READING Rockets (6-3) head coach Manuel Pena Garces is urging his side to hit the ground running as they face a hectic start to 2016.


The Rivermead-based side visit Bradford Dragons (2-9) on Saturday, travel to Lancashire Spinners (6-4) on Sunday afternoon for their National Trophy quarter-final game and then host Surrey Scorchers in the BBL Trophy first round on Wednesday.


Rockets are on a two-match losing streak following defeats to Hemel Storm and Manchester Magic prior to Christmas, but Pena Garces said: “I am really looking forward to 2016 with my team and we are really positive that after a much-needed break we can do some really good things this year.


“We had a difficult finish to 2015 but we have learnt some really valuable lessons over the Christmas break and we are really excited to get back to work and prove that we are capable of beating teams and ultimately competing for trophies.


“I have done a lot of analysis over the last two weeks and I think we are ready to take the next step and for us this must start at the defensive end.”
He continued: “The next two weeks are going to be really tough with so many games in so few days. 


"We are going to need to manage that well and prepare meticulously for each opponent, but I am sure that if we defend hard, use our sets effectively, and play the ‘Rockets’ way then we can definitely have some success and that needs to start at Bradford.


“They are a team that is really well coached and the record they have I believe is a false one because they are better than what their win/loss record suggests.


“They have had a tough time with injuries and have been very close in a number of games and history suggests that it is a tough place to go and play. However, it is important for us to exploit such difficulties and look to add another victory to the win column.


“Sunday’s National Trophy quarter final game against Lancashire is going to be a really difficult one for us too having played the night before and playing against a team that is great on their home floor.


“But these are the games you want to play in and we must remember we have beaten them already this season.”


Rockets will be without veteran Bulgarian guard Dian Ivanov, who has retired from the game with immediate effect.


However, they have a fully-fit squad as they look rekindle the form they started off the season when they won their first 10 games.