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.
Field Block Timing
Rise with your legs and raise one arm at the right moment to block a shot, without touching the shooter.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Face a shooter 2 yards (2 m) away.
Core: Swims slowly. Beat your own run of steady shadows.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Pool, water polo ball, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Defense
The steps
How it works
- Face a shooter 2 yards (2 m) away.
- When they lift the ball, rise high with your legs.
- Raise the arm that blocks their shooting hand.
- Do 15 blocks and swap.
Coaching point
Rise with the ball.
Safety: Swim only 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. Shoot only at the goal or the wall, never at a person, and only when the lane is clear.
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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