Time Off- What's that??
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 2:07PM It has been an interesting 2011 season for me. So much so, that I now find myself in an off-season, something I haven’t had since before my AIS years way back in 2003. Since then I have been playing netball almost 12 months of the year, having maybe a couple of weeks off here and there, but still very much in training mode. I must say that it has been strange having no netball commitments and no where I have to be at by a particular time! Crazy!
When the NSW Swifts season came to an end in the semi finals (a little earlier then we all hoped), I focused my attention on training hard for Australian selections. Unfortunately I was not what the selection personnel wanted for the World Championships in Singapore, something that was very hard to take. But now that I’ve had some time to digest it, I’m getting used to the idea of “time off” before I knuckle down and get stuck into pre-season training, because i’m determined to have a great 2012.
I know that I have what it takes to play for Australia. But even I will admit that I wasn’t happy with my second half of the NSW Swifts season; I felt that I wasn’t playing my game and that is something that will always frustrate me.
As an athlete, we are our hardest critic, things sometimes don’t go our way, outside factors play a part and it’s how we react to these things that dictate how we perform. I kick myself everyday for letting things out of my control affect my confidence and ultimately my game in the last couple of matches of the season, but you live and learn. I was very tough on myself but I have now learnt to let it go and refocus on season 2012.
Although I am not boarding the plane with the Australian Diamonds bound for the World Championships, I wish them all the luck. It’s an exciting, youthful side and I am sure they will do Australia proud in their quest to win back-to-back World Championships.
The Susan Pratley Netball Clinics have been in full swing the past month and in July I will travel thousands of kms to teach our future netballers. This has been so much fun and something I really enjoy doing. It’s great to get out there and see the young kids enjoying their sport and having a go!
Over the past month, I have also been able to work with some other programs. A new one I have just jumped on board with is the UNDERDOGS, an anti-bullying campaign that is trying to create awareness of the bullying problem and bring a stop to it. I encourage you all to check it out and support it. ( http://underdogs.tv/ )
So for now, I am living a somewhat normal life back in Sydney, and although I am having time off away from the netball court to refresh, I assure you I have not stopped training! I am in the gym most days doing weight training, running, riding, boxing and also having some fun trying some different sports.
I’m really looking forward to what lays ahead. My hunger and passion to play for the Diamonds is still strong and I look forward to accepting the challenge that is in front of me and fighting my way back into the team. I love representing my country in the sport I love and I promise to work harder and smarter to make sure I wear the green and gold again!
Reader Comments (2)
Prats you are such an inspiration to me and so many other netballers. Keep going strong and I can't wait to see you out there better, fitter and stronger in 2012! All the best!
Annalisa
Dont worry about missing the WNC 2011 selection Prats.Once Cox and McMahon retiring from Diamonds,you are sure going to be a no-brainer for the selections.till then,enjoy your holidays!