Brad Fitler gives tips to NSW Swifts ahead of Super Netball campaign
The Swifts are searching far and wide - and into the world of rugby league - for a winning edge with coach Brad Fittler sharing some of the secrets of the Blues success in the 2018 Origin series.
The Swifts are searching far and wide - and into the world of rugby league - for a winning edge ahead of the third season of Super Netball with coach Brad Fittler sharing some of the secrets of the Blues success in the 2018 Origin series.
In the wake of running drills with former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic and boxing sessions, Swifts coach Briony Akle on Wednesday sought counsel from former NRL star Fitler who masterminded the “Baby Blues’’ first Origin series victory in four years.
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Fittler, a "netty dad’’ to daughter Demi, 15, spoke to Swifts players about breathing techniques, the power of the mind and ran a visualisation session - a tool he uses with his players with success.
“It’s a way to train without training your body,'' he said.
“You mind is a powerful tool and relaxing your body is important if you do it right.
“The big thing these days is workload - this allows athletes to train while resting their bodies a bit.’’
Fittler said it was important for codes to share information with the former NRL star impressed by the training ethic and openness of Swifts players to learn new skills.
“One think I know with the women is they train so hard, so that’s one things we can take from them,’’ he said.
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“They are fantastic, I see how hard they train. They don’t have any pride, they just tear in and give as hard as they can.
“Blokes in this situation would be a stand offish. Not do ir. The girls just go for it, get into it.’’
Like the Blues last year, the Swifts are chasing a change in fortunes and a place in their first finals series in three years in 2019.
A team rebuilt from the inside out two years ago, the Swifts are now one the most settled combination in the competition.
Akle, who took over the reigns of the side just a year ago, said the times is right for the Swifts to make their mark this year.
First on the agenda is taking on and beating cross town rivals, the Giants, in their opening match of the Super Netball season on April 28.
“There is to be no excuses,’’ Akle said.
“We need to play consistently good netball.
“It’s not about us being young an not gelling anymore.
“We have to stand up.’’
Akle believes her charges will benefit from their time with Fittler.
“He's quirky. He things outside the square. Sometimes you need to step out of your sport,’’ she said.
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