Basic Offense and Defense in Water Polo

Basic Defense Strategies

Types of Defense: Two primary types are Press and Zone.
- Press Defense: Man-to-man strategy with each player guarding one opponent.
- Zone Defense: Players assist the center position or guard two opponents. Includes:
  - Crash Zone: Encourages the pass to the center, then attempts to steal during the entry pass.
  - Drop Zone: Perimeter defender prevents the pass to center, forcing an outside shot.
Defense Execution:
- Transition from press to zone within the same possession.
- No early fouls in a press defense unless necessary during a defensive counterattack.
- Press in passing lanes, swim with the drives but avoid holding.
- Avoid fouling outside 5 meters; foul and drop inside 5 meters, especially if the ball is at the wing.
- If losing the front, perimeter players should help with a crash or drop.
- Center Defense should prevent center player from shooting, get kicked out if necessary.
- Important to act before the opponent receives the ball.
- Positioning in Center Defense (front or not to front) involves spinning and swimming.
Additional Defensive Focus:
- Work hard, maintain awareness: Player, Ball, Area, Center, Clock (PBACC).

Types of Offense: Two primary types are center dominated and movement (driving) offenses.
- Offense is often dictated by team personnel or defensive strategies.
- Keep it simple with one main offense and a few variations.
Offensive Philosophy:
- Transition from counterattack to offense with the aim to score.
- If no immediate score, quickly set up a 6-on-6 formation.
- Make 1-2 perimeter passes, then attempt a center entry pass.
- If no center pass is possible, execute a ball-side drive to post up.
- The player in the center moves to the opposite side of the goal, creating options.
- Attack the goal on peripheral cues (whistle anticipation).
- Movement, communication, and preparation before receiving the ball are key to keeping defenders engaged.