Malestein's game: “You don't forget how to ride a bike; it's exactly the same with shooting”

“I'm more of a player where, if I start to think, it goes wrong. I'm not the type of player that can be put into boxes, that doesn't suit me that well. For me, it's really about playing on feeling,” says Malestein.

Years of facing different goalkeepers have also helped with that feeling, as Malestein learned to recognise their movements but also to trust the shots she knows are among her strengths.

“Sometimes it depends, but sometimes it's just a reaction. Some goalkeepers move really early. Sometimes I just go from my own strength. I know, OK, these two shots I'm sure will be a goal anyway, even if the goalkeeper knows. That's my strength and I will always go for my own strength.”

After countless times of doing the same thing in training and matches, Malestein does not need to think much about the shooting itself anymore, for her the repetition has made much of it automatic, making no difference to the situation she is facing.

“I don't think it's difficult at all because it's something I've already been doing for 15 years. Sometimes you miss, sometimes the goalkeeper has a very good day and sometimes I have a good day.

“In Holland, we say you don't forget how to ride a bike. I think it's exactly the same with shooting. You do it so many times that it becomes automatic. And you also know when you've made the wrong decision,” says Malestein.

Creative and fearless are the words Malestein uses to describe her game and taking a risk is not something she is afraid of, but she also wants people to see that she simply enjoys playing handball.

“I really enjoy handball, so I hope people can see that when they see me on court. I also love to play for the audience and for the fans. That makes it all complete.”

That side of the game was also something she liked in other players growing up. Anita Görbicz and Carmen Martín were among those Malestein looked up to, especially for their skills and ability to produce something different.

“The trick shots, like the wrist shot, for example. You don't see that so much anymore in women's handball, with Camilla Herrem perhaps being one of the few exceptions.”

Malestein has brought some of that into her own game, especially on the fast break when she has more time to see the goalkeeper's movement so the shooting can turn into a small tactical game between the two.

“From the counter, you can decide because you see the goalkeeper's movement before. They know which is your favourite corner so the goalkeeper will go for that corner. It's a little bit like a tactical game with the goalkeeper,” explains Malestein.

There is much more to read from the wing than only the goalkeeper, though. Malestein also needs to see what is happening further inside the court: when the defence moves, when the back players make the move and when the right space opens for her to make a move.

“You also need to have this feeling. You need to read the game, when is the right moment, when players go up, when your left back is coming inside and the right timing to come in. This is really something you need to have a feeling for.

“With some players you have even more of a connection. You play with them for so long that you know exactly: OK, if they do this, I have the moment when I can run in without the ball and surprise the defence.”

Sometimes she will make that movement without ever receiving the ball, but that does not change the way Malestein approaches her role on the wing, knowing the back players are working to create those chances for her.

“From the wing, I'm always ready to have the ball. I'm never thinking, that I can't do something. I'm always ready. Sometimes I'm already making the first step and maybe I don't get the ball, but I'm ready to get the ball and go through. The back players are working hard for a good chance for the wing, so you should always go into every space you get,” she explains.

When the game gets to a clutch moment, there might be only one chance to make the right decision, Malestein adds.

“When the game is really tight and exciting, whether you get the ball or not, you stay focused automatically. I just trust myself because I know that I train a lot for this and I've done it a hundred times.

“You cannot train the pressure, but if you train well the whole week, then you have the calmness and trust that you're ready for the game and also for this last shot.”

Over the years, that is the part that has changed in her game, as the Dutch international learned to stay calmer in situations which carried much more pressure when she was younger.

“I think in some situations I've learned to stay calmer. When you're really young in your career, you don't have as many big matches as you have now. Every goal counts and every defence counts, so there's a lot of pressure on you, and you tend to think about misses,” says Malestein.

Goals and creative finishes might be the most visible part of Malestein's game, but she does not see attack as the most important part of the handball game.

“I think defence is actually even more important than attack. in the most important games you win games through defence,” she believes.

Even on a bad day in attack, fighting and getting back in defence are things Malestein knows she can always bring to the team.

“For me, it's about fighting and running home. This is always something you can do. Even if you play the worst game, I will always have in my mind to fight and run home. That's how you can always help the team,” says Malestein.

Experience has also brought more responsibility, something Malestein is not afraid to take when the team needs it, no matter the opponent or the competition.

“Everything is also about leadership, about taking responsibility for the team. If everybody thinks, Oh no, I cannot, then it doesn't work. You need to have players who take the responsibility and can keep it up.”

Photos © Fradi.hu, kolektiff