Q&A with SA FAST5's Shannen Bartlett & Zandré Smit

As the countdown begins for the 2024 FAST5 Netball World Series, we caught up with two seasoned campaigners of the SA FAST5 team, Shannen Bartlett and Zandré Smit. Both players are set to represent South Africa for the third time on New Zealand soil, bringing invaluable experience and determination to the squad. They were key members of the team that clinched silver in 2022, and they’re back with their sights set even higher.

The FAST5 Netball World Series, held in Christchurch from 9-10 November 2024, will see the world’s top six ranked teams – Australia, New Zealand, England, Jamaica, South Africa, and Uganda – go head-to-head in the high-energy, fast-paced version of netball. Ahead of the action, Shannen and Zandré shared their thoughts on the upcoming tournament, their journey so far, and what it means to wear the green and gold once more.

Shannen, you’re one of the quickest mid-court players in the country—has the game become faster, or is there still room to mix it up?
It will always be a fast game. As it is growing we add more skill to manage all the running. But, you can never be fast enough!

Shannen, how do you prepare mentally and physically to maintain that speed and consistency throughout the series?
I prefer to be in the best shape that I can be when it comes to netball. I am part of a team so that motivates me to stay disciplined when it comes to training. I love to mix up my training sessions. Sometimes I gym, sometimes I run. I swim and then I do court work. If I feel fit, I feel mentally good.

Zandré and Shannen, this will be your third FAST5 Netball World Series. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from playing in this series?
Shannen: This game is all about complimenting the four on court with you. There’s not a lot of time, and a game plan is necessary. This is absolutely a shooting game and finally, ONE SHOT CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.
Zandré: To trust your teammates and have fun. This is a fast game with less people on court so trust plays a big role in the games. You need to trust your teammates in knowing that they will be there for you on court. And that each and everyone will give it their all.

Zandré Smit, you’ve become known as a long-bomb specialist. What’s the trick to making the perfect shot?
You have to keep calm. Cut out everything around you and just focus on your shot and the pole. Every time you catch the ball you have to take a deep breath and let your body do the rest. It comes with a lot of practice but if you can get that right, it becomes a lot easier.

Zandré Smit, as someone with experience in high-pressure games, how do you stay focused and keep your composure when taking those critical long shots?
Before the ball gets to me I keep talking to myself in my head. You have to hype yourself up. You have to have that mentality of: I need to sink it but if I don’t then I’ll work hard to get the ball back and then make sure that I do sink it. Sometimes we put to much pressure on ourselves to sink instead of actually just going through the motion of your shot. You miss when you overthink it so I just concentrate on getting the ball and my shot. Not about the outcome.

Thank you Shannen and Zandré for sharing your insights. Best of luck to you both, and the entire SA FAST5 teams, as you head into the FAST5 Netball World Series in New Zealand.

The SA Teams

• Females: Rolene Streukter (GS); Zandré Smit (GS); Kamogelo Maseko (GA); Lefébre Rademan (GA); Shannen Bartlett (C); Amber Coraizin (C); Sanmarie Visser (GD); Boitumelo Mahloko (GD); Ané Retief (GK); Syntiche Kabuya (GK)
• Non-travellers: Tarle Mathe (C); Nicholé Taljaard (GA)
• Team Management: Martha Mosoahle-Samm (Head Coach); Erin Burger (Assistant Coach); Tholakele Nsele (Manager); Narita du Toit (Physio)
• Males: William Lethoko (GS); Shane Labuschagne (GS/GA; Eugene Sinxesi (GA/GS); Fred Damons (GA/C); Sibongakonke Vava (C/GA); Itumeleng Mohanoe (C); Njabulo Nekhavhambe (GD); Sicelo Gamede (GD/GK); Edward Manyathela GK/GD; Vukile Zulu (GK)
• Non-travellers: Lutendo Maiwashe (GS); Gavin Peters (C)
• Team Management: Neville Chapepa (Head Coach); Themba Ntuli (Assistant Coach); Olian Thobejane (Team Manager); Matome Seroto (Physio)

Fixtures LIVE (SA Time)
9 November 2024

10 November 2024

Repeat Times On SuperSport (SA Time)
9 November 2024

10 November 2024

Learn more about the FAST5 Netball World Series

*Schedule subject to change at short notice.

Some Quick FAST5 Rules
NEW RULE Possession: Once the ball has progressed out of one-third of the court (towards the attacking team’s scoring end], it cannot be passed backwards into that third again.

NEW RULE Power Play: The last 2 minutes of playing time in each quarter is designated as the Power Play Period for both teams. During the ‘Power Play Period, only 2 and 3 goal point shots are doubled in value. 1 goal point shots remain 1 point during this time.

Substitutions: FAST5 includes rolling substitutions, which means a change can be made at any stage of the game, during breaks or during play.

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 1^st and 3^rd quarters or 2^nd and 4^th 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 one-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).

Photo Credit: Michael Bradley Photography