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.
Shot Clock Choices
Practice deciding when to keep the ball and when to shoot as a coach calls the shot clock out loud.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Pass with a partner in front of the goal.
Core: Two. Beat your own best out of 10.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Pool
- Bring
- Ball, goal, partner, stopwatch on deck
- Level · skill
- Developing · Game IQ
The steps
How it works
- Pass with a partner in front of the goal.
- A coach on deck calls the seconds left on a pretend shot clock.
- Keep passing for a good shot; take the best shot you have when it reaches 5.
- Do 8 possessions.
Coaching point
Good shot early, best shot late.
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 (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
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