Netball: Innovation key for Aussies ahead of Fast5

The thinking hats are on ahead of this weekend's Fast5 netball tournament in Auckland.

Major changes to the format mean the wing attack and defence are no longer required, while a three point shot has been introduced.

Australian coach Lisa Alexander says they're looking at what innovations they can do in a game.

"Julie and myself have already been quite creative in a couple of the plays that we've thought about and it gets us going too, it really gets our energy levels up and the players are also coming up with some really good strategies too."

Alexander says they've been going through the new rules in game situations.

"We've had two games already. We've had a game against South Africa and Malawi. So we certainly know what it's all about now and we've got a couple of training sessions just to come up with a few strategies to employ hopefully in another practice match later in the week."

The tournament begins on Friday.