Female athletes work with Australian netballer

The first session was held on May 16, which worked on keeping calm under pressure.

Tippett plays goal shooter and goal attack and has represented in the Australian Diamond team.

She currently plays for the Queensland Firebirds at ANZ Championship level.

Tippett said everyone gets nervous, even her and her team mates.

“But you want to do everything you can to perform at your best,” she said.

“You need to know your strengths and play like you, identifying your weaknesses is also really important.

Tippett told the girls about how her team has goal setting for each game.

“All the girls are different, but I don’t like to have more than three goals for the game, because we can get a bit over-awed,” she said.

“You need to stay focused, don’t think too far ahead and stay in the moment.

“Your mental edge is just as important as your physical game.

There will be one more theory session and the program will wrap up with a netball training session.

The thirty selected athletes all play in the various age levels of Canterbury's high school netball teams, but they are also involved in other sports.

Director of mission and community Deanne Hamilton, who is also the netball coach, said it was great for the girls to be mentored by an elite athlete who is also still studying.

“Gretel will be talking to the girls about being and remaining competitive while keeping focused on and off the court,” she said.

“(We want them to think about) controlling nerves on court or studying, so using strategies to remain calm and get the best out of themselves.

“This is a reward for their dedication, a majority of the girls participate across the board, it’s really rewarding and supporting them.”