Water Polo Guides

Swimming Drills for Water Polo

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:51:08 GMT

Swimming is the foundation of a water polo player's skillset. Check out this guide for drills that increase endurance and agility in the water.

Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises for Water Polo

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 17:10:33 GMT

A dynamic dryland warm-up is a valuable addition to any water polo practice. The exercises in this guide help prevent injury in the water.

Dryland Leg Strength Drills for Water Polo

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:47:59 GMT

Dryland is an important part of any water polo training. This guide includes suggested drills and dryland moves that target legs.

Common Referee Calls & Signals in Water Polo

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:44:45 GMT

A basic understanding of water polo refereeing is essential for both players and spectators. This guide covers the most common referee duties during a water polo game.

How to Play a Five-meter Call in Water Polo

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:44:30 GMT

A five-meter call in water polo gives one player a free shot on goal. Check out this guide for how teams on offense can best take advantage of a five-meter situation.

Advanced Water Polo Ball Handling Skills

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:13:50 GMT

One way to take your water polo skills to the next level is to gain a new level of familiarity with the ball. This guide challenges you to control the ball in new ways.

How to Run a Reverse Pick in Water Polo

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:28:37 GMT

The reverse version of a traditional pick is a surprisingly strong play to run during a water polo game. Check out this guide for how to run a reverse pick.

How to Play Defense During a Five-meter in Water Polo

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:56:06 GMT

It's tough to play defense against a five-meter call in water polo, but there are a few good strategies to learn. Check out this guide for the important tips.

How to Fake in Water Polo

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:43:12 GMT

Faking a shot or a pass is an excellent way to throw off the defense. Check out this guide for the different kinds of water polo fakes and when to use them.

How to Shoot a Skip Shot in Water Polo

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:26:12 GMT

Skip shots are one of the most difficult for goalkeepers to block, as they bounce off the water. This guide explains how to shoot a skip shot in water polo.

How to Shoot a Lob Shot in Water Polo

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:43:23 GMT

Lobs are difficult shot to master, but also very important for any water polo player. Check out this guide for how and when to shoot a lob shot.

How to Change Directions in Water Polo

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:19:28 GMT

Being able to change direction quickly in the water is a valuable skill in water polo. This guide explains how to alter your course quickly and with minimal effort.

Water Polo Goalkeepers: How to Adapt to Different Shots

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 22:14:39 GMT

Water polo goalkeepers need to know how to adapt to different shooting techniques. This guide covers the most commonly used shots and how to best block them.

How to Defend the Hole Set in Water Polo

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:58:43 GMT

Guarding the hole set is very different from defending perimeter players. Check out this guide to learn the intricacies of playing hole defender.

How to Turn a Defender in Water Polo

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:31:47 GMT

Turning an opponent in water polo is an important and versatile skill for players of any level. Check out this guide for a step-by-step tutorial on turning.

How to Shoot a Backhand in Water Polo

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:55:31 GMT

The backhand shot is a staple for hole sets and high scorers. This guide breaks down how and when to shoot a backhand during a water polo game.

Basic Set Offense in Water Polo

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:31:16 GMT

Scoring a goal in water polo usually requires the cooperation of the entire team. This guide explains the most common offensive setup used during a game of water polo.

How to Shoot a Timing Shot in Water Polo

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:17:09 GMT

Timing shots are infrequent in the game of water polo, but are still a useful skill. This guide explains when and how to properly execute a timing shot.

Water Polo Goalkeepers: How to Block a Goal

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:25:58 GMT

Water polo goalkeepers’ main responsibility is blocking shots. This guide covers the basic skills and strategies used by water polo goalkeepers.

How to Steal the Ball in Water Polo

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:27:01 GMT

One skill that separates beginners from experienced water polo players knowing how to steal a ball. This guide explains different approaches to stealing.

Tips for Water Polo Nutrition

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:02:58 GMT

Nutrition plays a big role in water polo training, recovery, and performance. Learn what— as well as when — to eat for optimal performance during games and practice.

How to Beat a Dropback Defense in Water Polo

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:20:06 GMT

Dropping back is a common defensive strategy in water polo. This guide explains the basics of how to keep your offense strong against crashing, sloughing, and dropping.

Solo Water Polo Ball Handling Drills

Thu, 19 May 2011 23:18:44 GMT

The ball handling drills in this guide help players get used to controlling a water polo ball under various circumstances and in different environments.

Basic Water Polo Shooting Drills

Thu, 19 May 2011 22:56:27 GMT

Water polo shooting drills should loosen up players' arms, engage the goalie, and enforce proper shooting techniques. The following drills accomplish all these.

Basic Water Polo Passing Drills

Thu, 19 May 2011 22:10:03 GMT

Passing the ball is an important aspect of any water polo player's skillset. These drills will help you improve the power and accuracy of your passes.

Group Ball Handling Drills for Water Polo

Thu, 19 May 2011 17:41:51 GMT

Working on ball handling as a group sharpens a water polo teams' reaction time, communication, and coordination. The guide introduces group ball handling exercises.

Basic Water Polo Defense

Thu, 19 May 2011 17:07:39 GMT

Playing defense in water polo can be challenging for new players. Check out this guide for what to master first to be an effective defender.

Essential Water Polo Gear

Wed, 18 May 2011 20:55:40 GMT

There are a few pieces of gear each water polo player needs. Check out this guide for the must-have equipment all polo players need, from beginner to expert.

Types of Wet Shots in Water Polo

Wed, 18 May 2011 20:00:38 GMT

There are three types of wet shots in water polo: The shove shot, the screw shot and the tee shot. This guide explains the logistics and techniques of each one.

How to Find a Water Polo Team

Wed, 18 May 2011 19:44:17 GMT

Finding a water polo team can be a challenge. This guide includes the most common ways athletes of all ages can get into a USA Water Polo program.

How to Make a Leading Pass in Water Polo

Wed, 18 May 2011 19:25:32 GMT

Leading passes come in handy for field players and goalkeepers during breakaways and counterattacks. This guide explains how to make a good leading pass.

Understanding Dropback Defense in Water Polo

Wed, 18 May 2011 17:42:21 GMT

Crashing, dropping and sloughing are all versions of an important defensive water polo tactic. This guide explains what goes into strategic dropback defense.

How to Make a Pressure Pass in Water Polo

Mon, 16 May 2011 20:53:55 GMT

Passing under pressure is a skill used often during a water polo game. Check out this guide to learn how to control, protect, and pass the ball while being defended.

How to Take a Wet Shot in Water Polo

Mon, 16 May 2011 20:11:32 GMT

Water polo wet shots can be difficult to master, but are a valuable skill. This guide explains what wet shots are, when they’re used, and how to execute them.

Understanding Water Polo Positions

Thu, 05 May 2011 23:33:05 GMT

Seven players per team are in the pool during a game of water polo. This guide explains each player’s role in the water.

Understanding Power Plays in Water Polo

Wed, 04 May 2011 23:18:46 GMT

Ejections and man-up situations are not uncommon in a game of water polo. Check out this guide to understand what goes into a successful six-on-five.

Underwater Tactics for Water Polo

Mon, 02 May 2011 19:17:04 GMT

Water polo is famous for what goes on below the surface of the water. This guide includes the most common holds, grabs, and maneuvers, as well as how to avoid them.

Understanding Water Polo Counterattacks

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:10:42 GMT

Controlling and scoring off a counterattack is a valuable skill in water polo. This guide covers what the offense and defense need to know.

Qualities of a Good Water Polo Goalkeeper

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:22:30 GMT

It takes some unique characteristics to shine as a water polo goalkeeper. Check out this guide for the physical and mental qualities of water polo goalkeepers.

How to Swim Heads-up Freestyle for Water Polo

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 22:29:43 GMT

Heads-up freestyle is constantly swum during a game of water polo. Check out this guide to understand the basics of this modified stroke.

How to Run a Water Polo Pick

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:44:03 GMT

Picks are a common offensive tactic in water polo. Check out this guide for how to set a pick, when to run one, and the most common types of picks.

How to Draw a Foul in Water Polo

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:55:53 GMT

Fouls are very common during a water polo game. Check out this guide for what constitutes a foul and how to draw one.

How to Eggbeater for Water Polo

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:18:53 GMT

Treading water is one of a water polo player’s most important skills. Check out this guide for advice on how to develop a strong eggbeater.

How to Throw a Water Polo Ball

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:39:41 GMT

Throwing a water polo ball requires specific technique and body positioning. Check out this guide for a step-by-step breakdown.

How to Run a Water Polo Drive

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 22:37:25 GMT

Water polo drives are an important part of any offense. Check out this guide for what they are, how to run them, and when to drive.

Water Polo Pool Dimensions

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:35:38 GMT

How big is a water polo ball, how long are the pools, and what is the” two meter”? This guide has the answers to these questions, and many more.

Water Polo Rules & Regulations

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:10:24 GMT

Understanding the rules is an important part of playing (or watching) water polo. Read this guide for what the referees monitor. Every whistle-blow has a purpose.

History of Water Polo

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:54:26 GMT

Water polo has a reputation for being tough, aggressive, and sometimes bloody. Check out this guide to learn about the first team sport ever included in the Olympics.

Water Polo Glossary

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 04:01:36 GMT

Check out this Water Polo glossary to find the sport-specific definitions for which you have been looking. From A to Z, we've got all the words covered.

Stretches for Water Polo

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:38:29 GMT

Stretching is a very important part of your water polo routine. If you’re looking for some good stretches to help your water polo muscles, check out this guide.