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Water Polo

Water Polo Skills offer swimmers / players a framework to help develop key skills for participation and competition in the exciting sport of Water Polo. There are 5 levels and awards that are designed for participants who wish to enhance their technique in passing, catching, shooting and scoring, playing as a team and spatial awareness. It is designed to embed good practice and the right habits and skills at an early stage in a player’s career.

Our Water Polo sessions follow the swim wales guidelines and the information on this page is from their website.

Entry Guidance

  • Completed Wave 4 of Learn to Swim Wales
  • Comfortable in water without goggles

Benefits of the Water Polo Framework

  • Gives teachers and coaches a structured framework to utilise specifically for aspiring water polo players.
  • Gives clarity to players on what they are working on and what skills are important to develop. This motivates children to progress through the levels and improve their skills.
  • Follows on from the Learn to Swim Wales Framework, therefore providing a seamless link into the sport from a learn to swim provider.
  • Has a bilingual award scheme where providers can offer certificates to participants after achieving a level.

For more details about any of the activities or clubs, please contact us or visit your local swimming pool.

 

Level 1

Aims

  1. Learn basic water polo strokes 
  2. Start throwing and shooting
  3. Start to learn about game play

Assessment Outcomes

  1. Swim 10m Front Crawl face in water, then 10m Head up Front Crawl - Swim 10 metres Front Crawl with face in the water and then 10m with Head up Front Crawl
  2. Swim 10m Head up Front Crawl looking around - Swim 10 metres Head up Front Crawl, looking left for 3 strokes, then straight ahead for 3 strokes, then right for 3 strokes.
  3. Swim 10m Head up Front Crawl with the ball - Swim 10 metres Head up Front Crawl, controlling the ball in front with hands.
  4. Swim 10m Head up Water Polo Back Crawl 
  5. Swim 5m Head up Front Crawl and 5m Head up Water Polo Back Crawl - Swim 5 metres Head up Front Crawl then return to starting position by swimming Head up Water Polo Back Crawl.
  6. Stay vertical and static for 30 seconds - Stay vertical and static for 30 seconds by using sculling hands and eggbeater kick.
  7. Pick up the ball witheach hand - In a static vertical body position, pick up the ball from underneath the surface of the water with alternate hands, and bring the ball around and above head between 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock. Repeat the action 6 times with each hand.
  8. Pass and catch the ballover 2m - In a vertical body position, pass the ball accurately with a partner, using one hand to throw and two hands to catch over a 2 metre distance. Repeat the action until each player has passed the ball 10 times.
  9. Shoot at a target 2m away - In a static vertical body position, pick up the ball and shoot at a target 2 metres away; the aim is to hit the target. Repeat five times, with the preferred arm. The target may be a goal, kick board, bottles etc. Good body position and body rotation during the shooting motion; flick palm and fingers after ball is released.
  10. Play a Mini Polo game Play a Mini Polo game with at least three players in each team, demonstrating skills from Water Polo Skills Level 1

 

Level 2

Aims

  1. Develop game mobility
  2. Improve throwing and shooting skills
  3. Develop game play skills with more players swimming during the game 

Assessment Outcomes

  1. Swim 20m Front Crawl, alternating face in water and Head up - Swim 20 metres Front Crawl, 3 strokes with face in the water followed by 3 strokes Head up Front Crawl, in a continuous action.
  2. Swim 20m Head up Front Crawl looking around ­- Swim 20 metres Head up Front Crawl, looking left for 3 strokes, then straight ahead for 3 strokes, then right for 3 strokes.
  3. Swim 20m Head up Front Crawl with the ball - Swim 20 metres Head up Front Crawl, controlling the ball in front with hands.
  4. Stay vertical and static for 45 seconds - Stay vertical and static for 45 seconds by using sculling hands and eggbeater kick.
  5. Move 5m forwards, backwards, to left and right with fingertips out of water - Move 5 metres forwards, 5 metres backwards, 5 metres left and 5 metres right, ending up at the starting point. Strong sculling hands and eggbeater kick in a vertical body position. Good leg kicks and a vertical body position throughout.
  6. Move 5m forwards, backwards, to left and right with palms out of water - Move 5 metres forwards, 5 metres backwards, 5 metres left and 5 metres right, ending up at the starting point. Strong sculling hands and eggbeater kick in a vertical body position while keeping palms out of the water. Good leg kicks and a vertical body position throughout.
  7. Swim Head up Front Crawl clockwise around a 5m square - Swim Head up Front Crawl clockwise around a 5 metre square clockwise. After swimming 5 metres, turn 90° to the right, without using the wall or floor and maintaining horizontal body position. Repeat 3 times to arrive back at starting position.
  8. Swim Head up Front Crawl anticlockwise around a 5m square - Swim Head up Front Crawl clockwise around a 5 metre square anticlockwise. After swimming 5 metres , turn 90° to the left, without using the wall or floor and maintaining horizontal body position. Repeat 3 times to arrive back at starting position.
  9. Pick up the ball with each hand - In a static vertical body position, pick up the ball from underneath the surface of the water with preferred hand, and bring the ball around and above head between 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock. Repeat the action 10 times with each hand.
  10.  Pass and catch the ball over 3m- In a static vertical body position, pass the ball accurately with a partner, using one hand to throw and one hand to catch over a 3m distance. Repeat the action until each player has passed the ball 10 times. Good ball control, strong vertical and diagonal/ boxing body positions.
  11. Shoot a target 3m away - In a static vertical body position, pick up the ball with preferred hand and shoot at a target 3 metres away. Repeat 5 times. The target may be a goal, kick board, bottles etc. Good body position and body rotation during the shooting motion; flick palm and fingers after ball is released.
  12. Play a Mini Polo game Play a Mini Polo game with at least three players in each team, demonstrating skills from Water Polo Skills Level 2.

 

Level 3

Aims

  1. Improve eggbeater to allow for more dynamic movement
  2. Introduce dribbling and catching
  3. Encourage games to involve players catching and shooting in one action 

Assessment Outcomes

  1. Swim 30m Head up Front Crawl with the ball, looking around - Swim 30 metres Head up Front Crawl, controlling the ball in front while looking left for 3 strokes, then straight ahead for 3 strokes, then right for 3 strokes.
  2. Swim 30m Head up Front Crawl and Head up Water Polo Back Crawl - Swim 30 metres using Head up Front Crawl for 3 strokes then Head up Water Polo Back Crawl for 3 strokes, in a continuous action.
  3. Swim 5m Head up Front Crawl and Head up Water Polo Back Crawl, repeatedly - Swim 5 metres Head up Front Crawl then return to starting position by swimming Head up Water Polo Back Crawl. Repeat the action 5 times.
  4. Stay vertical and static for 60 seconds, then move off - Stay vertical and static for 60 seconds by using sculling hands and eggbeater kick. Body position high out of the water. After 60 seconds move off in any direction as quickly as possible.
  5. Perform 10 one hand jumps - Stay vertical and static in vertical body position. Perform 10 one hand jumps, alternating between the left hand and the right hand.
  6. Swim 30m Head up Front Crawl, stopping every 3 strokes to hold horizontal position - Swim 30 metres Head up Front Crawl - stop after every 3 strokes to hold a horizontal body position for 3 seconds, using sculling hands and eggbeater kick.
  7. Stay horizontal and static for 30 seconds, then move off - Stay horizontal and static on the surface of the water for 30 seconds by using sculling hands and eggbeater kick. Body position as high as possible out of the water. After 30 seconds move off in any direction as quickly as possible.
  8. In vertical position, move 5m forwards, backwards, to left and right with ball in one hand - Move 5 metres forwards, 5 metres backwards, 5 metres left and 5 metres right, ending up at the starting point, using one sculling hand and eggbeater kick in a vertical body position while holding the ball in preferred hand between 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions. Good leg kicks, a vertical body position throughout, secure ball handling and swift changes of direction.
  9. Pass and catch the ball over 4m - In a static vertical body position, pass the ball accurately with a partner, using one hand to throw and one hand to catch over a 4 metre distance. Repeat the action until each player has passed the ball 10 times. Good ball control, strong vertical and diagonal/ boxing body positions.
  10. Shoot at a target 4m away - In a static vertical body position, pick up the ball with preferred hand and shoot at a target 4 metres away. Repeat 5 times. The target may be a goal, kick board, bottles etc. Good body position and body rotation during the shooting motion; flick palm and fingers after ball is released.
  11. Catch and shoot at a target 4m away - In a static vertical body position, receive a pass from 3 o’clock (i.e. the right hand side) and catch the ball with preferred hand. Then shoot at a target 4 metres away. Repeat 5 times with the preferred hand. The target may be a goal, kick board, bottles etc. Good body position and body rotation during the shooting motion; flick palm and fingers after ball is released.
  12. Play a Water Polo game - Play a Water Polo game, lasting 4 x 5 minutes, using skills from Water Polo Skills Level 3. Use good technique and show a basic understanding of game play.

 

Level 4

Aims

  1. Improve ability to catch and shoot
  2. Increase speed of changing direction in game play 
  3. Increase stamina by playing longer games 

Assessment Outcomes

  1. Swim 20m Head up Front Crawl with the ball, then pass it - Swim 20 metres Head up Front Crawl, controlling the ball in front, then pass it to the left or right on the water to another player also swimming Front Crawl.
  2. In vertical position move 5m forwards, backwards, to left and right with hands on head - With hands on head, move 5 metres forwards, 5 metres backwards, 5 metres left and 5 metres right, ending up at the starting point. Good leg kicks, vertical body position as high as possible out of the water and swift changes of direction.
  3. Perform 10 one hand jumps laterally - Stay facing forward, body should come up vertically and then laterally reaching out sideways with the arm, alternating between the left and right hand.
  4. Swim Head up Front Crawl, clockwise around a 3m square - Swim Head up Front Crawl clockwise around a 3 metre square clockwise. After swimming 3 metres, turn 90° to the right, without using the wall or floor and maintaining horizontal body position. Repeat 3 times to arrive back at starting position.
  5. Swim Head up Front Crawl, anticlockwise around a 3m square - Swim Head up Front Crawl anticlockwise around a 3 metre square clockwise. After swimming 3 metres, turn 90° to the left, without using the wall or floor and maintaining horizontal body position. Repeat 3 times to arrive back at starting position.
  6. Swim 5m Head up Front Crawl and turn 180°, repeatedly - Swim 5 metres Head up Front Crawl then turn swiftly without using the wall or floor and swim 5 metres Head up Front Crawl, back to the starting point. Repeat the action 5 times.
  7. Swim 5m Head up Water Polo Back Crawl and turn 180° to swim 5m Head up Front Crawl, repeatedly - Swim 5 metres Head up Water Polo Back Crawl, then turn swiftly without using the wall or floor and 5 metres Head up Front Crawl, back to the starting point. Repeat the action 5 times.
  8. Catch and shoot at a target 4m away - In a static vertical body position, receive a pass to the right hand side and catch the ball with one hand. Then shoot at a target 4 metres away. Repeat 5 times with the preferred hand. The target may be a goal, kick board, bottles etc. Good body position and body rotation during the shooting motion; flick palm and fingers after ball is released.
  9. Catch and shoot at a target 5m away - In a static vertical body position, receive a pass to the left hand side and catch the ball with one hand. Then shoot at a target 5 metres away. Repeat 5 times with the preferred hand. The target may be a goal, kick board, bottles etc. Good body position and body rotation during the shooting motion; flick palm and fingers after ball is released.
  10. Play a Water Polo game - Play a Water Polo game, lasting 4 x 5 minutes, using skills from Water Polo Skills Level 4. Use good technique and show a basic understanding of game play.

 

Level 5

Aims

  1. Introduce complex game representative drills (stop/start drills) 
  2. Introduce faking and how to use it in a game
  3. Demonstrate skills from levels 1 to 5 during a game 

Assessment Outcomes

  1. Swim 20m Head up Front Crawl with the ball, then pass it - Swim 20 metres Head up Front Crawl, controlling the ball in front, then pass it to the left or right to the hand of another player also swimming Front Crawl, who catches the ball in the stroke.
  2. In horizontal position move 5m forwards, backwards, to left and right - Move 5 metres forwards, 5 metres backwards, 5 metres left and 5 metres right, ending up at the starting point. Strong sculling hands and eggbeater kick to stay horizontal on the surface of the water. Good leg kicks, body position as high as possible out of the water and swift changes in direction.
  3. Swim 20m Head up Front Crawl, with the ball, stopping every 3 strokes to hold vertical position - Swim 20 metres Head up Front Crawl - stop after every 3 strokes and move into the vertical body position, holding this position for 5 seconds, using sculling hands and eggbeater kick.
  4. Swim 20m Head up Front Crawl, with the ball, stopping every 3 strokes to hold horizontal position - Swim 20 metres Head up Front Crawl - stop after every 3 strokes and hold a horizontal body position for 5 seconds, using sculling hands and eggbeater kick.
  5. In vertical position move 5m forwards, backwards, to left and right, with the ball - With arm holding ball above head, move 5 metres forwards, 5 m backwards, 5 metres left and 5 metres right, ending up at the starting point. Strong sculling hands and eggbeater kick to stay in a vertical body position with arm holding ball out of the water and above head. Good leg kicks, body position as high as possible out of the water and swift changes in direction.
  6. Stay vertical and static for 30 seconds while ‘faking’ the ball - Stay vertical and static for 30 seconds while ‘faking the ball’ (i.e. pretending to throw the ball but keeping it in the hand), using sculling hand and eggbeater kick. Good leg kicks, strong vertical body position as high as possible out of the water and confident ball handling skills.
  7. In vertical position move 5m forwards, backwards, to left and right, while ‘faking’ the ball - While ‘faking’ the ball, move 5 metres forwards, 5 metres backwards, 5 metres left and 5 metres right, ending up at the starting point. Strong sculling hand and eggbeater kick to stay in a vertical body position. Ball has to travel between 3o’clock and 6 o’clock in quarter circles above the head. Good leg kicks, body position as high as possible out of the water and swift changes in direction.
  8. Pick up the ball with each hand - In a static vertical body position, pick up the ball from underneath the surface of the water with alternate hands, and bring the ball around and above head between 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock. Repeat the action 10 times with each hand.
  9. Pass and catch the ball over 5m - In a static vertical body position, pass the ball accurately with a partner, using one hand to throw and one hand to catch over a 5 metre distance. Repeat the action until each player has passed the ball 10 times. Good ball control, strong vertical and diagonal/ boxing body positions.
  10. Catch from the right and shoot at a target 5m away - In a static vertical body position, receive a pass to the right hand side and catch the ball with preferred hand. Then shoot at a target 5m away. Repeat 5 times with preferred hand. The target may be a goal, kick board, bottles etc. Good body position and body rotation during the shooting motion; flick palm and fingers after ball is released. Co-ordinated sequence of skills to produce an effective shot.
  11. Catch from the left and shoot at a target 5m away - In a static vertical body position, receive a pass to the left hand side and catch the ball with one hand. Then shoot at a target 5m away. Repeat 5 times. The target may be a goal, kick board, bottles etc. Good body position and body rotation during the shooting motion; flick palm and fingers after ball is released. Coordinated sequence of skills to produce an effective shot.
  12. Play a Water Polo game - Play a Water Polo game, lasting 4 x 5 minutes, using skills from Water Polo Skills Level 5. Use good technique and show a basic understanding of game play.

 

For more details about any of the activities or clubs, please contact us or visit your local swimming pool.

In this section

Children's Swimming Lessons
Bubbles (Ages 0-3)Splash (Aged 3+)Wave (Ages 4-11)Academy & Junior Swim FitRookie Lifeguard Water Polo
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