Comments on: How to Play Goalie in Water Polo

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

on 11/22/2005 Don't be afraid to take risks on stealing the ball. If the opponents make a bad pass and you are closer to the ball, come out and take it. When your team is on offense don't be afraid to set up around 3 meters to give you a jump on a bad pass. Knowing your speed is key to stealing.

on 11/22/2005 You never want to look at someone's eyes. As a goalie, when you look into the shooter's eyes, you have already lost. When the ball is on your half of the pool, keep your eyes on the ball at all times. React when the ball is in the air.

on 11/22/2005 When you are guarding the shallow end cage you have to be be prepared for many things. Standing on the bottom will give you a much faster reaction time, which will sometimes cause you to react too early. Experienced players will quickly realize this and use it their advantage. To avoid this you have to slow it down and only jump to block the ball when you know for a fact that they have taken the shot. Another problem about the shallow end is that some players have mastered the art of using the bottom without getting caught. This allows them to take shots with much greater power and precision. When this happens, you have to keep your eye on the ball and ask the referee to watch the player.

on 11/22/2005 When the opponent is about to shoot, set yourself on the right or the left side of the cage. If they see you on the right, they will shoot left. You can be ready to jump left before the referee even blows the whistle.

on 11/22/2005 If you watch their eyes, they will look at where they are shooting (if they are a pretty inexperienced team).

on 11/22/2005 When blocking a lob shot from the left side of the cage, eggbeater up and follow the ball with your left hand (taking a backstroke pull with your right hand, if needed). From the other side, do the opposite.

on 11/22/2005 When they start raising their arm to shoot, tread higher than you normally do so that your chest is out the water. This gives you a better kick off, more height and makes you look very imposing. To do this you need to practice and you need to have a lot of stamina. It's worth it!

on 11/22/2005 Position yourself just off center of the goals, towards the side of the ball. Keep one arm covering the goals as the player taking the 2 meter can shoot. Be ready to lunge towards the pass off the corner as good players can catch then shoot almost immediately.

on 11/22/2005 After a save, always try to pass to the players on the sides rather than someone down the middle (there is more room to work with on the sides).

on 11/22/2005 When the opposite team is coming down towards you, tread as high as you can to intimidate the opponent. This is a good way to make the shooter think more about their shot, but do not do this if you cannot still efectively block the shot.