Netball Association conducts ‘beep test’ with positive results

The fitness level of 34 netballers was tested this week when they took part in a ‘beep test’ as part of the ongoing preparation for St Vincent and the Grenadines’ (SVG) participation in the Netball World Cup Qualifiers, set for Jamaica in October 2022.

“What we saw displayed yesterday at the fitness test was a level of determination by the participants. The energy and team spirit that was demonstrated makes the future bright and indicated to the Association that our young ladies are still very much in love with the sport and are willing to put in the work,” said president of the SVG Netball Association (SVGNA) Natasha Baptiste at the end of the first ever ‘beep test’ conducted by the SVGNA.

Tuesday’s ‘beep test’ was conducted at the netball court at New Montrose and saw participation by 27 women and 7 men.

The women were divided into three groups of nine and the men, into three groups. As the beep test got into its more advanced stages and the women faced the ever increasing threat of running out of energy , those on the sidelines were shouting words of encouragement.

In the end, the results were very positive and encouraging. It was the first time many of them had participated in a beep test, and as they assessed their own performance, some shared them with SEARCHLIGHT. “I told myself I am not giving up,” one said as she sat, sucking in huge lungfuls of air to recover.

Another said: “I did not want to be the first to drop out, so I had to fight.”

A number of the women participated despite niggling injuries under the watchful eyes of physiotherapist Jahvid Marksman. They made it plain that if they had to wait until they had fully recovered, it would not be a sign of that fighting spirit when the going gets tough.

Baptiste commended the coaching staff for the continued work in the preparation of the squad for the upcoming qualifiers. “The coaching team must be highly commended for executing this and the work has now begun.”

As the SVGNA prepares for the Netball World Cup Qualifiers, a coaching committee has been set up to assiduously work on preparing the team. The Committee is headed by Godfrey Harry and includes: Shooting Coaches – Skiddy Francis-Crick and Nicole Sandy-Stevenson; Midcourt Coaches – Dellerice Duncan and O’Neil Cockburn, Defensive Coaches – Vasha Adams and Moeth Gaymes.

The SVGNA president is an ex-officio member of all the committees and will work along with the coaching committee in ensuring the team is fully prepared for the task ahead. The second ‘beep test’ will be conducted in two weeks time, with other tests expected to be carried out at two-week intervals leading up to the departure of the selected team for Jamaica.