Water polo is a challenging sport that requires you to be physically and mentally fit. Exceptional athletes take control of their athletic journey rather than expecting their growth to be solely based on coaching. If you want to become a great player, you have to put in the time and work.
Our water polo program at Echo Aquatics is a great place to start. In addition, here are five ways to improve your game outside of regular practice to take charge of your athletic growth:
Watch “how to” videos and games. To fully learn the game of water polo you have to absorb it in different ways. Fresno has four college teams to learn from - Fresno City College women's water polo, Fresno State women's water polo and Fresno Pacific’s Mens and Womens Water Polo. Below are some of my favorite resources to watch:
Help coach. Helping less established players with their fundamentals is a great way to improve. By teaching a less experienced player, you are strengthening your own knowledge. This is one of the reasons we have the athletes at Fresno High help with our junior high and splashball programs at Echo Aquatics.
Put yourself out of your comfort zone. It’s common for athletes to second guess their ability to the point of not trying a move or position. The best time to practice a new position or shot is during a scrimmage or game that isn’t weighted as heavily.
Practice how you want to play the game. If you don’t give each and every practice 100%, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Games are often fast paced and intense. You will only play as hard as you have been practicing.
Swim, swim, swim. This seems obvious but isn’t followed consistently. Swimming should be a year round activity for any aquatic athlete, even if they are not serious about their swimming. Swimming year round will help you swim faster and have the stamina needed to play your best water polo game.
Becoming the best water polo player you can become takes practice and effort outside of the pool. Don’t be the athlete that regrets not trying harder and maximizing your potential. Follow these tips and you’ll do great.
About Echo Aquatics, LLC
Echo Aquatics LLC, was established in 2019 to support the current and incoming athletes of Fresno High School. Through the club we are able to provide training for athletes all year. Programs include: water polo, club swimming, splashball, water aerobics, and swim lessons for both children and adults.
In addition to consistent training throughout the year, our mission is to make aquatic sports and safety accessible to the area surrounding Fresno High School.