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Tips for the Center Defender by Ricardo Azevedo US Men s Head Coach

PRIORITY – Controlling the center Holding position -     * Keep the center away from 2 meters     * Legs – your legs will determine your success     * Upper body strength     * Body position     * Stay away from being sealed     * Read the entry angles and play your diagonals accordingly     * Understand the offense’s game plan Don’t give up the turn -     * Position your body Diagonally     * Seal one side of the Center     * Anticipate the entry pass     * Position body in the way of the turn     * Use the foul early     * Work with the goalie Take away Shooting Opportunities -     * Establish a strong and aggressive presence early in the game     * Scout your opponents     * Match-up with Center as soon as you can     * Be aware of the Game situation     * Understand spacing versus Time left     * *Need to work on understanding which shot is the center attempting     * Force the outside move, so the Team defense can help Running a drop -     * Need to know where each player likes the ball     * Recognize your own range of strength     * Don’t get lazy - practice and play with good technique     * Control the center at all times, do not allow separation     * Work on Shot blocking with either hand     * Work on maintaining position or going for better positioning     * Do not give up a turn     * Keep your body on the opposite side of the drop How long do I stay in front?     * As long as you can control the entry pass     * Do not let the Center seal the wings on you     * Know where you are in the pool     * Don’t give up the 5 meter shot, play him like an attacker     * Remember that power plays are better than penalties Counter Responsibilities –     * Punish the Center when leaving the position, without turning the ball over     * Counter all the way through, don’t stop in the middle     * On 6 on 5 counters, you are the release turn to your back early     * Communicate your position and intentions     * Find the center on Offense and punish him, as much as possible DRILLS FOR DEVELOPING A SUCCESSFUL CENTER DEFENDER       Learning how to commit a foul –           o Foul through the man, and never pull back           o Diagonal Drill – Position on Front and Back           o Side to side movement without grabbing the shoulder           o Leg lunges to control the Center, reestablish the legs           o Work on entry pass adjustments from 1-3-5       Reading the Offense -           o Allow a pass to the wing and adjust and protect against the turn           o On a cross pass, position legs first than upper body on the diagonals           o When defending a driving offense be aware of the lanes by stepping into the side           o Jump around and control the Center, still maintaining Shot blocking lanes           o Know the clock and Foul situation       Communication with team mates -           o Swivel drill – come over hips to crash and recover           o Shot block turn to reach, recover the shooting lane           o Post pushing drill, use the opponent to gain distance on recovery           o Develop buzz words when calling players back – discuss with team mates           o Practice different drop defenses and gage your own range       Developing Leg Strength           o Heavy Ball, both vertically and horizontally           o Weight belts           o Bands and heavy bars           o Animal drill (very good game situation drill)           o Sprints off wrestle situation           o Squats and dry land lifts, running and ply metric exercises MENTALITY FOR THE CENTER DEFENDERS     * Stay even keeled and don’t show emotion     * Must realize more than anybody that he will get bad calls     * Control your temper, you will get hit at times     * No personal battles – think we – not me!     * The best defense, is how much you make him work before he shoots GOALS FOR USA WATER POLO CENTER DEFENDERS     * Do not allow a natural goal at the 2-meter position     * Limit the number of exclusions outside of 2-meter position     * Force the centers to commit offensive foul     * Be an explosive counter player and smart shooter     * Counter to offense every time at 100%     * When countering to defense “Find the Center”     * Be an asset to the team, and not a loose cannon     * CONTROL

 

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