Lob Shot Introduction
A soft, high shot that drops into the goal over a raised arm – introduces touch and control rather than power.
- Stages
- Water Polo – Stage 10
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Skills
- Ball Handling, Shooting
- Equipment
- Noodle, Water Polo Ball, Goals or Targets
- Age
- 9–99 years
- Group size
- 2–12 swimmers
- Time
- About 6 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 2, Game / Consolidation
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Partner with the noodle stands to the side of the goal mouth, not in the line of the shot.
What it develops
- Shooting with lift and follow-through
How to run it
- Shooter treads four metres from an empty goal with a partner holding a noodle upright in front as a 'keeper's arm'.
- Lift the ball and release it upward with a soft wrist so it arcs over the noodle and drops into the goal.
- Practise five, then compare with a straight shot.
- Discuss when a lob might be useful.
Teaching cues
- Soft wrist.
- Release high and early.
- Aim for it to drop, not fly.
Make it easier
- No noodle; aim for the top of the goal.
Make it harder
- Lob from a pass.
- Choose lob or straight shot depending on the noodle height.
Common faults
- Throwing too hard so it goes over.
- Releasing too low.
Corrections
- 'Lift it, don't throw it.'
- 'Think rainbow.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Hold the noodle yourself at the side of the goal at the height the teacher sets.