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Tips for Attackers and Drivers by Ricardo Azevedo US Men s Head Coach

PRIORITY – Managing the game

Understanding the position -

    * Read game situation
    * Understand movement versus mobility
    * Hand speed
    * Body position
    * Leg strength – explosiveness and endurance
    * Know the clock and know your sets
    * Understand the offense’s game plan

Knowing when to drive -

    * Evaluate offensive sets
    * Read the Center position
    * Know the game situation (Score, Time, etc)
    * Be aware of your defender ability to counter
    * Evaluate position of defender
    * Be aware of the ball

Shooting opportunities -

    * Scout your opponents
    * Establish your range for the perimeter shot
    * Be aware of the Game situation
    * Understand type of shot required for success
    * Keep your legs under you for counter defense

Attacking a drop -

    * Need to know where each player likes the ball
    * Don’t get lazy with your passing
    * Control the goalie by always looking like a shooter
    * Move both forward and sideways as you fake, create a new lane with your faking
    * Communicate with each other when, sure of decision
    * Do not give up the counter attack
    * Know our way to break each drop, and execute accordingly

Attacker versus Driver?

    * When playing in the attacker mode, one must be in control
    * When driving, go 100%
    * Know where you are in the pool and what is your next move
    * As an attacker, you must RUN the offense
    * As a driver, you must EXECUTE the offense

Counter Responsibilities –

    * Get to your back and see where the logical place is to go
    * Counter all the way through, and be aware of spacing
    * Be aware of the post ups and switch early
    * Listen for directions and adjust accordingly
    * Stay mobile as, the next move is a stroke away
    * Release for the ball and pass under pressure - DO NOT GET FOULED

DRILLS FOR DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL ATTACKER/DRIVER

Learning how to Drive –

    * Timing drives from every position (5 to 7 meters)
    * Leg position for both offensive and defensive stands
    * Side to side movement without losing your legs - stay in the horizontal
    * Hand speed, learn to drive with either hand
    * Work on variations (Give and Go, Stop and Go, etc)
    * Learn to acquire ball side, by establishing strong stroke techniques

Defending the drive -

    * Evaluate both your and your opponent’s speed and range
    * Legs and hip rotation is a must and must be practiced every day
    * Play defense with your position and not with your hands
    * Shot blocking is PARAMOUNT, work on it every day
    * Take an extra stroke whenever possible, but be aware of where you are
    * Keep your head up and control the direction of the driver
    * Be aware of Defensive set, and play accordingly

Communication with team mates -

    * Swivel drill - come over hips to crash and recover
    * Shot block - turn to reach, recover the shooting lane
    * Post pushing drill, use the opponent to gain distance on recovery
    * Call for help when being posted by bigger player
    * Be ready to help everywhere, and communicate such

Shooting Situations –

    * Swim and shoot from every position
    * Shooting off the pass both front and cross
    * Wrestle and shoot 5 times (2 out, 2 in, and 5 meter)
    * Perimeter shooting with a defender
    * Pressure shooting (inside and outside)
    * Specific situation shooting (6/5, 5 meter, penalty)

Developing Leg Strength

    * Heavy Ball, both vertically and horizontally
    * Weight belts
    * Bands and heavy bars
    * Wrestle and shoot situation
    * Squats and dry land lifts, running, and metric exercises

MENTALITY FOR ATTACKERS AND DRIVERS

    * Must work very hard on anticipation and execution
    * Must be ready to cover for the position players
    * Be in control and take someone with you whenever possible
    * No personal battles think we not me!
    * As an attacker you are in control, be aggressive and run your sets
    * Be ready to play long minutes “Be is Shape All the time”

GOALS FOR WATER POLO ATTACKERS AND DRIVERS

    * Do not get beat to ball side
    * Limit the number of exclusions outside on the counter
    * Force the ball to your strong side when guarding in the perimeter
    * Be an explosive counter player and smart shooter
    * Protect the ball, no steals on the perimeter
    * Get to your back soon and often, you will be call upon to help
    * Be aware of the time when driving
    * Do not shoot when a teammate is driving