Day 1 of Water Polo

Background

We gathered to play water polo at the Ammon Rec Center's swim pool for the first time from 11 am to 12:30 on Monday, August 10, 2009. More than 30 swimmers were part of the action.

Photos

Ammon Rec Center swim pool has plenty of room for movement, in both deep and shallow water.

Shots and passes: baseball toss, push pass, wrist pass, backhands and even trick passes were tried.

Moving as a cooperative team means everyone has a role in getting to the other end.

Sitting around happens, but not too much. the best way to pick-up the ball is from the bottom. Putting a hand on the top of the ball makes for poor ball handling, generally.

Dry passes go from hand to hand without touching the water. Wet passe take more time to handle.

Can't touch the ball with both hands. Can't sink the ball.

Set a big target with a hand in the air to tell teammate you are ready to catch a pass.

Lifeguards only needed to make one water rescue on the first day. Please don't drink nor gulp the water in the pool.

Tall passes help to deliver the ball over the defender and to a teammate.

Ball play with stress on one-handed catches.

Use of lots of balls give players lots of touches.

Shallow water, and water in general, is an equalizer of sorts.

Lesson Review

Everyday Actions at Water Polo practice

1. Space concerns.

• • We are going to be very aware of our spaces and the facilities. We'll keep things neat and be kind to the settings, else we won't be able to have programs into the future.
  • We'll be safe around the pool. Nonswimmers get to the wall and stay in shallow water.
  • Before practice, we'll all help to setup the course.
  • After practice, we'll all care for a gathering of hats, balls, water bottles.
  • Outdoor practices in mid day means people must be with sun screen and water to drink.
  • Treat all equipment with respect: goals, caps, balls, etc.

1. Welcome one another.

• • A chance to meet new friends. A chance to help out the new players.
  • Vacations and conflicts are expected. We'll need to blend the experienced with the new players.

1. Warm-up on dry land.

• • We have to prepare our bodies for the sport and action to come. We'll get more flexible and stronger each week.
  • Exercise Routine Number 1 for Water Polo is to be learned and done each day this month.

1. We'll start our swimming with easy Shaddow Swims as a warm-up and swim skill exercise.

• • Easy start.
  • Working togeher and being aware of others in the pool.

1. Meetings are going to happen each day.

• • Before we begin, in shallow water, on the deck, perhaps in the shelters or even to watch a video.

1. Listening happens in silence without talking so information can be passed from coaches to player. Learning the games, skills and tactics takes time and the delivery of the content from coaches. Our signal to noise ratio needs to be as high as possible.

1. We'll do the right things and act in the water as instructed. We'll expect performance.

1. Play will be fun yet with a focus. A flow with switching rules and obejectives are always going to occur.

1. Scrimmages happen daily of some shape and form.

1. At the end of the swimming, we'll do some pool-side excersise. Expect press-ups mostly. Works our tricepts for stamina, strength and wrist flexibility. Players need to make long passes, swim long strokes, have power to push up in the water and push away from the other player.

1. Post practice we'll do core building. Situps for now. Later, a rings routine will be established and done by everyone.

1. Post practice communications about future events need to be shared.