Ladies told to adapt fast
THE national netball team will have to adapt quickly to the different playing styles of the four nations they will be up against in the Sea Games.
Head coach Tracey Robinson said come August, the girls are required to understand tactics and strategies that go around to winning tournaments after the Australian’s evaluation of the girls’ performance at the Invitational Pre-Sea Games last weekend.
“It’s not weaknesses but when you play against different nations, they have different playing style so for us, we need to adapt quickly,” she said.
“Thailand had a tall shooter and they also have a small moving circle so, you know, you can’t just play.”
On August 14-20, Malaysia will be up against Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand and reigning champions, Singapore.
Tracey is aware of the threat posed by the defending champions but also believes the girls will give them a hard time.
“Singapore are the favourites but we’re trying to hit the mark so we will win hard against them.”
After two tours in Australia (Gold C o a s t a n d M e lbourne),” she said.
Tracey is happy with the team’s improvement and has seen the results when Malaysia emerged as champions of last weekend’s pre-games tournament, defeating Thailand 75-33.
Tracey, who has been anxious for her team to test out the newly refurbished Juara Stadium, is pleased with the state of the venue.
“The venue is world class, the flooring is great and this is what proper netball flooring is, it’s sprung wood floor.
“It was used for the 1998 (Commonwealth) Games, so the facilities here are great.”
Despite Malaysian Netball Association president Datuk Suraya Yaacob’s complaint regarding the flooring not being up to par, Tracey is still happy to have a proper venue.
Tracey, who coached the team to victory at the Asian Championship in 2016, admits there are a few minor injuries on the team.
“We have a few sore bones but a few days with the physio, they should be fine.”
At the 2015 Sea Games, Malaysia emerged runners-up after the team lost by three points to hosts Singapore. Farah Azharie