Tips for the Center by Ricardo Azevedo US Mens Head Coach |
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PRIORITY – Controlling the offense Holding position - * Controlling the line of scrimmage – it is called the 2 meters for a reason * Legs – your legs will determine your success * Upper body strength * Body position * Sealing off the defender * Being able to use right and left hand * Meeting the ball when it comes in – do not let the defender knock the ball away * Patience in your passing Turning (perhaps better than shooting – more options) - * First, must have good form to draw the foul * Being able to turn both directions is a big advantage * Technique – quarter to half turn may be all you need * Keep ball away from defender * Watch the goalie * Work on wrist shots (get the ball up out of the water!) Creating Shooting Opportunities - * It is important to establish yourself early in the game as an offensive treat * A good pass into to set is very important * Match-up with defender is important * Game situation * Need to run the offense * Develop sweep, backhand, and roll out (the roll out is the last option) * Need to work on separation for all * Turning gives you more options - wrist shot, KO, 5 meter Passing - * Need to know where each player likes the ball - how hard * Spend time passing with each player (wet and dry passes) * Don’t get lazy - practice and play with good technique * Get passing arm elbow out of the water * Work on passing with both hands * Work on passing and maintaining position or going for better positioning * A bad pass means you swim 30 meters What to do when fronted * Swim out – if being overpowered * Work to hold a side – then have your team mates work the ball to you * Counter rotation move DRILLS FOR DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL CENTER Absorbing the foul – * Teach technique first * Animal drill - 10 fouls with no turnovers or you start over * Absorb two then shoot the third - go to 5 goals * 25 yard course - absorb 3 fouls - outside shot - swim to other end - absorb 3 fouls - shot – swim Reading the driver - * Let the driver have a stroke inside – practice putting the ball to outside hand * Give the driver the RB – firm pass – help create a passing lane * One on one driving - full defense Completing the pass - Where do your teammates like the ball * Greenie drill – quick passes * Spending time with each player – warm ups * Pass with a different player everyday in practice Shooting at 2 meters - * Bull in a ring * Unguarded - strong and weak hand * Guarded - strong and weak hand * Dry passes from the wings * Wet passes from the wings * 10 goals of one shot - back hand, sweep, roll out, turns * 3 goals at two ends - 2X - great conditioning drill * Wrist shots – turn, pick ball up – shoot down Developing Leg Strength - * Another man pushing down * Weight belts * Bands * Animal drill (very good game situation drill) * Dry land (spinning, running stairs, jump squats) Developing hands – especially the weak hand * Equal passing with weak hand * Take extra shots vs. out goalie * Dry land - take a water polo ball home and work with it * Greenie drill is a great passing drill for working on hands MENTALITY FOR THE CENTERS * Could be one of the biggest keys for being successful at 2 meters * Must realize more than anybody that he will get bad calls * Emotional stability can go a long way * No personal battles – think we – not me! GOALS FOR USA WATER POLO CENTERS Earn 8 – 12 ejections per game out of 2-meter position Score 2-3 goals per game out of 2-meter position Limit offensive fouls (zero would be good) Work on defense – be an asset not a liability Counter back to defense hard every time Win the battle of each possession  Add as favorite (49) |  Quote article on your site | Views: 806
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