Table of Contents

Coaching Splashball
Positive Coaching Alliance
Pre-Program Assessment
Lesson Timing
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Lesson 7
Lesson 8
Certificate of Completion
Splashball Rules
Splashball™ Lesson Plan Booklet
An Official Program of USA Water Polo

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Coaching Splashball Positive Coaching Alliance

Splashball coaches should be kid and parent friendly. The USA Water Polo’s partnership with the Positive Coaching
program is geared towards fun versus competition. The Alliance provides the perfect philosophy for our youngest
coach should be an outgoing, positive person who water polo players. Every Splashball coach should have
understands children, can celebrate their accomplishments completed the online PCA Coaches course prior to their first
and be able to teach parents about the game. Coaches should Splashball season. PCA Materials available through
naturally find playing time for everyone and focus on the USAWP will help:
fun.
 Use water polo to prepare participants for
Splashball Coaches will follow the same Code of Conduct success in life in and out of the pool
and have the same certifications as all USAWP coaches.  Emphasize character education and life
They will also be subject to background screening performed lessons through sports
by our licensed clearinghouse.  Emphasize mastering skill and having fun
over keeping score
 Putting in an effort to improve
 Emphasize the fun of learning new things
and mastering them
 Emphasize that mistakes are "OK" if we
learn from them

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Pre-Program Assessment Lesson 1
We highly recommend a Pre-Program Assessment of skills.
If an athlete can complete the following, then no floatation Introduce the athletes and parents to Splashball. It is a fun
or use of the bottom is needed: non-contact game in the water. Think keep away in the pool.
• Swim 5 minutes without stopping; freestyle, backstroke, Score by putting the ball in the goal by moving the ball
side stroke and breaststroke with good form. down the “court” as a team like basketball, soccer and
• Tread water for two minutes. hockey. Teams wear different color caps so everyone knows
who is who. Show them the course. Walk along the side of
the pool showing goal line, 2m line and half court. Review
basic rules:
Lesson Timing  Can walk and use two hands, but cannot walk with
the ball. Must swim or pass.
Lessons do not have timelines along side the drills as each  Six players play in the field with a goalie
program will have differing time constraints. Do keep in  Ball passes by the goal line, then everyone lines up
mind that 5-8 minutes on each drill or progression would be at half way. Losers outs.
plenty. 10 minutes would be a maximum amount of time to  Keep away means no contact. Sometimes it does
spend on a more elaborate drill, skill or game. Every athlete happen, but we don’t do it on purpose.
should be doing a drill or a task every thirty seconds. Keep  Show them how to put on caps out of the water.
them moving and active and they will be more engaged for Anytime there are balls present, caps must be on.
the entire lesson.  Let them handle the ball on the pool deck. If Mikasa
Splashballs (6”) is not available, then Mikasa Mini
balls or Mikasa Junior size balls may be used.

Goals for the lesson:

 Eggbeater
 Passing & catching
 Finish with shooting

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In the water progressions provide steps toward final skill.  Those that are good encourage them to walk
Coaches, don’t get stuck on one thing, move along while different directions keeping a solid base
providing assistance to those who may need a boost:  For those who are struggling desperately, encourage
them to sit on the wall and/or use a water noodle
Teaching Head Up Freestyle in a Progression
Start with Swimming freestyle > Swim head up freestyle to Passing and Catching the Ball
easily see the ball > Swim head up freestyle push the ball Depending on the ability of the group, you may want to
with your nose like a dolphin > Head up freestyle with the begin the passing and catching on the pool deck or while
ball relay. standing on the bottom. Show them the passing motion: arm
straight with ball up and slightly behind the hand, using a
Teaching Eggbeater in a Progression bend at the waist (core strength!), bring arm over the top
Start with:Treading > Sswim breaststroke > kick with wrist and head helping to throw the ball. Show them
breaststroke > Holding on to the wall transition from the catching motion: hand used as a target for the thrower.
breaststroke kick to one leg breaststroke > Rotate to vertical Catcher cushions the ball back from just in front of the face
still holding on to the wall with one leg at a time > Let go of back into the throw ready position also using core strength to
the wall > Eggbeater holding a ball in front with both hand stay steady.
while traveling across the pool.
Put athletes in groups of three (3) to pass while thinking
Eggbeater Teaching Tip #1: about egg beater:
Have the athletes pretend they are sitting in a chair with  Passing in one direction five (5) times around
knees wide, pushing/thrusting heals out, hands wide sculling  Passing in the opposite direction five (5) times
water (show on the pool deck by sitting in a chair coach). around
In the steady position show how they can move forward,  Try the other hand. (giggles!)
backward, left, right, while maintaining a solid steady base
position Shooting
 Try not to emphasis wide circles of eggbeater as Make it a fun ending to the first lesson by shooting on an
much as the pushing out with the heels. empty cage from 3y out. Use multiple cages and lines.
 As they get better challenge them to raise their hands Lesson 4 covers goal keeping, but you might fine someone
who is interested.

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Lesson 2 the same thing in the shallow end before proceeding to deep
water. In the deep water, the tempo of the “Sumo” leg
Goals for the lesson: motion increases to stay up in the water. Most athletes pick
 Eggbeater up the rotation of the legs naturally once in deep water, but
 Ball Handling Skills you may want to continue to address “Sumo” legs with the
 Individual Skills rotation.
 Passing & Catching
 Finish with Sharks & Minnows Ball Handling Skills
Everyone needs a ball or pair athletes up with one ball per
In the water with caps on to first warm up with: pair. If you think that they may want to start these ball
 2 laps freestyle (goggles optional) handling skills out of the water, then please have the athletes
 2 laps head up freestyle start on deck. This is a progression laid out differently!
 2 laps kicking any style
 Flip back and forth from right to left hand and back;
Have everyone tread water together. Show them how to use spread hands further apart, keeping the ball dry.
their hands and arms to skull. Teach them that they can  Flip back and forth from right to left hand and back;
move around with their hands. Progress on to eggbeater spread hands further apart, letting the ball fall on the
with hands sculling back and forth just under the surface and water. Pick up the ball from underneath.
slightly in front of the body.  Spin the ball in hand and spin in opposite hand
 Squeeze the banana; squeeze ball out of hand using
Eggbeater Teaching Tip #2: Pull aside anyone needing a all fingers and catch in opposite hand
little extra help with egg beater to show the “Sumo Wrestler”  Try to flip the ball with your foot to your hand.
walk on deck: Have the athletes stand on the deck and  Swim with the ball
crouch into a “Sumo” wrestling set position with legs apart,  Swim three strokes pick up the ball
knees bent, rear ends sticking out behind them. From this  Swim three strokes pick up the ball in shooting
stance have them bring one leg/knee up, then down “Sumo” position
style. Continue with the other leg. Encourage the athletes to
quicken the pace, but stay under control (and have high
knees). If there is a shallow end of the pool, have them do

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Passing & Catching Lesson 3
In groups of two, 1-2 meters apart (still concentrate on Goals for the lesson:
eggbeater) progress through the list:  Steady Position Eggbeater
 Strong hand passing and catching  Base position
 Catch regular, then put ball in the water and pick up  Passing/shooting
to good position to pass back to partners hand  Keep away
 Put the ball on to the water, in front of partners face,
pick up from underneath and pass back on the water Everyone with caps on and in the water to warm up:
 When ball lands in front of your face, first take three  2 laps swimming freestyle
strokes head up freestyle with ball in front, pick up  2 laps swimming backstroke
ball and pass on the water to partner  2 laps kicking only, no arms
Remember: proper body position helps make a good pass
even better with legs underneath the body, using core to stay Steady Position Eggbeater
steady. Have the athletes pretend they are sitting in a chair with
knees wide, pushing/thrusting heels out, hands wide sculling
Relay Passing water (show on the pool deck by sitting in a chair). In the
Groups of 3+ in a straight line across the pool. Athletes steady position show how they can move forward, backward,
catch and half turn to pass down the line, up and back left, right, while maintaining a solid steady base position
keeping the ball dry as best as possible. Now try the relay  Try not to emphasize wide circles of eggbeater as
catching and passing with both hands. Try with the opposite much as the pushing out with the heels.
hand.  As they get better challenge them to raise their hands
 Those that are good encourage them to walk
Sharks & Minnows different directions keeping a solid base
Divide group into two teams (no goalie) by cap color for a  For those who are struggling, encourage them to sit
basic keep away game that has the makings of water polo: on the wall and/or use a water noodle
 Minnows (offense) must swim the ball across the
pool touching the wall or getting the ball in the goal Eggbeater Relay Race
 Sharks (defense) try to steal the ball and put the ball Divide the group into teams of 3, sending one to the other
in the opposite goal. end of the pool for a relay. Each athlete will use the steady

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eggbeater position to travel down the pool facing different pass even better with legs underneath the body, using core to
ways; forward, backward, sideways and water bug with hips stay steady
up.  Strong hand passing and catching
 Using both arms and legs in the steady eggbeater  Opposite hand passing and catching
position. Now moving forward (sculling)  Catch regular, then put ball in the water and pick up
 Same as above, going backward while sculling to good position to pass back to partners hand
 Facing front, legs only, hands peeking out of the  Put the ball on to the water, in front of partners face,
water, with body in a vertical position pick up from underneath and pass back on the water
 Sideways with hips turned towards side wall. One  When ball lands in front of your face, first take three
side might be easier than the other. strokes head up freestyle with ball in front, pick up
 Legs only with hips up higher like a water bug, arms ball and pass on the water to partner
out front holding a ball. Hand off at the exchange
point. Shooting at the Goal
Athletes are in a straight line in front of the cage about 3
Eggbeater Teaching Tip #3: A fun and easy way to teach the yards out. They should always wait until the goalie is ready
eggbeater is to take a regular size trashcan and trace the and help retrieve balls so the drill can move along quickly.
circumference of the trashcan with chalk on the pool deck.  Have them one at a time, hold ball up and shoot,
Have the player sit on a chair at the edge of the circle that is then move down the line for another turn.
a little forward and to the right. Have them follow the circle  Pick ball off the water, then shoot
with their heel, so the foot is flexed with toes pointing the  Starting further back, now have them take three
up. Once they have one leg down, draw another circle, this strokes, pick up and shoot
one also forward and more to the left of the chair, and
practice this with both legs in an eggbeater fashion. Keep Away
Water Polo is generally a big game of keep away, so it is
Passing & Catching fitting to start Splashball players out playing keep away.
In pairs, 1-2 meters apart (still concentrate on eggbeater) do Teams are designated by cap color. If after a few minutes,
each bulleted item a few times, then progress to the next teams seem lop sided, please switch out a few players to
bullet. Remember: proper body position helps make a good even it out.

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  Athletes cannot pass back to the person who passes Lesson 4
to them Goals for the lesson:
 Keep the ball moving without dunking it under  Passing & Catching (eggbeater)
water  Intro to goalkeeping
 Can walk and use two hands, but cannot walk with  Shooting
the ball. Must swim or pass.
 Shooting at the goal is with one hand only. Caps on and everyone in the water for warm-up
 Keep away means no contact. Sometimes it does  2 laps swim – freestyle and backstroke
happen, but we don’t do it on purpose.  2 laps kick – no hands, any style
 2 laps eggbeater – any direction
 Relay with ball swimming head up freestyle

Passing & Catching (eggbeater)

The athletes may have noticed that eggbeater is an important
part of passing and catching. Remind them every so often
that steady eggbeater makes for easier ball handling.

Passing in groups of 3, 1-2 meters apart

 Regular passing to warm up
 Switch directions
 Passing Relays- in straight line of three, those on the
ends spin complete around:
 One hand, catch/turn and pass, up and back
 Other hand, catch/turn and pass, up and back
 2 hands fast as you can, catch/turn and pass, up
and back

Intro to Goalkeeping
Key points:

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  Watch the ball going towards the hands, not just for Shooting Drill
goalies will help everyone catch the ball. Have everyone get in a line starting at 4y out going back
 Eggbeater up and push off the water with the hand towards other goal. Each shooter moves to the front of the
reaching for the ball line with a ball. Pick up the ball off the water and shoot.
 If ball around the head, use two hands to pull down
the ball Depending on the number of athletes and goals, you may
 Pointer fingers and thumbs touching, want to run this drill at each goal to keep athletes active.
making a “triangle” with the hands to knock Remind them to get the balls back to the line so everyone
down ball into the water has a ball.
 Ball to hit the hand and fall into the water in
front of goalie This drill can also be done with two lines at a goal,
o Hand at angle ball will come down alternating right line and left line shooters.
o Slightly use wrist to flip ball into the
water
 Do not catch the ball. Block it or knock it down.
 Try to block the ball in front of the body
 Do not turn shoulders to block the ball, they should
always be parallel to shooter

Goal drills for everyone:

 With partner practice two hand pull downs –
someone tosses the ball towards the goalie and they
grab the ball with 2 hands, pulling it down.
 Passing slightly outside body to the right and left of
the goalie. They lunge for the ball and try to stop it
with one hand.

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Lesson 5  (5) Jump ups to clap hands over the head and count
out loud. Keep head up.
Goals for the lesson
 Eggbeater skills Individual Skills
 Individual Skills Pair up for this set of skills. Each person gets a little rest
 Passing Relays while the other one is doing the drill. On the off lap, have
 Keep Away them swim backstroke and look back at the wall. (upright
backstroke)
Caps on and everyone in the water for warm-up  Swim one lap with the ball. Switch ball at the far
 4 laps swim, any style end and come back.
 2 laps kick, no arms, any style  Swim three strokes pick up the ball, put it back
 2 laps eggbeater, facing any direction down, repeat. Switch at the far end.
 Swim three strokes pick up the ball into shooting
Eggbeater Skills position, put it back down, repeat. Switch at far end.
Now that everyone has mastered steady eggbeater position,  Staying in one spot, flip the ball from one hand to
we will involve a bit more action. While eggbeatering, the other. Hands close together while egg beatering.
athletes can get more of their upper body out of the water  Staying in one spot, flip the ball from one hand to
with a strong thrust of the legs and pushing down with the the other. Hands shoulder width apart.
hands. Have someone demonstrate a jump up without their  Staying in one spot, flip the ball from one hand to
head going under the water. Spread out everyone across the the other. Hand shoulder width apart, letting the ball
pool and have a whistle to signal when to change directions fall on the water. Pick up the ball from underneath.
or jump up. These are tough drills, so give them a break  One lane apart, passing and catching with regular
every so often. hand
 Eggbeater forward like a water bug – hips high  One lane apart, passing and catching with off hand.
 Eggbeater forward, hips down with hands out
 Eggbeater backward, hips down with hands out Passing Relays
 Eggbeater forward, hips down with arms out Each pair will swim side-by-side down the pool about one
 Eggbeater backward, hips down with arms out line apart with one ball. Both start swimming - the one with
 (5) Jump ups with smooth recovery. Keep head up. the ball, stop, pick up the ball and pass it to your partner

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having it land just in front of their face. Passer then Lesson 6
continues swimming while their partner passes the ball back.
Two laps, with regular hand, then try off hand for laughs. Goals for the lesson:
 Ball Handling/Eggbeater
Keep Away with Goalies  Change of Direction
Same Keep Away game as before just now with goalies and  Shooting on the goal
working together to get the ball in the goal. Teams are  Jousting Game
designated by cap color. If after a few minutes, teams seem
lop sided, please switch out a few players to even it out. Caps on and everyone in the water to warm-up:
 Athletes cannot pass back to the person who passes  4 laps swim – 1 freestyle, 1 head up freestyle, 1
to you backstroke, 1 upright backstroke
 Keep the ball moving without dunking it under  2 laps kick – no hands, any style
water  2 laps eggbeater – forward and backward
 No tackling or putting the ball under water. Ball
goes to the other team with a free throw. Ball Handling/Eggbeater
 A goal is score when the ball passes by the goal line. Everyone with a ball or work in pairs;
 One hand to shoot the ball at the goal.  Flip back and forth; spread hands further apart
 After a goal everyone lines up at half way. Losers  Spin in hand, spin in off hand
outs.  Squeeze the banana; squeeze ball out of hand using
 Keep away means no contact. Sometimes it does all fingers and catch in opposite hand
happen, but we don’t do it on purpose.  Foot flip into hand (for fun), drop the ball, let it float
in front to foot flip it to the hand.
 Flip with the back of hand and catch, drop the ball
and flip it with the back of the hand and catch, repeat
 Dunk ball under and between the legs, let it pop up
and catch.

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Change of Direction keeping your ball safe. Once your ball touches the water
Spread out without the ball. Everyone has their own space you are out, move to the side. Last one with ball in hand
so they won’t kick anyone else. wins!
 Facing forward eggbeatering, tuck knees up and kick
legs to surface: front to back with toes peeking out in
front and heels popping up in back.
 From steady eggbeater position, 1 breast kick
forward, glide, tuck knees back to steady eggbeater
position. Move the group forward on the whistle
then turn the group around one kick at a time.
 From steady eggbeater position, breast kick three
times, tuck knees, turn around and come back the
other direction,
 From steady eggbeater position, swim three head up
freestyle strokes, stop, tuck knees and turn back the
opposite direction for three more strokes.
Everyone should feel the burn in their bellies (core).

Shooting on the Goal

Pass with a partner for a few minutes. By now you probably
have an established goalie or two. Have field players line up
at the 4y line to shoot on the goal. Remind them that
shooting is different than passing, you want to keep it away
from the goalie while getting the ball in the goal. Everyone
helps collect the balls during shooting drills.

Jousting
Game with ball in one hand, hold ball above water, with
other hand knock everyone else’s ball out of their hand,

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Lesson 7  Deep water swimming (no bottom) start and stop, to
be performed explosively and promptly
Goals for the lesson  Start and stop swimming with a ball. Keep it under
 Review steady position control. Ball can touch the water.
 Movement from steady position  Travel two meters forwards and backwards while
 Shooting on goal facing the same direction and holding ball in the air
 Scrimmage at all times

Caps on and everyone in the water to warm-up Warm up passing

 4 laps swim – any style
 2 laps kick – no hands, any style Shooting on the Goal
 2 laps eggbeater – hands/no hands, any direction  Two different colored caps tied across top of the
goal. Blue in the corners and White in the center.
Review Steady Position  One point for hitting a corner cap (Blue)
 Coach sitting in a chair, knees wide, pushing/trusting  Two points for the middle cap (White)
heals down and out, hands wide sculling water  Line(s) are 2-5 meter from the goal (depending on
 In steady position you can move forward, backward, the strength of the group)
left, right without compromising a solid base  Shooting at the caps, no points for not using correct
 Have them “walk” (swim) laps in each direction form
maintaining steady base position
Scrimmage
Movement from Steady Position Progressing on the Keep Away with Goalies game, athletes
Building on the change of direction drills from Lesson 6 we will utilize more skills to move the ball down the pool
make sure we work on skills that will move athletes up and together as a team. Teams are designated by cap color. If
down the pool in Splashball games, which means adding a after a few minutes, teams seem lop sided, please switch out
ball into the mix. a few players to even it out.
 From steady eggbeater position, swim three head up  Athletes cannot pass back to the person who passes
freestyle strokes, stop, tuck knees and turn back the to you
opposite direction for three more strokes.

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  Keep the ball moving without dunking it under Lesson 8
water
 No tackling or putting the ball under water. Ball Goals for the lesson:
goes to the other team with a free throw.  Certificate elements: Swimming, Eggbeater, Motion
 A goal is score when the ball passes by the goal line. and Ball Handling
 One hand to shoot the ball at the goal.  Scrimmage after reviewing the rules
 After a goal everyone lines up at half way. Losers
outs. Caps on and everyone in the water to warm-up swimming:
 Keep away means no contact. Sometimes it does  1 lap freestyle head down
happen, but we don’t do it on purpose.  1 lap freestyle head up
 1 lap upright backstroke
 1 lap switching every 3 strokes from head up
freestyle to upright backstroke

Eggbeater
Steady Eggbeater for 5 minutes; Rest
Steady Eggbeater with arms out of the water for 20 seconds;
Rest
Hips up (water bug) eggbeater for 20 seconds; Rest
Sculling (arms only) for 30 seconds

Eggbeater with Motion

5 clapping Jump Ups in 15 seconds

Ball Handling Skills

 Swim 20y with the ball in straight line (maintaining
control)
 Pick up the ball into a throwing position, with one
hand only, from underneath (5 each hand)

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  Flip the ball quickly from one hand to the other,
hands to stay shoulder width apart
o 10 wet (lands on the water)
o 10 dry (stays in the air and hands)
 Throw the ball accurately to a partner (1 hand only)
o preferred hand 7y
o non-preferred hand 4y
 Catch the ball successfully 4 times from 5 attempts
o preferred hand from 5y non-preferred hand
3y

Scrimmage
Break into teams to play a Splashball game. Review the
rules at the end of this document with the athletes prior to
the first whistle.

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Splashball Certificate of Completion remain out of the water at all times, 5 consecutive within 15
sec's
We highly recommend a Certificate of Completion at the end  Deep water swimming start and stop, to be performed
of the Splashball season/session and will make those explosively and promptly
available to you. The list of skills to complete is as follows:  Travel two meters forwards and backwards while facing
the same direction and holding ball in the air at all times
Swimming Skills
 Head up freestyle 20y Ball Handling Skills
 Switching from head up freestyle to upright backstroke  Dribbling: Swim 20y with the ball in straight line
to head up freestyle 20y (maintaining control)
 Pick up the ball into a throwing position, with one hand
Treading & Eggbeater Kick only, from underneath (5 each hand)
 Deemed to be completed correctly if the head stays  Flip the ball quickly from one hand to the other, hands to
above water level at all times. stay shoulder width apart
 Egg beater kick o 10 wet (lands on the water)
 Utilizing both arms and legs while maintaining the body o 10 dry (stays in the air and hands)
in a vertical position (sculling), 5 minutes  Throw the ball accurately to a partner (1 hand only)
 Legs only, arms extended over the head with the body in o preferred hand 7y
a vertical position, 20 seconds o non-preferred hand 4y
 Utilizing both arms and legs while maintaining the body  Catch the ball successfully 4 times from 5 attempts
in a horizontal position (water bug), 20 seconds o preferred hand from 5y
 Arms only sculling - legs to be motionless, 30 seconds o non-preferred hand 3y

Movement Skills Game Skills

 Jump Up and recover - armpits must be clear of the  Demonstrate a hard shot at goal with good technique
water with the arms raised to an extended & vertical position from 4 yards
over the head (clap optional, but helpful). The head is to Demonstrate an understanding of Splashball by participating
in a game

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Splashball Rules the goal takes the throw from halfway. The ball must be
passed back
These detailed rules that can be adjusted to simplify play and o No player may tackle another player whether in
not intimidate the beginning player/coach/parent. We possession of the ball or not.
recommend you begin your season with fewer rules and o Offensive players cannot fend (Heisman) a defensive
build up as skills of the players improve. Our Splashball player to shield the ball.
Festival will use these rules and standard players’ numbers o Players may not swim on or over opponent's legs.
as outlined above. o The ball should remain above the water surface at all
times.
o There will be no contact allowed o Any of the above infringements result in a free throw
o If the pool is deep, flotation devices are allowed. signaled by the referee. The free throw must be taken
o Players can use two hands to catch, but only one hand to from where the foul occurred or an area not closer to the
pass or shoot the ball. The exception to this is the goalie attacking goaof the team awarded the foul.
that may use two hands.
o The game can consists of two (2) 10 minute halves with
2 minutes halftime or four (4) 5 minute quarters with 2
minutes between each.
o Teams swap ends at half time.
o To start the game, players line up along the goal line. At
the referees whistle players move to the centerline.
o If pool is shallow, players must not walk while holding
the ball or shoot while standing on the bottom.
o Players cannot shoot from a free throw. ©2010
o Free throws cannot be defended. USA Water Polo
o A goal is scored when the whole ball passes over the
goal line. 2124 Main Street, Suite 240
o After a goal, players return to their own half, and on the Huntington Beach, CA 92648
referees' whistle, a player from the team who didn't score
www.usawaterpolo.org/splashball.aspx

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