With the South Island Secondary Schools Netball Tournament taking place in Nelson from 31 August to 3 September, now is the time to help athletes prepare for the physical and mental demands of tournament netball.

Multiple games across consecutive days places increased demands on players, making preparation, recovery and wellbeing important for both performance and enjoyment.

Coaches, managers, and parents all play an important role in supporting athletes before and during the tournament. Encourage players to arrive with established routines around sleep, hydration, nutrition and recovery. Consistently completing the NetballSmart Dynamic Warm-Up before training and games helps prepare the body for the demands of netball, while quality recovery between games can support performance throughout the week.

Key messages to reinforce with athletes include:

• Fuel and hydrate regularly throughout the day.
• Prioritise sleep before and during the tournament.
• Complete the NetballSmart Dynamic Warm-Up before every game, ensuring movements are performed to a high standard.
• Recover between matches with nutrition and hydration.
• Listen to their body and communicate injuries or concerns early.
• Focus on wellbeing and enjoy the tournament experience.

Coaches can also support athlete wellbeing by sharing court time and managing player load across the tournament. Coaches and support staff are encouraged to plan ahead and discuss daily routines; player loads and recovery strategies with their teams before departure.

For practical ideas and planning support, use the NetballSmart Tournament Tips resource to help your team prepare, play, recover and repeat.

Let’s work together to ensure athletes arrive prepared, feel supported and enjoy their South Island Secondary Schools Tournament experience.

To learn more, check out: https://www.netballsmart.co.nz/file/07cdae033bf231b8b31c6e5a9a3cbbfc.html

Article added: Thursday 06 August 2026