Raise Your Game: How do you prepare?

Sara Hale: Obviously we have a training programme that we follow which is given to us if you are in the academy system. We have Elite Cymru sponsorship and we get a programme from them, which you have to follow throughout the season.

Prior to games, I just listen to music, Michael Jackson usually, to relax myself. I don't really like to talk to anyone before a game.

RYG: Does relaxation suit you best rather than psyching yourself up?

SH: Yes, I like to relax away from everyone, but I also psyche myself up in my own way.

It's good to be pumped up in some ways, but not overly pumped up, because I think you get a bit over-excited and that's when you can make mistakes.

RYG: Do you use the same techniques when you're working?

SH: I'm a student, (laughs) but yeah, I like to listen to music when I revise for exams or doing work. I don't like sitting in a quiet room really. I'm doing a Master's (degree) in Performance Analysis at UWIC.