Netball: Fast and curious netball

Anna Thompson is the only New Zealander returning to defend the world netball series. Photo / Getty Images

She is about to enter the unknown, with an unheralded team, but Fastnet Ferns coach Robyn Broughton hopes to take some inspiration from sevens mentor Gordon Tietjens.

Broughton will be in charge as the world netball series gets under way on Saturday, with New Zealand defending the title they won in the inaugural series last year.

She admits to being a little concerned by the potentially frenetic nature of the modified game, with six-minute quarters and unlimited rolling substitutions.

"Six minutes - how the hell do we do that?" she laughs. "It gives a new meaning to thinking on your feet. That is not much time to substitute - but I watch [Gordon] Tietjens do it with the Sevens and he copes okay. They have only seven-minute periods but he rushes them on and off, ."

The use of quick-fire replacements is one of several modifications from the traditional game; others include two-point goals from outside the circle, 'power plays' (where points scored are doubled) and re-starts are by the conceding team rather than alternate centre passes.

On the surface, Broughton has a tough task. Her experience of netball under Fastnet rules is limited to games she has watched on television and she has only one player (Anna Thompson) who played in last year's tournament. The Silver Ferns were not considered for selection after their Delhi heroics.

But the Southern Steel coach has never shirked a challenge and is renowned for her tactical appreciation, meticulous planning and ability to engender a winning spirit in a dressing room.

"Her teams have always been steady and strong," says Thompson. "They are known for grinding out wins and leaving nothing on the court. I can't wait to work with her."

"The Sting and the Steel always seemed to pull through in those tough matches," says Silver Ferns squad member Camilla Lees. "They control the ball well and play smart."

Broughton says "her time has passed" when it comes to the Silver Ferns.

This may be a realistic view but seems a great shame. She was assistant coach under Yvonne Willering (2000-02) but lost her position when the coach was dumped. Aside from her provincial heroics (seven titles with the Sting) Broughton reached her nadir in 2009 in charge of the World Seven.

She inspired a scratch combination of former Australian and New Zealand internationals, together with some English and Jamaicans to a win over the Silver Ferns on their home court.

It was a shock; comparable to when a World XV, who had spent more time in the pub than on the park, beat the All Blacks in 1992.

The Ferns were stung; three days later Broughton trumped them again to take the series. They also beat Australia by nine goals in Adelaide.

Broughton wonders if Fastnet could be the way of the future in netball, just as Twenty 20 cricket is encroaching on the traditional game.

"We have to move with the times; the young ones will take more of an interest. People playing sport like to have a go at anything so if there are less restrictions that will encourage them."

"Fastnet will foster speed and agility - you have got to take your chances on attack. It is also good to recognise the value of a long shot and it means that we are not as reliant on size, height and strength in the circle.

Broughton would add another tweak; allow the centre and wing attack the possibility of shooting two-pointers.

"Why not? They always back themselves in training and it would really add an element of the unknown."

Broughton has firm thoughts about the strategy her team will need to adopt.

"You have got to explode into the game," she says.

"There will be no time to work your way into it or ease into the game plan; we will need to take the game to the opposition. With no alternate restarts, our centre pass defence is crucial and we have to negate the power plays."

The Fastnet Ferns assembled in Auckland yesterday and leave for Liverpool today. There is time for only a few training sessions to build combinations, work on tactics and that winning attitude.

"They have to believe in themselves," says Broughton. "Belief is huge with teams. It is a bit of the old dog in you; there needs to be something on your shoulder that says, 'I don't want to lose'."

The opposition

Australia, with their renowned depth, will be the team to beat. They have selected several Diamonds' squad members, including Madison Browne and Amy Steel, players Broughton feels should have been at the Commonwealth Games.

Norma Plummer, who is probably still wearing that Delhi-induced frown, is in charge and won't want to lose two international tournaments on the bounce.

Hosts England impressed with their endeavour last year and seemed to embrace the new rules quicker than anyone else.

"They used a lot of subs," remembers Thompson, "and they were always trying to hit two pointers."

They will be full of bravado after their strong bronze in Delhi and have included stars Geva Mentor and Sonia Mkoloma in their squad.

Jamaica have selected Athea Byfield and Simone Forbes but will be without beanpole shooter Romelda Aiken. The Sunshine Girls played fairly conventional netball (by their standards) in taking the silver medal in 2009; they will again be a strong contender in Liverpool.

Malawi have a unique style, happy to retain possession and known for their patient build up. They hold the unlikely world record of 69 passes before a shot was attempted and got within five goals of Jamaica and the Ferns in 2009.

South Africa take Samoa's place from last year.

The Proteas have undergone a lengthy training camp that has included swimming sessions and ice baths but won't feature in the medal matches.

What is Fastnet

Often seen as netball's answer to Twenty20 cricket, it is a speedier version of the game with modified rules that are designed to encourage fast scoring and non-stop action.

Key differences

* Each quarter is just six minutes long.

* Each team elects one quarter as a 'Power Play' ; any goals they score will be doubled.

* Shooters can shoot two-point goals from outside the circle.

* There are an unlimited number of substitutions per team per quarter.

* Play is not stopped for replacements.

* Instead of alternate centre passes, the team that has just conceded the goal restarts with the ball.

* Coaches are allowed to coach from the sideline

Schedule

Saturday November 20

* New Zealand vs Australia 4.10am

* New Zealand vs Malawi 7.35am

* New Zealand vs South Africa 9.50am

* New Zealand vs England 11.05pm

Sunday November 21

* New Zealand vs Jamaica 4.20am

Monday November 22

* Semi final 1 (1st vs 4th) 2.05am

* Semi final 2 (2nd vs 3rd) 2.50am

* Third place playoff 4.20am

* Final 5.05am