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.
Shooting Under Pressure
Get a shot away while a defender puts a hand up in front of you.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Tread 5 yards out with a defender an arm away.
Core: Medium. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Pool, water polo ball, goal, partner
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Shooting
The steps
How it works
- Tread 5 yards out with a defender an arm away.
- Receive a pass and shoot within 3 seconds to a goal corner, away from the defender's head.
- The defender raises one arm but does not foul.
- Take 15 shots, then swap.
Coaching point
Jump with your legs, shoot past the arm to the corner.
Safety: Only with a coach watching, and a lifeguard on duty and, under 14, a grown-up within arm’s reach. Both players wear polo caps with ear guards. Defenders keep their hands off the shooter, and every shot goes to a goal corner, never at the defender.
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
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