Paddling Skills
Paddling technique analyses
The following session is designed to give the player an understanding of methods to
enhance their own paddling style and attempt to correct any bad techniques or habits that
may have been picked up due to a lack of initial basic skill training.
Many people are never taught the true art of paddling and learn by trial and error. Hopefully
by giving them an insight into the skills required they will learn correctly and feel willing to
improve their paddling style to improve their game.
ALL ASPECTS OF THIS SESSION SHOULD BE VIDEOED.
PLAYERS SHOULD FORM UP IN PAIRS TO ASSIST IN ANALYSIS.
FORWARD PADDLING - The catch, the pull and push, the exit, posture, pedalling, symmetry,
high elbows, body rotation.
Drill- 20 metre paddle towards camera, 20 metre paddle @ 90 degrees to camera.
REVERSE PADDLING - Full extension, body Rotation.
Drill-As for forward paddling.
SWEEP - Power from the pull and push action.
Drill - Two revolutions one way then reverse.
DRAW- Increase efficiency, sculling draw
Drill- Draw 10 metres sideways both sides. Introduce the sculling draw.
BOW RUDDER - Wide plant, combination with draw to make Duffek Stroke.
Drill - Complete a box of 10 metres in both directions. (Four strokes then BR.)
SURFACE TURN - Initiate turn with a sweep on outside of turn and then a Duffek stroke on
the inside of the turn. Stern stays on the surface.
Drill - As for bow rudder.
STERN TURN - Improve technique, add extra bow feather and draw to increase turn, stalling
stern turn
Drill - Paddle away from camera, turn and paddle towards camera.
BRACING - Low Brace, high brace with low arm position, low brace changing to a high brace,
high brace scull.
Drill - Attempt brace as and individual then with a hand tackler.
PADDLING TECHNIQUE TEST
A short course should be organised that incorporates as many of the strokes explained
above to test the students new skills.
This could be the beginning of a standard test that is introduced to canoe polo to test the
full range of strokes.
Drill
1. Start with a 360 degrees turn
2. Paddle forward to marker
3. Right surface turn around marker.
4. Forward paddling to marker.
5. Left stern turn at marker.
6. Forward paddling to marker.
7. Right stern turn at marker.
8. Forward paddling to marker.
9. Stop at marker
10. Draw to the right.
11. 180 degree turn.
12. Draw to the left.
13. Stop at marker
14. Reverse paddling to marker.
15. Turn at marker.
16. Forward paddling to marker.
17. Left surface turn at marker.
18. Forward paddling to finish.
Suggestion for course set up:
1. 10m x 10m course. Possibly use markers for 20m sprint test.
2. Weight with rope and shock cord the last metre to a float e.g.. 2 litre milk carton.
3. Weights connected by rope that is 10 metres long. This will keep the rope under water
and not near the surface where it can be tangled by paddles.
CONDITIONING AND DRILLS
1) Medley of strokes over a course.
2) Stop and Go on whistle + turning.
3) Partner drag4) Sprints- Pyramids
PRE SEASON
Strength- Weights pulleys, squats, curls, presses
Strength use heavy weights.
Heavy medicine ball- throwing
Wrist strength- Squeeze a tennis ball.
Running games- touch ,netball, indoor soccer.
Stamina- Fast work, fast passing, fast weights.-Breathing deeply.
Ball skills
This session will demonstrate the large component that ball skills, with the hand, has in
canoe polo. Most of the skills will not be mastered in this session but it will open up a great
doorway to future experimentation and development of skills with the ball. Most of this
session is best done in pairs if there is enough balls.
PICKING THE BALL UP OFF THE WATER
Stationary and in motion, dribble brace, dribbling.
Drills 1. Basic picks up using left and right hands
2. Pick up in motion. Group of three shuttle relay 10 metres apart. Player at the front of the
group of two starts with ball and throws to the middle. Paddles at full speed and picks the
ball up and passes to third player. Continue.
3. Maximum distance with a dribble brace keeping the kayak straight.
4. Shuttle relay with dribbling with the whole group.
ALL PASSES- STATIONARY (RIGHT AND LEFT)
Baseball, Lobs, Double Handers, Round arms, peripheral vision passing, Behind the back.
Drill- Pairs or a circle as required.
ALL PASSES- IN MOTION
Moderate looping passes easy to catch, catching with one hand, using the body as a second
hand for control keeping the kayak running straight , quick release of the ball after catching,
use of the dribble brace.
Drill- Triangles, Squares, Staggers, Southern Cross.
EXTRA PASSES
Curve ball, screw Ball, change up
Drill- Pairs if group is capable.
DUMMIES
Types - double handed, round arms, look aways.
Timing - Early to avoid intercept, as opponent tackles.
Location - over the head, Over the shoulders, bounce passes (risky).
Drills- Piggy in the middle, spare player drills, 3v2, 4v3, 5v4. Piggy in the middle in motionTwo players move up the field approximately 5 metres apart with pig chasing the ball.
Over the head game- 3v3 or 4v4, A team attempts to throw passes over the head and
shoulders of the opposition. All players in general motion. Keep a score and the winner is
the first to 10.
CATCHING
Hard Balls - thumb positioning - closer together the harder the throw.
Single handed - technique opposite to throwing.
Drill- Pairs
SHOOTING
Kayak angle, shooting brace, dummy shots, body fake, double handers, cross goal round
arm, flick shot, paddle shot, paddle shot with fake, alley-oop forwards, alley-oop backwards,
cocky shot, rebounding (defensively and offensively)
Goal approach- 1. Threaten the goal
2. Use vision to see if team mate is in a better position.
3. Snap an assist pass.
4. If you are in the best position take the shot and make it a good one.
Drill- 1. Basic shooting drill ball thrown in the water
2. Basic shooting drill with ball thrown to hands.
3. Shooting drill with a defender on the outside
4. Shooting drill with a defender on the inside
5. Shooting drill with an extra defender in front of the goalie and two drivers
6. Shooting drill with 2 defenders and 3 drivers.
7. Offensive rebounding drill- Two players face goal, third player throws an easy shot at the
goal, the goalie hits it down to attackers, attempt a quick rebound shot.
8. Defensive rebounding drill- Two players face away from goal, drill as for offensive
rebounding drill. Players attempt to gain possession of the ball.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS FOR INDOORS
BALL BRACE
Using the buoyancy of the ball as a brace on a hand tackle.
REFEREES BALL
Rolling on the ball, Upside down passing, quick double handed passing after rolling to avoid
5 seconds call, team mate positioning.
COMMITMENT IN GENERAL PLAY
Diving on the ball, Upside down passing, Rolling with the ball.
BALL PICK UP.
1) Lead with the elbow when picking the ball up, not the wrist.
Advanced paddle control
To develop the use of the paddle so that it becomes an extension of the hand and increases
the players reach. To make the right choices of when and where to use the paddle and allow
it to perform its duties without getting in the way.
EXTENDED PADDLE REACH
Reaching for the ball on the water that is at extended reach, Power side of the blade over
the ball
drill - Pairs attempting to improve technique.
PICKING THE BALL UP OFF THE WATER
Tip of the blade, Side of the blade, Changing sides, Juggling.
drill - Pairs. Up and over drill- Player has ball on water, opposition from 5 metres away
attempts for the ball, player lifts ball up from the water and tosses it up and over the
opposition. Player paddles onto ball with the opposition chasing in behind.
CATCHING THE BALL WITH THE PADDLE
To the front, To the back, Over the head
drill - Stationary and on the move drills such as staggers.
GAINING POSSESSION WITH THE PADDLE
Ball tap at the front of kayak with the inside blade, Ball sweep followed by a brace,
Parallelling with ball control, The over committed defender- turn and go.
Drill - 3,2,1,go.
DRIBBLING WITH THE PADDLE
Pick up, Correct use of the blade.
drill - Shuttle relay
INTERCEPTION
Keeping the paddle down to the last moment.
Drill - piggy in the middle, spare player drill, piggy in the middle in motion.
GOALKEEPING
Various styles, long shots, short shots, know what a goalie has to contend with.
drill - basic shooting drill. Score out of 10 shots.
CATCHING THE BALL WITH THE PADDLE.
Ball over deck
1) Back hand controls the blade angle (rotation)
2) Front hand controls the shock absorption.
Ball Skip
1) Same theory as catching the ball with the paddle.
2) Hand to butt of shaft.
3) Place the paddle on the water where the ball is about to land.
4) Control blade angle with one hand- Keep the blade flat.
Advanced kayak control
You can develop the kayak as a formidable weapon for tackling, controlling the ball and
pushing opponents kayaks away from the ball.
HAND TACKLING
Legal styles, extra body motion, crossover hand tackle.
Avoiding hand tackles - chesting, lowering centre of gravity, low bracing.
Drill - Pairs.
KAYAK TACKLING A PLAYER WITH POSSESSION FROM THE SIDE
Nose dipping (front and side), Under the ball, Under a kayak, Driving through.
Avoiding the 90 degree tackle - dipping the kayak sideways (J-ing), parallelling.
Drill - pairs
KAYAK TACKLING FROM BEHIND
Riding the wash, Over the wash, timing when player picks up the ball and exposes the hull,
bow positioning, driving.
Safe tackling, desperation tackling.
Avoiding the tackle - stern dipping, taking a ride (stern rudder).
Drill - Indian file dribbling
KAYAK TACKLING A TURNING PLAYER
Over or under the oppositions stern depending on their style of turn. Picking up the ball on
the inside with the nose of the kayak leading to gained possession or a holding penalty
against the opposition.
Drill - pairs, 3,2,1 Go.
KAYAK TACKLING WHILE ATTEMPTING FOR THE BALL
Angle inside the ball, dipping the nose sideways, sweeping on contact, Long and strong
sweeps, don''t pick up the ball, paddle ready for bracing, bracing, stern push, dribble
Drill- 3,2,1 Go
CONTROL OF THE BALL WITH THE KAYAK
Charge starts - using your kayak at an angle to get the ball.
Turning on the ball, moving the ball with the nose of the kayak, homer.
Drill- Pairs
SPECIAL TRICKS
The bow sweep, give and go with bow sweep, passing over the stern of an opponent and
inhibiting their turn.
Drill- Pairs or groups of three or four as needed.
ZONE WORK
Jostling legally, boat positioning, bow sweep, cross bow nose dip.
Drill- 3v3 zone work.
STERN PUSH
Use the first half of the reverse sweep for power. The last half jumps over the ball to catch
the ball and pull it back on return for a further back sweep.
Goal keeping
RULE 1
WATCH THE BALL
The goalkeeper must watch the ball for 100% of the duration of the game even when the
ball is at the other end of the playing area. Use your peripheral vision to call defensive plays
to your team mates and for your own anticipation of a bad pass to an opposition player on a
fast break.
When a player is baulking before shooting, ensure your concentration is on the ball and not
the arm or face of the player.
RULE 2
MAINTAIN A GOOD POSITION RELATIVE TO THE GOAL
Be aware of your body position relative to the goal at all times.
Good positioning is achieved in the following ways:
1) Check the goal frame above you.
2) When warming up prior to the start of the game check the relative position of the other
goal and this can be used as a guide for your positioning. Also observe your positioning in
relation to any lines or marks on the bottom of the pool which may also help.
3) Checking the angles:
a) Place yourself, or at least your paddle, between the shooter and the centre of the goal.
b) Stop the ball in the AB plane, perpendicular to the line drawn between the shooter and
the centre point of the goal.
c) Consider that percentages have proven that, if the player is coming in from the side, they
will shoot towards the near corner.
4) Make the shooter commit himself before you do. Try not to move on the players baulk.
Move the paddle sideways along AB rather than closer or farther away from the shooter.
RULE 3
PADDLE POSITIONING
There are three basic positions that a goalkeeper should adopt.
1) Field player position:
This position is the same as any other player on the playing area and is used when the
chance of a shot is minimal. The goalkeeper should be relaxed but concentrating and be
available to intercept bad passes or anticipate a bad pass and paddle out to the ball and and
take quick free throws for fast break opportunities.
2) Vertical Paddle:
Once the opposing team has advanced the ball past half way, the defending goalkeeper
should begin to place their paddle in a vertical position. The paddle may be rested on the
sprayskirt with the top hand placed on the shaft and the bottom hand in the water, sculling
to maintain position.
3) Vertical Alert Paddle:
As the ball comes in closer, the goalkeeper brings the bottom hand on to the blade of the
paddle and raises the paddle to cover the goal frame. The paddle may be moved back
towards the goal frame to confirm your position and then moved in to you own comfortable
ready position.
RULE 4
HAND POSITIONING ON THE PADDLE.
A variety of methods is used by many successful goalkeepers and you should choose from
any of these and then modify to suit your own personal style.
Blade orientation:
1) Power face to shooter. This tends to give more control of the ball and makes it easier to
drop the ball in to your hands from a weak shot.
2) Power face to goal. An alternative to method one and generally depends on the grip
preferred by the bottom hand. Less ball control is generally a negative aspect of this style.
Bottom Hand:
1) Bottom edge grip. The bottom blade is positioned edge on to the goalie and is cupped in
the bottom hand. This style give maximum height advantage but lacks some power unless
the hand grip is very strong.
2) Bottom corner grip. The hand is placed on the corner furthest away from the goal keeper
and is a good compromise of height and power. Power is gained by pulling the bottom hand
towards the body as the top hand is moving towards the shot.
3) Vertical edge grip. The bottom hand is placed on the far vertical edge of the paddle near
to the bottom corner. This gives maximum bottom hand power but limits the reach of the
paddle.
Top Hand:
1) Forehand grip (Palm to goalkeeper): This is the most popular style as it allows more
height to be attained because the wrist can be straightened.
2) Backhand grip (Palm to shooter): This style has more power but is restricted by the
cocked wrist and may be a disadvantage to short players.
Hand Orientation:
The choice of left or right hand as the bottom hand will depend on personal preference and
experience. Try both and develop your own unique style. For players with unstable shoulder
from past injuries such as dislocations etc. will find it beneficial to have the injured arm as
the bottom arm to prevent hyperextension of the shoulder joint.
Addendum: Consider the following.
When a player is coming in on the goalkeepers right, greater reach (height) will be obtained
if the left hand is the top hand. The reverse is true from the opposite side. It may be useful
to be able to defend the goal in either hand orientation to allow the goalkeeper to switch
depending on the side that the shooter is approaching. Straight on shots will obviously be
able to be handled by the most comfortable hand orientation
More power is also available to move the paddle to the near corner with the push of the top
hand and a pull of the bottom hand.
RULE 5
PASSING
Always pass the ball confidently, and to the right player.
1) Don''t pass the ball unless you are 100% sure it will find its mark.
2) Always pass to advantage ie. either ensure that your player is between the opponent and
the ball or that they can paddle onto the ball to allow the smooth continuation of a break.
3) As a general rule try to pass to the side that is you strongest throwing arm after first
scanning the entire pool to ensure an advantage is not available to the left.
4) Never pass through a paddle. Pass to the "safe" side. the opposite side to where the
opponent is tackling you if you have the option.
5) Pass early ( when the opponent is at least one boat length away) to give the opponent no
chance of an intercept.
6) Use double handed chest passes when you are near your own goal line to avoid giving a
corner to the opposition.
7) If you have to throw a baseball style pass then paddle forward with your free hand to gain
some room to work in thus avoiding a corner.
8) Look for outlet passes that are less than 6 metres rather than attempting the 20m fast
break pass. It is safer to clear the goal are to the side of the pool to avoid any fast
knockdown of your long passes.
RULE 6
ABSORBING AND CONTROLLING THE BALL
A shot blocked back into the field of play is dangerous as it may give the attacking team an
opportunity of a rebound. Rather, the shot should be absorbed by the paddle and the arms
to control the ball and allow the rebound to drop into your hands. This has the added
advantage of allowing for a fast break while the opposition is still in a very attacking position
and unable to turn and meet the fast breaking defenders moving into offence.
The arms should be firm but relaxed to absorb the power in the shot. The goalkeeper should
be quick to reach for any rebounds that land on the water in front of you. The goalkeeper
may be able to drag the ball into their own hands, push it to a team mates hands, take it
over the goal line for a corner, or jab it off the incoming line of the attacker to make it
difficult to pick up and shoot.
RULE 7
RECOVER PADDLE POSITION QUICKLY
After making a save assume the vertical paddle alert position as soon as possible to be ready
for a rebounded shot. Be alert and ready at all times.
RULE 8
LOB SHOTS
1) Ensure your hands are in the correct orientation to gain maximum height and change the
bottom hand grip to a finger tip grip.
2) Do not take your eye off the ball.
3) Attempt to jab the ball as it passes over head rather than attempting to catch the ball
with the paddle. The fingertip grip does not have much lateral strength and the ball may roll
off the blade and into the goal if you attempt to block the ball rather than jab it over the
goal.
4) If you miss the ball continue to watch the ball as it may rebound gently off the goal frame
and you can scoop the ball into your hands with the paddle or over the goal line for a
corner.
RULE 9
FAST BREAK SHOTS
During the game a player may get a fast break and be one on one with the goal keeper.
1) If the ball is about to be passed to the player on the fast break:
a) The goalie should anticipate a bad pass and take a stroke towards the ball.
b) If the pass is indeed a bad one then the goalie should continue paddling out and and
pressure the ball and maybe force a turn over or poor shot.
2) If the player has the ball and is dribbling on a fast break:
a) move out an extra 20cm from your original position. This may upset the attackers timing
of the shot.
b) Attempt to fake a full commitment which will make the opponent hurry his shot.
RULE 10
DEFENSIVE AWARENESS
1) Know all the defensive styles used such as press, 4-1, 2-2-1, 1-3-1 and assist your team
mates to perform these styles of defence.
2) Tell your defenders which player you want covered eg. Their strongest shooter.
3) Warn your team mates of developing moves by the opposition such as danger on the
right, defence too close to the goalie.
4) Keep your defender well clear of your kayak to avoid being moved inadvertently. A full
boat length is a good starting position for your defence.
RULE 11
OFFENSIVE AWARENESS
1) When your team gains possession break into offence.
2) Be confident in your basic skills to be part of the general play.
3) Know the different moves that your coach wants to be played.
4) Ensure your team mates know to cover your goal if you drive to the opponents goal.
5) Return quickly after your team has scored to cover your own goal to avoid a quick goal by
the opposition before you are ready. Have an understanding with your team mates that
they must cover the goal if you are unable to return quick enough.
RULE 12
PRACTICE
1) Make sure that you do goal keeper specific training wherever possible.
2) Ask your coach to devise drills that will test your skill that will be needed in a game
a) 5 mins lobs
b) 5 minutes long shots
c) 5 mins angle shots
d) 5 mins fast break shots. etc.....
Defence Tactics
To explain the various types of defence and when and where it is best to use them. An
evening session of explanations of the various types of defences will save a lot of time on
water the following day.
ONE ON ONE (NO BALL)
No obstruction, Full coverage ( no ball), early turning, looking behind, anticipation of the
ball.
Drill- Between two markers 30m apart, attacker attempts to get to other marker before
defender. Defender begins 10m away from attacker facing the attacker.
ONE ON ONE WITH THE BALL
Boat positioning, reduce hand tackles, 90 degrees to the opposition, increasing tackling
intensity gradually.
Drill- As for one on one (no ball). Defender starts 15m away when attacker starts dribbling.
ONE ON TWO WITH THE BALL
Get commitment of one, Slow down the play for team mates, Outthinking the opposition,
Change direction of attack on throw of the dribble, Use peripheral vision.
Drill- As for one on one. Defender attempts to stop a direct play on the goal.
SPARE PLAYER DRILLS
2v3, 3v4, 4v5.
The 4-1 defence, dynamic movement, anticipation, all players looking for the next player
about to receive the ball, keep pressure on the ball.
Drill- eg. 3v4. Four players form a 10 metre square. Three players in the middle attempt to
keep pressure on the team of four until an intercept or bad pass occurs.
PRESS
Boat position, avoiding screens, switching, communication, avoiding tail turns, press after
restarts.
Drill- 5 v 5 or 4 v 4. Attempt to obtain possession over a time period eg. one minute.
ZONE
The switching zone, early calls, communication, commitment, keeping the offence away
from your goalie, teamwork, keeping the body behind the attacker.
Goal line attack - point switch with back.
45 degree attack - point moves forward and defenders swap.
Frontal attack - turning early, use tail all the way to swap with the back, - use the nose to
pass off to back defender.
Multiple attacks
No field goalies
Forward and point combinations to pressure the ball and keep the point covered.
Zone breaking to a press.
Drills
1. Begin with off water explanation with whiteboard, shoes, knives/forks etc.
2. Walking demonstration with paddles indicating the bow of your kayak. (slow motion)
3. On water demonstration and imitation of off water drills. (slow motion)
4. Game speed defence with one attacker at a time then waves of attackers then score the
defenders ability to keep offence out of the zone. eg. Five plays.
5. Full 5 v 5 zone defence using the 1-3-1 zone defence and the point/chaser swapping.
TURNOVER TRANSITION
Methods of defence after ball is turned over to the opposition eg. a goal line throw. Gradual
transition from press to 4-1 defence then to full zone. Importance of relative styles of
individual defence in the various zones. eg. heavy pressure, goal side defence, ball side
defence etc.
Press after restarts
Drill- Team takes the ball up to the oppositions zone defence and shoots at the coach near
goal to give a goal line throw. Team now in defence starts with a full press until ball is at
about one third away from the oppositions goal line. Last defender starts to drop back into
goal with other players dropping into 4 1 defence. As the ball is promoted further up field
the defence drops in to a full zone, 1-3-1.
DEFENCE
ONE ON ONE
Stay close enough to be able to kayak tackle the player before they can get a pass away
after they have received the ball, but not too close that they will paddle away from you.
This distance is different for each player and must be assessed depending on the opponents
speed/ fitness and your own speed/ fitness.
Concentrate equally on the player and the ball. You must know at the same time as the
opponent when a pass is coming. This increases the possibility that you will anticipate and
maybe produce a turnover.
All players must know where the ball is so that a quick change of possession leads to a fast
break with the opposition defence slow to react.
Hand tackles against the best players ore not usually effective. Boat position should always
be of paramount concern. Position yourself so that you can turn or force the opposition
away from the goal.
If a hand tackle is your last resort, timing is essential. The opponent must not have the
paddle in their hands and the best time to tackle is just as they receive the ball or just as
they are picking it up from the water or as they are shooting. At these three phases, the
opponent has least control over their balance. At any other time, the opponent will "ride
out" the tackle and be out of reach for a second attempt.
Once the hand tackle is successful, move in closer to make sure they do not roll up and
shoot. Be ready to re- tackle, leading to a 5 second infringement, or knock the ball, with
your hand, out of their hand(s).
ZONE DEFENCE
The holding of the positions 1,2 and 3 are the key to a good zone defence. Each individual
need not be in the same position. As long as all of the positions are filled, the number 1 can
move to position 2 or 3 as long as 2 or 3 or even 4 covers the position that number 1 has
left.
Position 2 (the point) is the most dynamic position in the triangular zone formation. They
must not get in the way of players 1 and 2. They must watch for the drive down the middle
and must be ready to change with player 4 if the ball moves to the other side of the playing
area.
It is far better to hold your position until someone can cover you, rather than chasing the
ball as soon as it is near you side of the zone. Make a call to indicate that you are going for
the ball and this can be OK''d by your team mates or denied if it is not a good time to leave
the point.
Offence tactics
An introduction to the latest styles of Australian offence and the unlimited combinations
available to bamboozle the opposition. This knowledge does not have to remain
confidential, as the limitless amount of offensive options, if able to be carried out, will still
beat an opposition even if they know what you are trying to perform.
NON BALL PLAYS
Tail turning the opposition, fake sprinting, slow approach then sprint, C1 passing
manoeuvre, bow sweep, screens, crossovers, behind the goals.
ON THE BALL PLAYS
Give and go, Bow sweep give and go, homer, space call, screens, fake screens, screen and
go, crossovers, turning on the ball and go, hit the brakes, In and away, away and in, dummy
reverse sweep and go.
Drills - individual plays, pairs drill with coach, 2v2,3v3, grid ball.
FAST BREAKS
Outlet pass, safe options, staggers, water ball or ball to the hands, hit the brakes,
triangulation, transition defence to attack.
Drill - Fast break drill
TRIANGULATIONS
Basic idea of thinking in three''s and then four''s, eagle, double and triple dishes, crosses.
SET PLAYS
Corners - bill, Sam, eagle, arthur, wedge
Centre starts - consistency.
Sideline throws - give and go
Goal line throws - slow the play, flat three.
FLAT THREE
Requirement for excellent ball control including passing and catching.
Move is initiated by the defence not the offence.
Roles of the 45''s, Committing the rear defenders, option pass, the drive for the dish.
The Flat Three ( 3v2 offence), Ball carrier (BC), Guards
Committing the opposition to you (The rabbit). Do not take the ball to their defence, 1-2-2
option on aggressive defence, Pass timing, drive timing.
Eagles, double and triple dish''s, Point screens, Stacking sides, double drives on the same
side, double drives on opposite sides with point screen, clover leaf, low posting, give and go,
tail drives, dribble drive to the hole, cover defence.
Opening a static zone defence- "can opener", In-out, sacrifice driver, cunning bad pass
(C.B.P.)
Resetting after loss of ball control. Safe passes up the sideline.
COACHING TIPS by Steve Hemsley
THE ART OF FAST-BREAKS!
Fast-breaks are not merely paddling the fastest up the pool and yelling your lungs out
waiting to receive the long pass. There are many facets you need to look at, and the
following may help you improve your success rate.
1). Reaction:- You must be ready at all times when your team is defending to immediately
transform into attack as soon as your team gains possession eg. Goal throw
2). Speed:- The faster you are the more likely you will be able to get into a position to
receive a fast-break ball. If your team mates cannot get the ball to you immediately you will
need to hesitate and wait for the ball. As soon as your team mate has spotted you then
begin sprinting as though you are restarting a fast-break.
The person about to receive the pass that will then be shot must be paddling at close to top
speed. This will add speed to the shot and continually change the angle that the shot will be
coming from. This makes it extremely difficult for the goalie to know when and from where
you will release the throw.
3). Angle:- It is extremely difficult to pass to someone paddling directly up the field. Even if
the pass is perfect the catch may be impossible. This of course is not a problem if there is no
defence and plenty of room between you and the goalkeeper. In this case the pass should
be well in front of you, 2 or 3 boat lengths, to allow you to gain a initial advantage on the
sprint.
The best angle to approach a fast-break is from 10 to 45 degrees off centre. This makes the
pass and catch easier for both involved.
4) Timing:- If you have made the fast break but have not received the ball, slow down or
even stop well out from the goal (minimum 8 metres) . The defence, if poor will catch up to
you but will fail to get goal side. When your team mate sees you goal side of the defence
they can pass the ball over the defenders paddle and into the water between you and the
goal. While the pass is in progress you will be doing a stern push and turn towards the goal
and paddle onto the ball.
If the defence is good and follows you correctly, look back to see if a second team mate may
be in a position to perform a fast break. If this is the case, paddle across the goal area,
hopefully drawing your defender with you and opening the secondary fast break for your
team mate.
5) Unless there is no pressure on you, do not throw the ball to the forwards as the first pass.
Look for an outlet player to pass to who is 6-8 metres out and near the side line. This will
give a good angle for the fast breaker to approach the goal and receive the ball either to the
hands or on the water.
6) Do not throw the ball to forwards that are already marked. The forwards must be aware
of the location of the ball at all times.
7) Call for the ball if you are supporting a fast break or call before they get the ball eg. "I''m
behind you".
5) Defence:- If you have made the initial fast break but have not received the ball, paddle
across the goal area in a large arc and "CYCLE" out, to become a defender, thus allowing
your defenders or secondary attackers to come in without risking a fast break in the
opposite direction.
FLAT THREE OFFENCE
1) Good ball control, passing and catching is essential.
2) Each move or action is determined by the action of the defender(s). All players in the
offensive unit must know the options available and react accordingly in response to the
defence.
3) If the ball is fumbled, the move is terminated and the ball must be recontrolled and
returned for a reset of the move. A fumble may draw a defender and open up a clear
opportunity for an offensive move but it is imperative that a turnover does not occur.
POSITIONS:
BC - Ball Carrier
G - Guards
45 - 45/ Forward
C - Chaser
P - Point (defence)
D - Defence
3) CHASER - This is the defender that is in front of the point player and chases the ball which
initiates the move.
4) BALL CARRIER - The Ball Carrier (BC) is the player that brings the ball up in the Flat Three.
This player is not necessarily always in the centre.
The BC passes when the chaser commits to the BC. The pass must have no chance of
interception and an early pass when the chaser is about 1.5-2 boat lengths away is
preferable.
The BC should then remain as the primary defensive player while the remainder of the team
completes the move.
If the move has to be terminated, the BC should move towards the sideline to receive a
reset pass up the sideline from the team mate under pressure.
The BC may drive towards the goal only when a team mate has turned for cover defence.
5) GUARDS - The other two players in the flat three move level with the BC towards the
defensive zone.
Both guards initiate their drives as soon as the chaser shows commitment to the BC. The
guard with the safest option for a pass from the BC must anticipate a pass from the BC. This
should draw the point defender and open a driving lane between the two rear defenders for
the second guard. The guard with the ball will then take the safest passing option to either
the 45 or the second guard. The other guard continues to drive and should anticipate the
next move such as a direct pass from the guard or an Eagle move (to be described later).
6) 45''s - These are the two forwards that position themselves approximately 4-8 metres out
from the goal line depending on the pool size and approximately 1-2 boat lengths away
from the rear defender and pointing towards the zone.
This position has four well defined jobs:
a) Maintain the rear defenders in a wide defensive pattern to open up the middle of the
zone to produce a driving lane for either of the guards.
b) Act as a receiver of the ball
if the defender is in a tight zone for eagles, Give and go''s, dish etc.
c) Begin driving towards the goal when the rear defender commits to the driving guard or
the other 45 with the ball, and anticipate a dish pass from that player.
d) Act as cover defence if the
attack does not involve their position
and their rear defender maintains
good coverage of the 45.
7) DRIVING LANE - This is a direct line between a player and the goal where there are no
defenders on that line. Players should anticipate the opening of these lanes and drive
towards them anticipating a pass from your team mates with the ball. Continue your drive
and expect the pass at any time, as the player with the ball will be waiting for the safest
time to pass without a turnover. If you have the ball on the driving lane, and no defender is
committing to you, you must dribble towards the goal and shoot, or draw a defender to be
able to dish to the loose team mate.
8) THE DISH - The dish is a pass attempted by an attacker when the defender has committed
to that attacker and their is no option to shoot.
a) EARLY - A dish may be "early" and in the water on the driving lane for your team mate
thus avoiding a possible intercept. You must ensure that the defender has committed to you
so they cannot turn and pick the ball up that is sitting on the driving lane but the pass must
be early enough to guarantee no turnover.
b) OVERHEAD - it may be over the head/ shoulders of the defender when your team mate is
positioned directly in line with the head. Use double handers and dummies.
c) LATE - it may be "late" to allow the driver to progress further into the zone on the driving
lane. This is usually quite risky as you may be under a lot of pressure. You may wish to
dummy a pass in the opposite direction to your intended pass or dummy a shot at goal to
move the defenders paddle and than place the ball on the water on the driving lane or to
the hands.
d) Avoid lobs as they are too easy to block in the zone.
9) GIVE AND GO - A pass made to a team mate, and as the pass is expected back, the
original passer moves forward on the driving lane.
a) BC passes to a team mate and moves forward straight forward. The defender will turn
away to the new BC and then the ball can be returned to the original BC.
b) Using the 45, a guard can perform a simple Give and go to open a driving lane in the zone.
10) EAGLE - The ball is passed, either lobbed or flat, past a driving team mate to a stationary
team mate and then returned to the original driver.
a) Flat Eagle- The ball is passed firm and flat from the central BC to the 45 and then
returned to the driving guard. This is used when the rear defender is close to the 45.
b) Lob Eagle- The ball is lobbed to the 45 from the central BC to entice the rear defender out
onto the 45 to make the riving lane for the guard.
11) IN/OUT - When a defence does not have a chaser, you need to entice a chaser. This can
be done by working the ball in from the guards or BC to the 45''s and then the ball is
returned out from the 45 to a guard or BC. Hopefully the pass from the 45 will entice a
chaser and initiate the move.
12) CUNNING BAD PASS - Another technique used to draw a chaser.
A player on the flat three may receive a slightly off target pass from the 45s and deliberately
makes it look worse than is by exposing it to the potential chaser. This will make the
defender think that they have a chance of getting the ball. As soon as the chaser has
committed, this initiates the move.
13) JUNGLE BALL - Again, if the zone is not prepared to come to the ball you can move the
ball around the zone and have different players cutting and driving with the main purpose
to initiate a chaser from the defence to your BC when a pass comes from the 45. As soon as
this occurs, all players must move to the Flat three formation and effect the move.
14) TAKING IT TO THE HOLE- If there is again no commitment from the zone, the BC may
dawdle up with the ball and at the last moment sprint dribble with the ball on the driving
lane to the hole in the defence. The BC then takes the shot or can dish to the appropriate
team mate or this may be the start of "Jungle Ball" to get their defence moving.
15) RESETTING - If the ball is fumbled it is usually safer to call reset and start the move
again. The player under pressure should pass to an easy target and as the players are
resetting the safe outlet pass should be up the sideline to the guards.
When resetting, all players must anticipate the easiest way to reset to the original flat three
formation and make this move.
16) ADVANCED FLAT THREE - The more movement in the oppositions defence produced by
the flat three the better. As defenders become accustomed to this type of offence more
JUNGLE BALL will need to be used but all players must be aware of the possibility of the
move as soon as a chaser commits to the BC.
The 45''s must try not to remain static as this will be easy for the rear defenders to control.
As the 45''s make the initial fast break they can do crossovers to confuse the rear defenders.
Move in and out to niggle the rear defenders but always be prepared to receive the pass
from the BC or Guards or prepare for our own drive towards the goal when your rear
defender has to commit to a guard with the ball.
Draw the defence to one side with a sacrifice drive from a guard who receives the ball from
the BC. The guard passes straight to the 45. The ball is quickly returned to the original BC
who does an Eagle with the 45 on the other side, opening up a driving lane for the guard.
Competition day
1) Know exact times of all matches.
2) Discuss game tactics before player get changed 30 minutes before the match.
3) Have players ready and in their kayaks one full game before the match. ( 20-30 minutes).
4) Warm up if possible paddling, passing in a circle, goalie practice.
5) Last 2 minutes gather the team together- reiterate tactics and give encouragement and
positive motivation.
6) Position behind your own goal.
7) Keep verbal directions simple and clear- use numbers of the opposition ie mark no 6 on
your right.
8) Keep a pad and pen and write in note from/of things to talk about after the game.
9) Half time- stress the good plays or actions by team members. do not criticise for lack of
ability - Give a positive thing for them to think about to improve poor play. ie. Don''t say '
You are dropping the ball too much'. Do say ' Use your thumbs more to catch the ball' or '
Try to move your arms with the ball to absorb the impact'.
10) Full time- Congratulate if winners, Stress the good points if losers. Allow players time to
think over their own game. Before coming down heavily with things to improve on:
a) Say 5 mins after the game when players are changed, look at your notes and give positive
suggestions.
b) Remember to train on the weak points during the next training session.
c) Listen to players requests/ thoughts on the game/ tactics etc.. Try to get all players to
input into the post mortem.
d) Only pick on one or two maximum negative points even if there are 10 or 20. Work on
improving one or two points at a time and be certain to let players know when you notice
improvement and or perfection of a skill.
e) Learn to observe when players have had enough listening to you, the coach. Look for
wandering eyes, slouching, bored sounding replies of yeaaah!, mono syllabic answers.
f) Do not tell lies 'you were passing OK' when every pass was a bad one. The player will
know you are trying to pick them up but this will have the opposite effect and make them
think you are patronising.
g) All people are different, so you must approach them in different ways.
h) Some people thrive on being shouted at to this or do that. Some will merely tell you to
shut up and you may lose them completely if you continue to be aggressive towards them.
MENS TEAMS
The coach can be more aggressive.
Players are generally more committed and motivated to win at all cost.
WOMEN TEAMS
Some women can be as motivated and as aggressive as the men but there are others who
would like a softer approach.
Do not be condescending.
Be aware of specific needs/ problems/ medical needs.
JUNIORS
Involve all juniors in the same practise, if ability is widespread.
Give some advanced players, new things to try.
Stress the fun aspects of the game.
Promote friendships between your players.
GENERAL
Try to understand their personal life on a small scale to understand problem in the game.
Learn about medical problems, restrictions, injuries.
Observe personality and try to mould your coaching to their personality.
Know each persons goals -Polo is for fun
- Polo is for winning
- Polo is for fitness
- Polo is for friendship.
Make sure training is not boring
Introduce new skills and new methods of training old skills.
NUTRITION
Basically- a) Increase carbohydrates
b) Decrease fats
A Sporting diet is a healthy diet.
Competition Day- Complex carbohydrates such as bananas, fruit
Don't eat too close to the game -less than 1 hour.
Drink plenty of water in training sessions and games.
INJURY TREATMENT
RICE
Plenty of warm up.
Don't play if injured.
Know medications.
SAFETY
Players must be able to swim.
Must be confident of exiting a boat if capsized
Demonstrate- Safe entry to the kayak.
Deep water rescue.
Emptying of the kayak
1 PERSON- Turn boat on side and allow as much water as possible to flow out.
Turn kayak upside down and push down on one end.
The water will run to this end and then lift up the end of the kayak. Repeat from the same
end.
2 PERSONS Lift kayak out of the pool sideways allowing water to flow out.
Wear suitable clothingThermals- Polypropylene/ chlorofibre garments that remains warm when wet.
Cags- Windproof top to prevent chill factor.
Helmets- Foam lined- 70% of body heat is lost out of the head.
Wearing a helmet with the fecemask in place tunes the eyes to disregard the facemask and
concentrate on play.
RULES AND INTERPRETATIONS
You must know all the rules to enable the correct tactics to be used. Talk to the chief referee
to clear up rule/ interpretation problems.
Do not take advice from local referees unless you are confident of their knowledge and
understandings of the rules.
Do not criticise referees- try to help them by pointing out possible mistakes.
When talking to referees do not say ' You did this wrong or that wrong' as all referees will
make mistakes. Ask them for their understanding of the rules/ interpretations to see if it is
the same as yours.
If it is the same then there is not much more that can be done except to voice your opinions
on the particular referee to the highest relevant authority not just to your friends.
If the referee has different rule/ interpretations understanding, then check your own
understanding from the relevant rule book and then approach the referee with positive
information. This will help the referee to improve and should help your team, as the referee
will be sensitive to the particular point you have brought up, rather than being negative if
you approach in an accusing/condescending manner.
The coach should tell players to play to the rules NOT to the referee.
If a referee is not doing their job properly, do not turn your play into illegal play. You may
learn bad habits that will be penalised when a better referee is available.
All coaching sessions must be self refereed. Ensure all players stop play for illegal play. Skills
cannot be learnt properly if someone continually plays illegally or dangerously eg. paddle
too close to the opponent. The opponent cannot practise passing properly and the player
using the paddle illegally will be penalised in future games which could affect the result of
the game.
When a player is doing illegal play make sure they know the ruling by stopping play and
having a quick discussion.
Always ensure that the captain calls ' Three cheers for .............' This is good sporting
behaviour and gives a good example to other teams.
Remember enemies on the water can and should be friends off the water.
Recognise the referees efforts by adding ' and one for the refs' or thank the referee at a
later date. Remember they are helping you have an enjoyable game.
VIDEO USE
Techniques- paddling, throwing, turning, catching.
Game analysis- defence, offence, one on one, tackling hand/kayak, play under pressure,
shooting, goalkeeping, cycling.
Coach must be an analyser and observer.
Coach must be able to suggest correct changes to improve players.