Can anyone give me some tips on playing hole set in Water Polo?

Question

I am a high school sophomore, and I mostly play JV. I can light up less experienced players, but against people who know what they're doing, I get shut down. I struggle getting front position against good players, and also struggle getting shots off when I have position. Once I get separation though, my shots are pretty good. I have pretty good size (6-2, 185). and also have very good legs. I'm not incredibly fast, but I have enough speed to keep up with anyone I play against.

Answer 1

That UT guy knows what he's talking about.  

If you are having trouble getting front position, you can get your teammates to help you out to stop a defender from fronting you.  One thing I used to do was set up just inside of one post and lock the defender in the front position (grab suit) and push him out to the 3-4m mark (or just don't swim all the way to 2m).  If your teammates can swing the ball around to the wing away from you, he should be able to get an entry pass to open water (the goalie can't come out if he is a threat to shoot) and you'll have the advantage.  If you do this, the Hole-D will be forced to give up front position or give up a goal.  If they give up the goal a few times, they usually give up trying to take front position.  Practicing this play will let your teammates know what you want them to do when you are getting fronted.  

Other than that, work on the sweep, backhand, and fakes with each, like UT guy said.  And legs.  Being able to push the defender around helps a lot.

Answer 2

I'll try not to repeat anything and just add to what the others answered.

If you get fronted, you could choose to take position just outside the 5-meter line. If you get fouled, you can take a shot from quite close distance. If the hole-D fronts you when you are outside the 5 meter area, it should not be that hard for your teammates to pass the ball between the goalie and you and you'll have the hole-D behind you. The wings should move forward toward the goalline further then you (2 - 3 metres), which could create an easy pass between you and the goalie from the wing.

Another simple tactic is to get a teammate to take hole set position and almost straight away swim outside to a wing. The strong hole-D will follow him and you'll get a weaker hole-D to defend you as you start in after your teammate and then take hole set.

When you get into shooting position for a push-off shot, consider making an extra sideways jump thus creating more space and time to shoot. Only do this if the other defenders can't jump towards you quickly.

As for your shots, ctcox1 is so right, make sure you can do them all and also change your shot direction. Especially with the push-off shot, do not always shoot into the same corner. And you should be able to do a sweep with either hand.

Answer 3

Alright, one of the most valuable attributes a hole set can have a good legs.  What you need to do to gain good position is when you are looking for the pass in, make sure your shoulders are above the hole-D's shoulders.  That small thing has helped me at the college level and will deffinatly help at JV and Varsity.  Another thing you should do it to almost lay on your back when you play set.  That enables you to use your shoulders on the hole-D when you want to create separation.  If you have problems with being fronted this is what you want to do:  take your week arm and push down the defense's arm and at the same time take your strong arm and then make a backhand under water around the defense's hip and pull him back.  Once you have done that and you are in front, wrap you legs around his waist to make sure you have position.  To hold that position make sure you get your shoulders out of the water and eggbeat against the hole-D player.  As for you shots, try and develop both a sweep and backhand to complement the push-off shot.  Once you have more than one type of shot, make sure you don't give them all away early in the game.  For example, fake the backhand and then do the sweep so they don't know your looks.  Last thing, when you have position, make sure your shot is quick.  You can do this by keeping your shoulders high and using your shoulders to create separtion.  Message me if you need more help with anything.