TuksNetball will start their Varsity Tournament campaign on Sunday in Bloemfontein by playing against Kovsies and on Monday against Pukke.

Coach Jenny van Dyk has offered some insight to the team’s success in the build-up to the Varsity Tournament. 

After winning the Brutal Fruit Netball Premier League in June, Van Dyk describes the feat as, “One of the best victories ever.” The Jaguars side, who were mainly made up of Tuks players, won the series 49-43 to the North West Flames after three seasons of losing in the finals.

“The series win is a good indication of how the team will fare in the varsity tournament. Although the expectation is to win, the focus is on the process. That is the only thing the team has control over now. The girls know that they can do it, they have the confidence and manage better under pressure now than before.”

The coaching program this year has been focused on changing the habits of the players. Starting with the menial chore of making their beds every morning, the girls now know the importance of discipline. It teaches them how to manage their time properly.”

What sets Van Dyk apart from other coaches is her approach toward athlete-centred coaching. “The athlete is my number one priority.” The Tuks team also benefits from individual attention and smaller combination practices. “We are willing to work the extra little bit every time, and that makes the difference in big matches like the finals.” 

“Hard work and a big dream will help you to develop and improve and become the best that you can be.” Van Dyk looks for good attitude when selecting her players. She’s always looking for positive girls who, when they are in a team, put the team first and will help build the squad.

She encourages the players to take more responsibility for the decision making on the court and the planning of what the team itself wants to achieve in a specific match. “A good coach will coach herself out of her position.” 

Van Dyk insists that a coach needs to lead players into a situation where they no longer need any help. Players must be able to focus, take responsibility and think for themselves on the court. She says that was the more difficult and time-consuming coaching method she needed to change. Now she expects her team to tell her what they see and how they think they can improve.

Tuks players and coaches meticulously plan their schedules. This ‘winning formula’ makes it possible for players never to miss sessions unless they are ill or writing university exams. With less room for error, the girls are familiar with each other’s playing styles and game approach. 

Van Dyk believes that managing the schedule of thirty-odd players is what is vital to the team’s success this season. “Our consistency in training gives us better form on the court.”