirds had two rookies (at this level) on court at any one time, and you didn’t even notice they were together for the first time. That came from the belief and thorough preparation by their coaches. The defence end in particular hummed along nicely and they played like a team.
It would have been particularly difficult for Kim Jenner, with new players either side of her, and Clare Ferguson would have told her to focus on her own job, do it well, and not try to take over.
Read more… https://netballscoop.com/ns-exclusive-view-from-the-bench-with-lisa-alexander-4/
May BaileyMinor semi final – West Coast Fever 75 d Sunshine Coast Lightning 67
General thoughts
Fever lost their last match against the Lightning, and really learned from the game. Their centre court was beaten in that game, whereas in this game they turned the tables on Lightning. They showed a lot of discipline and mental toughness to work on those previous issues and put their learnings into practice consistently across court.
Fever’s defensive pressure all over court was outstanding, and the midcourt was excellent. It was led by a fabulous performance from Verity Charles, who used her skill, ability and positivity to influence the match. Her rhythm and movement was wonderful to watch.
Read https://netballscoop.com/ns-exclusive-view-from-the-bench-with-lisa-alexander-5/
Jenny SinclairThis week we also got the thoughts on the Swifts v Giants semi final, from former Australian player Sharon Finnan-White
View from the bench with Sharon Finnan-White
By Jenny SinclairMajor semi final – NSW Swifts 62 d GIANTS Netball 61
General thoughts
The NSW Swifts played a smart and patient game. Through some clever tactical decisions they started strongly and had an eight goal lead going into the first break. This was the only quarter they won during the match, although they drew the last quarter 13 all.
In the last five minutes of the second quarter, the GIANTS made a slight comeback courtesy of a key turnover by Sam Poolman, and some much needed super shots by Sophie Dwyer and Jo Harten.
It was in the second half that the GIANTS really picked up their intensity, looking hungrier for the ball in both attack and defence. April Brandley stepped up to create some intercepts and deflections towards the end of the third quarter, which put the GIANTS in front for the first time in the match.
READ https://netballscoop.com/ns-exclusive-view-from-the-bench-with-sharon-finnan-white/
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