How to Play Goalie in Water Polo

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

Rate: (9 Ratings)

Keep your body between the ball and the cage. Pull down shots with both hands to control the ball.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Water Polo Balls
Water polo goal cage

Step1

Position yourself in the middle of the goal cage, half a meter out from the goal line.

Step2

Eggbeater with your hands out of the water when the opposing team is on offense.

Step3

Stay between the ball and the cage at all times. When the ball is on the side of the pool, cut off the angle by covering that side of the cage. Keep your arms extended wide to cover as much of the cage as possible. Be ready at all times to slide to the opposite side of the cage.

Step4

Block shots with both hands and pull the ball down in front of you in the water. This way, blocked shots do not bounce back out to the playing field and give the other team a second chance.

Step5

After blocking a shot, control the ball and swim it outside the side of the cage.

Step6

Watch your teammates as they swim down on offense. If there is an open player, throw the ball in front of that player so that he or she can continue to fast break. If no player is open, wait for your team to set up the offense, and then give the ball to the point man.

Tips & Warnings

Every goalie should have a very strong eggbeater kick.
There is a lot to know about the goalie position that can only be learned by playing it. Fortunately, there is a lot of time to practice during shooting drills. Be patient and practice your eggbeater.
Don't be afraid of the ball. The sting from a hard shot only lasts a couple of seconds.
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.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 8/21/2006 To try and block a ball, try to look at the ball and read the shooters body movement.

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 I find it helpful to smile at the shooter. It is an effective way to psych them out and to get them to shoot right into your hands. They concentrate on you and not the goal.

Anonymous said

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on 3/15/2006 To do this- the goalie should swim out of the cage, past the goal line and swim toward the opponent when he/she is alone with the ball. In this way they will be frightened and give up on shooting.
NOTE: Just remember don't do this when there is a player backing up the opponent!

Anonymous said

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on 2/23/2006 It is definitely to your benefit as a goalie to be aggressive. In fact, referees usually expect a goalie to be a bit rough, so you have some leeway. Obviously, don't go punching people in the face, but let people know you mean business. Example: If an offensive player is too close to you, and you see they're about to receive a pass, jump out and attack them before the ball is launched. Foul them hard and then get back in the cage; they'll think twice about getting close to you again.

Anonymous said

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on 2/21/2006 When a player from the other team has the ball, keep your eyes on the ball! This is very important. If you're staring at their eyes, they can always trick you. But, if you stare at the ball, you will have more of a reaction time.

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