This week, the Black Sticks play a three test series against Japan in preparation for their four upcoming tournaments this year.
The World Cup is in June, but the men's top hockey side also have the Champions Challenge next month and the Commonwealth Games in July to train for.
The team knows they have to prepare for every upcoming competition and not get ahead of themselves.
Placing second at the World League finals in February has given the team a boost.
It was the best result the team's had in 40 years so the side's taken some confidence from it.
The Blacks Sticks' first big game is the Champions Challenge in Malaysia in April.