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.
Swim with the ball and look up to find the goal and your teammates every few strokes.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Swim head-up with the ball in front of you.
Core: Two. Beat your own best out of 10.
The steps
Coaching point
Look up, then swim.
Safety: Swim only with a lifeguard or coach watching and, under 14, a grown-up within arm’s reach.
Make it fun
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.
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 best out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Free for families and teams
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
Does your child's coach know about this?
An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.