Winter 2024 Water Polo Program

Winter Water Polo Program for Players 13 and under (Born 2012-2013)

This program aims to develop the technical skills of young water polo players as well as instil teamwork, communication, and a deeper understanding of the game. Tailoring specific drills and activities to each age group can help maximise player growth and enjoyment of the sport.

Skill development:

• Weekly training   sessions focusing on fundamental water polo skills such as passing, shooting, and treading water.
• Engage players in drills to enhance ball handling, swimming speed, and overall game awareness.

Game understanding:

• Teach the   participants the rules of the game, different player positions, and basic strategies.
• Conduct small-sided scrimmages to help players apply their skills in a game-like scenario and improve decision-making on the field.

Team building:

• Emphasise the  importance of teamwork through various group exercises and cooperative drills.
• Encourage communication among players during drills and in-game situations to foster trust and camaraderie within the team.

Game Experience:

• Organise friendly matches within the age group to allow players to implement their skills in actual game situations.
• Provide opportunities for players to try out different positions on the field to gain a better understanding of the game and their individual strengths.

Winter Water Polo Program for Players 15 and under (Born 2010-2011)

This program aims to expand on fundamental skills by teaching more advanced skills, techniques and specific drills and the application of them during more competitive game environments.

Advanced Skill Development:

• Enhance shooting techniques, defensive positioning, and tactical awareness.
• Implement drills to strengthen passing accuracy and ball control under pressure.
• Introduce more challenging conditioning drills to improve fitness levels.

Game Preparation:

• Increase game intensity during training sessions to simulate competitive play.
• Analyse game footage to identify areas of improvement and strategic adjustments.

Competitive Experience:

• Participate in Saturday games against older or more experienced players for a higher level of competition.
• Encourage player leadership and decision-making on the field.
• Regular Saturday games against stronger opponents to challenge players' skills and decision-making under pressure.

Individual Focus:

• Provide personalised coaching feedback to help each player set and achieve specific skill development goals.

Winter Water Polo Program for Players 17 and under (Born 2008-2009)

This program is well-rounded and focused on maximising the player’s tactical understanding, skill development, leadership abilities, and competitive edge during the winter season.

Tactical Training:

• Conduct detailed sessions covering team tactics, defensive schemes, offensive strategies, and set plays.
• Implement advanced drills emphasising counterattacks, transition play, and position-specific training.

Mentorship and Leadership:

• Provide opportunities for players to assume captaincy roles and lead team discussions on game strategy.
• Drill specific plays to enhance offensive efficiency and defensive resilience.
• Analyse opponents' play styles to develop a tailored game plan.

Skill Refinement:

• Prioritise speed and agility training to enhance quick transitions and counterattacks.
• Fine-tune individual skills like shooting under pressure and effective goalkeeping techniques.

Competitive Environment:

• Engage in Saturday games alongside senior players to create a competitive atmosphere that challenges and fosters growth.

Winter Water Polo Program for Open Squad

Tactical Training:

• Develop a set of drills focusing on offensive and defensive strategies.
• Implement game-like situations to improve decision-making skills under pressure.
• Analyse game footage to review tactical decisions and make adjustments.

Mentorship and Leadership:

• Pair experienced players with newer team members to provide guidance and support.
• Conduct leadership workshops to cultivate leadership skills among team members.
• Encourage teamwork and communication both in and out of the pool.

Skills Refinements:

• Create skill-specific drills for passing, shooting, dribbling, and swimming techniques.
• Provide individualized feedback to players to help them improve their weaknesses.
• Focus on consistent skill development throughout the season.

Competitive Environment:

• Organize scrimmages with other teams to simulate game scenarios.
• Participate in local or regional water polo leagues to provide competitive opportunities.
• Set performance goals for individual players and the team as a whole.

Strength and Conditioning:

• Design a strength training program to improve power, agility, and endurance.
• Work on water polo-specific exercises to enhance core strength and swimming efficiency.
• Incorporate cross-training activities to prevent injury and improve overall fitness.

General and Specific Fitness:

• Include conditioning drills to improve cardiovascular fitness and stamina.
• Tailor fitness routines to address the specific demands of water polo, such as treading water drills.
• Monitor players' fitness levels throughout the season and adjust training accordingly.

By incorporating these components into your winter water polo program, we can create a well-rounded training plan that addresses tactical development, leadership skills, skill refinement, competitive opportunities, strength and conditioning, as well as general and specific fitness needs.