Game version
Target-corner game: two teams of two take turns shooting at floats hung in the goal corners. Each team counts only its own hits.
Catch and Shoot Close In
Catch a pass and shoot in one smooth motion from close range.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Tread 4 yards from goal.
Core: Medium. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Pool, water polo ball, goal, partner
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Shooting
The steps
How it works
- Tread 4 yards from goal.
- Receive a dry pass to your shooting hand.
- Shoot without bringing the ball down.
- Take 20 shots.
Coaching point
Catch it high, shoot it 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 target: Less (big), Core (medium), More (small). Beat your own best out of 10.
Story
You are an aiming star: hit the treasure buoy.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
Free for families and teams
Save this drill to your child or team, free
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.
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