Netball: Full on Ferns, even in carpark

Maria Tutaia of New Zealand shoots. Photo / Getty Images

They limber up in the carpark outside. A sea of black uniforms moves in perfect formation as the players chatter about what lies ahead.

The start of the netball world championships is still a few days away, but the Silver Ferns are getting their first taste of real opposition with a warm-up game against tournament hosts Singapore. Having spent most of the week in a cocoon of in-house trainings, it's the first real reminder of what they are in Singapore to do.

There's very little pre-game instruction; the team already know who'll take the court and their individual tasks.

All 12 players are given a run, but coach Ruth Aitken wants to ensure her key players get a full game at some point in the warm-up matches.

But they're just as active on the sidelines, supporting teammates and applauding good passages of play.

After 30 minutes on court, Irene van Dyk retreats to behind the goal in the second half, where she can encourage the attack end.

Eager to help in any way she can, van Dyk gives the shooters a few pointers on a timing issue they had been having on a couple of plays.

Despite their lowly opposition, any bad pass or miscommunication on attack is greeted with a grimace - the Ferns want to get things perfect.

Likewise they're instructed to be ruthless on defence against the much smaller Singapore side. Every player on court is required to work hard on defence - "there's nothing wrong with the attack turning over ball, as well", says Aitken. So when Maria Tutaia misses an intercept opportunity she slaps herself on the thigh in disgust, as if there were only one goal in it.

She doesn't dare look in the direction of assistant coach Waimarama Taumaunu, at her animated best screaming orders over the court when the team are on defence.

At the opposite end of the court, and the spectrum, Lyn Gunson - the Silver Ferns' specialist coach - sits silently observing. She occasionally scribbles down notes and will relay her thoughts after the session.

The strict 90-minute training times mean there's little chance to chat after the game, though. Jamaica have booked the stadium and the teams must clear the venue.

This is where the schoolteacher in van Dyk comes out. "Right, we have to be out of here in seven minutes, guys, so grab your stuff and let's go."

Outside Jamaica are already waiting to get in.

There are a few hellos and nods exchanged as the two teams pass, but mostly the Jamaicans remain stony faced, listening to their iPods.

The not-so-sunny Sunshine Girls head into the sports hall leaving the Ferns to complete their warm-down - in the carpark of course.

"Doesn't seem very world champsy," remarks one reporter.

The team doesn't seem to mind, though. Nor do the locals - the sight of 12 long-limbed women stretching turns heads.

But the players are oblivious - they're in review mode. Aitken, Taumaunu and Gunson take different players aside to go over what worked and what didn't. And the players listen, keen to absorb any gem that could improve performance.

Officially, no score was taken, but Dr Jude Goulden, the team's much-loved doctor and part-time scorer, time-keeper and post-match protein shake distributor, advises them they won 89-17.

Not a bad day at the office - even if most of it was spent in the carpark.