How to Guard the Hole Position in Water Polo

Stay in front of the hole player to prevent him or her from getting the ball, or guard the hole player from behind to prevent him or her from getting a shot off.

Things You'll Need

• Water Polo Balls
• Water polo balls
• Water polo goal cage

Instructions

Fronting the Hole Position

1. Position yourself in front of the hole set, so that he or she is between you and the goalie.

2. Stay a meter or so away from the hole set, so that he or she can't reach you to turn you. Keep the hole set's hands off you, and don't let him or her grab you.

3. Keep your hands where the referee can see them.

4. Be aware of the location of the ball at all times. Stay between the ball and the hole set, so that the perimeter cannot feed him or her the ball.

Regular Hole Defense

1. Position yourself between the hole set and the goalie.

2. Place your chest against the back shoulder of the hole set, with your head staggered to the side so you can watch the ball. Your head should be on the ball side of his or her shoulders.

3. Keep your hips up behind you to push against the hole set and to prevent him or her from grabbing your suit.

4. Keep your hands in the air for the referee to see at all times.

5. Reach out to knock the ball away as it is thrown into the hole. Be careful not to climb over the hole set.

6. Try to get the ball only when the hole set is holding onto it. While he or she is holding the ball, you can do whatever is necessary to get the ball, as long as you are going after the ball and not the player.

7. Relax your defense when a foul is called. After the hole set passes the ball, begin defending him or her immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful of the wing men at the two meter line. If they feed the ball to the hole inside of you, you cannot touch him or her without drawing a major foul.

• If the hole set is good at the position, you want to foul the hole set right away to negate his or her shooting ability.

• If the hole set is a poor player, try not to foul him or her too soon.

• Be aggressive, but don't appear aggressive.

• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.