Game version
Call-the-play: a partner shows a hand signal or color and you say what you will do. Swap, and count correct calls together.
Fast Break Reads
Move the ball up the pool quickly after a turnover.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Start with a 3-on-2 across the pool.
Core: Two. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and 3 partners
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Water polo ball, 3 partners, pool
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Game IQ
The steps
How it works
- Start with a 3-on-2 across the pool.
- Pass quickly to the open teammate.
- Look for the shot or the extra pass.
- Do 6 rounds and rotate positions.
Coaching point
Swim, pass early, shoot to score.
Safety: Swim only with a lifeguard on duty, a coach or adult nearby and, under 14, a grown-up within arm’s reach.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (one signal), Core (two), More (a surprise signal). Beat your own best out of 10.
Story
You are the captain reading the sea for the next move.
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.
14 days free for a family, no card · Running a team is always free
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An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.