Looking after the ball and building connections are two key focuses for the Southern Blast.
The side has had a mixed time as it reaches the midway point of its Beko League season.
Two good wins first up - including one over the table-topping Central Manawa - have given way to two hefty losses.
The Blast is not out of the finals race, but it will need to rediscover its winning ways to push for one of those two top spots.
Coach Lauren Piebenga felt the side's connections were still developing.
The team was relatively new and had still only been together for less than two months.
Despite the trend in results, she said the team was still improving, but needed to keep pushing to be better.
Failing to look after the ball had been big in the two losses and that had been a work-on.
"We do need to treasure our ball and we need to make sure that our through-court play is tidier than it has been in those last two games," she said.
"We're all very aware of it and had a good training last night of understanding our roles and those plays just a little bit more.
"So the connections are coming. We just need more time together and hopefully we can keep everyone intact."
Injury has hampered the team, affecting it right through the court.
A broken hand has sidelined shooter Jess Allan, while defender Taneisha Fifita hurt her ankle playing in Oamaru.
Both had been absent in the losses and it was likely they would be out of action for a few more weeks.
Meanwhile, in the midcourt Dani Gray is approaching her return from the knee injury she sustained playing for the Southern Steel in June last year.
She had returned to on-court training and was not far away from gameplay.
Piebenga said she felt the newcomers had acquitted themselves well, as it was a significant step up in level.
Along with them several others had shone early on.
"I think we're starting to see the best of Georgia Heffernan come out now.
"She's had some exposure with the Southern Steel and her experience is starting to show.
"Renaye Flockton's doing a power of work.
"She's a gritty defender and very determined player. With that mindset she's been an asset for us.
"Young players like Holly Munro, who is straight out of school, she's taken her opportunity and had the starting bib the last three games."
Heading into the last four games Piebenga said her focus remained on development.
Helping the girls adapt to the Beko League level and get a glimpse of the level up from that remained the main goal.
The Blast has a bye this weekend and returns to court on April 14 against the Northern Comets in Papakura.
