It’ll be furious but fun when the top six netball countries (Australia, England, Jamaica, New Zealand, Uganda and South Africa) square off for the 2022 FAST5 Netball World Series in Christchurch, New Zealand this weekend (5-6 November 2022).
Hosts New Zealand is the current champions (the series last happened in 2018 in Melbourne) with seven gold medals, followed by England with two series wins. South Africa won bronze in 2012 when the series was held in Auckland.
South Africa’s FAST5 Captain Jeanie Steyn and Vice-Captain Refiloe Nketsa, answer five questions on FAST5.
When you hear FAST5 netball what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Jeanie Steyn: Fast exciting action packed netball
Refiloe Nketsa: A fast and higher mentally demanding game.
What are things about the FAST5 format that really excites you?
Jeanie Steyn: Even though it is still netball it is so different from the traditional game. The powerplay and the different scoring zones in the goal circle really opens it up to all teams – it is unpredictable.
Refiloe Nketsa: The fact that it’s different from the traditional netball that we’re used to playing and also how much difference a team’s power play can contribute to its performance. It just never lets you think you’re far ahead.
What extra skills help you be a better FAST5 player?
Jeanie Steyn: From a shooting perspective it is fantastic if you can put those far shots in. On attack it’s about speed and control to outplay your defense. From a defense perspective since there are less intercept opportunities you have to read the play and know where the next ball is going.
Refiloe Nketsa: On attack , speed and control are must haves. As I mentioned that it’s a higher mental demanding game, hence the ability to know when to play with quicker and controlled speed and also when to change it and play slower.
What are the things on court you as team will be looking to incorporate?
Jeanie Steyn: We will play as a team and play for each other according to each one’s strength. With every training session and training game ahead we will gain more confidence in each other which will be evident in our matches.
Refiloe Nketsa: Originality. In our build up to the competitive part of the series, every session we’ll have, we’ll gain more confidence and strong connections that’ll take us through the competition.
What’s your message to all the fans back home?
Jeanie Steyn: Thank you for all the support and messages we’ve received. We can’t wait to step on to the court and bring you action packed netball!
Refiloe Nketsa: It’s an honour to be representing our country. Thank you for your endless support.
The 2022 FAST5 Netball World Series will be broadcast on Your World of Champions SuperSport Variety 4 (Channel 209) on 5 and 6 November. South Africa’s matches as follows (all times SAST):
Saturday 5 November 2022
03:00 England vs South Africa
05:15 South Africa vs Australia
08:15 South Africa vs Jamaica
Sunday 6 November 2022
02:30 New Zealand vs South Africa
05:30 Uganda vs South Africa
*The playoffs and medal matches will be played at 07:10, 08:00 and 08:50
South Africa’s FAST5 squad for 2022
Shannen Bartlett, Xandri Fourie, Didintle Keebine, Owethu Ngubane, Refiloe Nketsa (VC), Zandré Smit, Nicola Smith, Jeanie Steyn (C), Jeanté Strydom and Nicholé Taljaard
Some quick rules
Substitutions: FAST5 includes rolling substitutions, which means a change can be made at any stage of the game, during breaks or during play.
Power Play: The last 90 seconds of playing time in each quarter is designated as the ‘Power Play Period’ for both teams. During the ‘Power Play Period’ all goals scored a doubled.
Centre Passes: All centre passes will be taken by the team that did not score the last goal. The coin toss at the start of the game determine which team takes the first centre pass in each quarter. The coin toss winner: Chooses the centre pass in either the 1st and 3rd quarters or 2nd and 4th quarters. The coin toss loser: Takes the first centre pass in the quarters not chosen by the winning team.
Goal Scoring: There are three different scoring zones in FAST5. Inner circle (3,5m) for 1 point. Outer circle (3,5m-4,9m) for 2 points. Goal third for the Super Shot 3 points.
Timing: Four six-minute quarters with a four-minute interval at halftime and two-minute intervals after the first and third quarters.
The Team: In FAST5 there’s only five playing positions with two shooters (GS and GA), two defenders (GK and GD) and one midcourter (C).