High Ball Catch
Receive a higher, looping pass by rising on the eggbeater and catching it one-handed above the head – controlling passes that aren't perfect.
- Stages
- Water Polo – Stage 9, Water Polo – Stage 10
- Difficulty
- Developing
- Skills
- Eggbeater, Receiving
- Equipment
- Water Polo Ball
- Age
- 8–99 years
- Group size
- 2–16 swimmers
- Time
- About 5 minutes
- In a lesson
- Skill Development 1, Skill Development 2
- Shared by
- SwimShare Resource
Safety notes
- Gentle passes only; never thrown at the head; deep water competence required.
What it develops
- Pass and receive while moving
- Accurate passing under light pressure
How to run it
- Pairs four metres apart in deep water.
- Passer throws a gentle, looping pass slightly above the receiver's head.
- Receiver eggbeaters up, reaches with one hand and cushions the ball down, keeping it out of the water.
- Swap after five catches; then pass slightly to either side.
Teaching cues
- Rise up to meet it.
- Fingers spread, soft hand.
- Cushion it down.
Make it easier
- Lower passes; catch can touch the water.
Make it harder
- Catch and pass straight on in one movement.
Common faults
- Staying low and letting it fly over.
- Stiff hand – the ball bounces off.
Corrections
- 'Kick up early.'
- 'Give with the ball like catching an egg.'
Assistant / L1 role
- Feed consistent looping passes to one swimmer from poolside when asked by the teacher.