Gender bending treatment for popular myth

The age old convention that suggests behind every great man there's a woman could be transposed if Irene van Dyk can spearhead New Zealand's retention of the world netball crown.

Should the Silver Ferns defy the recent formline and keep rivals Australia at bay if they meet in the final here on November 17 it won't only be the girls who have cause for celebration.

The New Zealand men's team might also share the reflected glory while the Australian under-23 and Victorian men's sides might not be so forthcoming the next time the world championship rolls around.

Practice games against the blokes have formed an integral part of the Silver Ferns' buildup since they returned from as month-long break in September.

Van Dyk, destined to be one of the heaviest marked players when the tournament opens with New Zealand's pool game against Malawi on Saturday night, said rubbing shoulders with the men's teams had proved invaluable.

After 151 internationals, van Dyk should have her shooting routine down pat but the 35-year-old said the unorthodox defending used by the men had kept her and the feeders sharp.

"They have incredible elevation," van Dyk said.

"They don't defend me, they come and stand by the goal post and as soon as I do my shot they tip it to each other and run with the ball.

"It's awesome preparation because it forces us to look at ways of taking the defenders out of the game.

"They put us under pressure because what are you going to do? You need to sort out how they can't jump," van Dyk said.

The key was to ensure the other shooter positioned herself so the defender had to cause contact when the defender attempted an intercept.

"The other shooter goes up to the defender and braces herself so he can't jump -- because if he does he lands on her and it's contact.

"Situations like that make us think on our feet while things are happening on court," van Dyk said.

Although women are not blessed with the same elevation from a standing start as men, the exercise was still useful in reducing the effectiveness of defensive patterns.

That is a continuing process for van Dyk, who realises she needs to slot almost of her attempts if New Zealand were to win the title for a fifth time.

There were questions raised about her effectiveness after a poor tri-series in England in May but van Dyk undoubtedly remains New Zealand's prime attacking weapon.

Traditionally a fixture near the post, she has attempted to become more mobile in and around the goal circle, a change of focus that is still a work in progress.

Van Dyk said she was wary of no longer venturing too far from the circle as it had "caused havoc" among her midcourters in the past.

Short, sharp movements and making her timing precise was now the priority.

"I've been working on being a little bit sharper in the circle, taking longer shots, being more risky.

"I'm not making huge changes, just little bits," she said.