Game version
Pool follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time, with a lifeguard or coach watching.
Sprint with the ball controlled between your arms.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Dribble a ball head-up for one length at full speed.
Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
The steps
Coaching point
Short strokes, elbows high around the ball.
Safety: Only swim with a lifeguard or coach watching and, under 14, a grown-up within arm’s reach.
Make it fun
Game version
Pool follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time, with a lifeguard or coach watching.
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
Story
You are an explorer crossing the pool like an ocean.
My best
Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Free for families and teams
Sign up and the free water polo week for this age opens in your child's planner, kept to healthy limits. A coach can send this drill to the whole team as homework, and parents see every session logged.
14 days free for a family, no card · Running a team is always free
Does your child's coach know about this?
An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.