Water polo: pass lacks control

Passes go wide, short or long, or skid along the water unintentionally.

Activities that help

• Fake and Pass – Pump-fake one way, pass the other – a simple way to move a defender and open a passing lane.
• Lob Shot Introduction – A soft, high shot that drops into the goal over a raised arm – introduces touch and control rather than power.
• Long and Short Passing – Alternate short, quick passes with longer passes using leg lift and body rotation – learning to add power without losing control.
• Partner Dry Pass – Pairs pass so the ball arrives in the partner's raised hand without touching the water – the 'dry pass' that keeps play moving.
• Target Shooting – Hoops or markers hung in an empty goal (or on the wall) become targets – swimmers score points for accuracy, not power.
• Three Versus One Keep-Away – Three attackers keep the ball from one defender in a small area – passing under light pressure with no contact allowed.
• Triangle Passing – Three players pass around a triangle, then move to a new space after passing – combining passing, receiving and movement.
• Wall Passing – Pass the ball against the pool wall and catch it one-handed – lots of repetitions without needing an accurate partner.
• Wet Pass to Space – Pass the ball onto the water in front of a swimming team-mate so they can swim onto it without stopping.