Game version
Shadow swim: stay between your partner and the goal with your arms in a good position, with no holding or contact. Swap often.
Arm-Up Shot Block
Raise the correct arm to take away the shooter's angle.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Face a partner holding the ball 3 yards away.
Core: Swims slowly. Beat your own run of steady shadows.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 8 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Pool, partner, water polo ball
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Defense
The steps
How it works
- Face a partner holding the ball 3 yards away.
- Raise the arm that mirrors their shooting arm.
- Rise with your legs when they fake.
- Do 15 reps and swap.
Coaching point
Match their arm, stay high.
Safety: Only swim with a lifeguard or coach watching and, under 14, a grown-up within arm’s reach. Wear a polo cap with ear guards and use a ball your size (Size 1 for the youngest). Shoot only at the goal or wall, never at a person.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (partner floats), Core (swims slowly), More (changes direction). Beat your own run of steady shadows.
Story
You are a dolphin guarding the reef.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own run of steady shadows. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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