PLAYING
GROUPS
| BAC’s Water Polo Program will be split into groups of 12 & Under, 14 & Under, 16 & Under, and 18 & Under. Starting with the 12 & Under group, members will begin learning the fundamentals and basic strategies of play. As each player develops and progresses, he or she will gain further knowledge of more complex and challenging skills while learning to apply the basics within the proper context. Practices and games will be run separately for boys and girls, with the exception of the 12 & Under and 14 & Under teams which will be co-ed. Each club member will be assigned to a certain playing group based on a combination of age, experience, ability, and degree of commitment. Members whose abilities exceed the average levels of those within their age bracket may be invited to join the playing group one level up. In such cases, these players may be allowed to play games with both groups but will practice with the older group. Please note that the coaching staff retains sole discretion regarding the placement of each athlete into a particular playing group. |
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Developmental
Goals & Overview – by Group
12
& UNDER
The 12 & Under age group consists mainly of players who are either completely new to the game or who are still working to grasp the basic format and structure of play. In this group athletes are taught, among other basic skills, how to eggbeater properly, how to dribble a ball, how to pass and shoot, and how to function and react within a rudimentary offense and defense. While seeking to develop the fundamental skills of the game, this group also focuses its energy on enjoying the sport so that a lasting interest and sense of confidence may grow. Competitions are intended to foster that enjoyment in a low-stress and positive environment.
12 &
Under Coach
14
& UNDER
The 14 & Under
age group concentrates mainly on perfecting and expanding the
basic skills necessary to play water polo. A large portion of
practice time is devoted to developing a strong sense of the
water, effective passing and shooting techniques, situational
ball handling, and commonly used offensive and defensive strategies.
Players learn how to move efficiently in the water, to economize
motion as a team, and to recognize advantage situations. In
addition to being exposed to new skills and concepts, members
of this group are also challenged to begin understanding how
to be a productive member of a team. The ability levels of members
frequently encompass a broad range, and the playing environment
for this group is competitive yet relaxed.
14 &
Under Coach
16
& UNDER
The 16 & Under
age group will spend the majority of practice time applying
basic skills into a broader context. Drills that isolate a particular
portion of the game will be used frequently to help create an
understanding of how to react in various game scenarios. Players
in this age group will have increased opportunities to work
on skills specific to their playing positions, and will further
learn how those positions fit within the team’s larger
framework and strategy. New and more complex styles of both
offense and defense will be introduced and the interplay of
these two areas will begin to be explored in depth. The main
goal of this group is for each player to develop an extensive
knowledge of water polo as a whole by way of breaking it down
into parts.
16
& Under Girls Coach
16 & Under Boys Coach
18
& UNDER
The 18 & Under
age group will consist of experienced players who are interested
in taking the game to the next level. All club members participating
in this group will be expected to demonstrate a strong degree
of competence in the core fundamentals of the game. Practices
will aim to create a highly competitive environment wherein
complex tactics and a high standard of efficiency are the main
focus. Awareness, skill, and strategy will be well balanced
in order to build a team that understands the flow of the game
and is able to both execute and adapt to a wide range of playing
styles.
18
& Under Girls Coach
18 & Under Boys Coach
