Catch-and-Release Rhythm
Receive the ball and pass it on in one smooth movement – catch, draw back, release – so play keeps flowing.
- Stages
- Water Polo – Stage 10
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Skills
- Passing, Receiving
- Equipment
- Water Polo Ball
- Age
- 9–99 years
- Group size
- 3–15 swimmers
- Time
- About 6 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Clear lines with nobody swimming between players.
What it develops
- Accurate passing under light pressure
How to run it
- Groups of three in a line, the middle player facing one end.
- End player passes to the middle player, who catches, turns and passes to the other end in one flowing movement.
- Swap the middle player after ten passes.
- Progress: the middle player turns to face the next receiver as they catch.
Teaching cues
- Catch high, keep the hand moving back.
- Turn as you catch.
- One smooth movement.
Make it easier
- Allow a pause between catch and pass.
Make it harder
- Increase distance; the end players move sideways.
Common faults
- Catching low and pulling the ball into the water.
- Stopping after the catch.
Corrections
- 'Give with the ball, then send it.'
- 'Swing it through like a pendulum.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Act as an end player for a short group, giving consistent, accurate passes so the middle player can practise.