wpeB.jpg (3297 bytes) Coaching Water Polo
Offensive Skills and Strategies
Powerplays

Email to paulw01@msn.com.au

 wpe1F.jpg (6627 bytes)

It's simple! Score a high percentage of these and you'll usually win. But how?

Fundamentals; General Game Plan;
Set Plays - 1;

Fundamentals
  1. Following an ejection, look for the "quick" shot before the defence can cover up.
  2. After the ejection, make the first pass "safe" and high.
  3. Start wide and spread out. If the defense does not attack, move forward to commit the defence, then look to pass the ball.
  4. The absolute key to scoring in the 6 on 5 offense is to execute accurate shootable passes.
  5. Set the goalie and the defender with a fake, then pass the ball quickly.
  6. Move the ball across the goal in order to get the goalie and defenders to move.
  7. Try to get the defence out of position with ball movement. Shoot the ball as soon as you receive it and before the defence can react.
  8. If a defender attacks any of the four outside players (1, 4, 5 or 6) try to get the ball to the post player (2 or 3). Don't force it.
  9. Try to get the middle defender to move across the goal and out of position. If he is slow moving across, pass the ball to the postman.
  10. .If you get knocked down, do not try to force a pass, simply turn around and draw the foul.
  11. .Players 1 and 6 must try to beat the goalie and defender to the corner of the goal with quick, high and hard shots.
  12. .Players 4 and 5 must move toward the center of the cage before a shot is attempted. Avoid having a defender block your shot with his arms by shooting around or under them.
  13. .Post players 2 and 3 must always be ready to receive the ball from any of the other four players. Shoot quickly! You may have to shoot cross-cage to avoid the goalie.
  14. .Stay in the system, 6 in etc. Work all the options.
 Six-on-Five General Game Plan

1.Be smart, patient, and capitalize on the advantage.

2.Beat goalkeeper with the pass then the arm.

3.Communicate to teammates we have an extra man.

4.Always look and work for the quick shot -- move to a new passing shooting lane to free your arms. It is easier to score 1 on 0 than 6 on 5.

5.Spread attack 1 and 6, take an extra stroke away from the goal; 6.4 and 5 get away from each other, stay outside the post;2 and 3 post break the line, stay on the post.

Set Plays

Powerplay 1 Requires good passing, and intelligent referees, both are things that Murphy seems to mess up from time to time, but it is an effective attack.

To understand this drawing, the 6 attacker has already drawn the defense by going inside the 2, and then has passed to the 1, or 4 player, that is why the defense looks out of place here.