ANZ Premiership: Northern Stars in a Race Against Time to Secure Playoff Spot
The Northern Stars in the 2021 ANZ Premiership are determined to secure a playoff spot, but with only two weeks left in the regular season, time is running out. The Stars are currently sitting in the fifth position on the ladder with just five wins, while the Northern Mystics and Mainland Tactix are leading the competition with eight wins each. The challenge for the Stars is not only to win their remaining games but to also rely on other teams to beat the Mystics and/or Tactix. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Northern Stars’ journey in the ANZ Premiership and what they need to do to make it to the playoffs.
Introduction to the ANZ Premiership
The ANZ Premiership is New Zealand’s elite netball tournament, featuring six teams: the Northern Stars, Northern Mystics, Mainland Tactix, Central Pulse, Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, and Southern Steel. The tournament follows a round-robin format, with each team playing 15 games over 14 weeks. The top three teams at the end of the regular season compete in a playoff series to determine the champion.
ANZ Premiership: Northern Stars in the 2021 Season
The Northern Stars have had a mixed performance in the 2021 ANZ Premiership season. They started strong with two wins in their first three games, but a mid-season slump saw them lose four consecutive games. The Stars then bounced back with two wins in a row against the Magic and Steel, but they lost their most recent game to the Tactix by 10 points. With only two games left in the season, the Stars need to win both their games and hope for other teams to falter.
The Challenge Ahead for the Northern Stars
The Stars’ road to the playoffs is not an easy one. In the last two weeks, they will play against the Southern Steel, who are currently in last place, and the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, who are in fourth place with six wins. While the Stars should win against the Steel, the game against the Magic will be a tough one. If the Stars win both games, they will have a total of seven wins, which could potentially be enough to make it to the playoffs. However, they will need to rely on the Tactix or the Mystics to lose at least two games in the last two weeks.
What the Northern Stars Need to Do to Secure a Playoff Spot
The Northern Stars need to focus on winning their remaining games and hope for other teams to falter. However, they also need to work on their own game and improve their performance on court. Here are some things that the Stars need to do to secure a playoff spot:
1. Improve their shooting accuracy
The Stars’ shooting accuracy has been a weak point this season. They have converted only 80% of their shots, compared to the Tactix, who have converted 88% of their shots. The Stars need to work on their shooting accuracy and make sure they take every opportunity to score.
2. Develop better defensive strategies
The Stars’ defense has been inconsistent this season. They have allowed an average of 53 goals per game, which is the highest in the competition. The Stars need to develop better defensive strategies to stop their opponents from scoring too many goals.
3. Minimize turnovers
The Stars have the second-highest number of turnovers in the competition, with an average of 20 per game. Turnovers can be costly, as they give the opposition more opportunities to score. The Stars need to minimize their turnovers and make sure they take care of the ball.
4. Focus on teamwork
The Stars need to focus on teamwork and play as a cohesive unit. Netball is a team sport, and every player needs to contribute to the team’s success. The Stars need to communicate better on the court and make sure they support each other.
FAQs About the Northern Stars
1. What is the Northern Stars’ current position on the ANZ Premiership ladder?
The Northern Stars are currently in fifth place on the ANZ Premiership ladder.
2. How many games do the Northern Stars have left in the regular season?
The Northern Stars have two games left in the regular season.
3. What do the Northern Stars need to do to make it to the playoffs?
The Northern Stars need to win their remaining games and hope for other teams to lose.
4. Who are the Northern Stars’ opponents in the last two weeks of the regular season?
The Northern Stars will play against the Southern Steel and the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in the last two weeks of the regular season.
5. What has been the Northern Stars’ biggest challenge this season?
The Northern Stars’ biggest challenge this season has been their inconsistent performance on the court.
6. Who is the Northern Stars’ captain in the ANZ Premiership?
The Northern Stars’ captain in the ANZ Premiership is Grace Kara.
Conclusion
The Northern Stars are in a race against time to secure a playoff spot in the 2021 ANZ Premiership. With only two weeks left in the regular season, the Stars need to win their remaining games and rely on other teams to lose. To make it to the playoffs, the Stars need to improve their shooting accuracy, develop better defensive strategies, minimize turnovers, and focus on teamwork. It’s going to be a tough journey, but the Northern Stars are determined to give it their all and make it to the playoffs.
[3] #SPORT