BLOG #3 Making the Jump from Swim Team to Water Polo
If you’ve spent hours swimming laps and perfecting your freestyle, you already have a strong foundation for water polo. But while swimming and water polo share the same pool, the sports are surprisingly different. For many athletes, making the jump from swim team to water polo is both exciting and challenging but totally worth it.
Here’s what to expect and how to make the transition smooth and successful.
Key Differences from swimming & water polo team
1. Swimming isn’t everything although it helps a lot
Your swimming background gives a major advantage in endurance and body awareness in the water. Water polo involves a lot of stop-and-go movement, explosive sprints, and directional changes. You’ll also be swimming with your head above water most of the time to stay aware of the situation around you.
2. Vertical in the water
Instead of streamlining through the water, water polo players spend most of the game treading vertically using the eggbeater kick. This powerful motion lets you stay high in the water with hands free to pass, shoot, or block. It’s a new skill but one that swimmers usually pick up rather quickly.
3. Add a ball and the game changes
Forget lane lines and time trials. In water polo, you’re now passing, catching, and shooting a ball all while having to fend off defenders. Ball handling is a core skill, and it takes time to develop. Stick with it!
4. Contact is part of the game
Water polo is a physical, contact heavy sport. While it’s all within the rules, it can be surprising at first for athletes used to non-contact swimming. Learning how to become comfortable in the pool and protect the ball under pressure is a key part of growing your game.
Building New Skills
Making the transition means more than just changing your workout. It’s about learning a new sport IQ: reading the pool, anticipating plays, communicating with teammates, and reacting quickly under pressure. Former swimmers often become great water polo players because they combine athleticism with discipline which allows for major development as a player.
Get started with:
Eggbeater kick training
Ball skills drills (catching, passing, shooting)
Watching games to understand positioning and overall water polo strategy
Team Culture & Communication
One of the best parts of trying water polo is the team dynamic. Unlike the individual pace of swim races, water polo is a team sport through and through. You must rely on your teammates to help on defense, pass and score goals—and they will rely on you the same way. If you love the social aspect of team sports, you’ll find it in the water polo community.
Ready to Dive In?
If you’re thinking about making the switch to water polo, go for it! With a strong swim base, all you need is a willingness to learn, hustle, and have fun. The skills will develop with consistently showing up to train!
Remember that some point every great water polo player started as a beginner. Dive in, work hard, and enjoy the experience that the sport of water polo has to offer!
Interested in trying water polo?
Join us for a free trial practice or contact us to learn more about transitioning into water polo!
If you have any questions, please reach us at southfloridawpc@gmail.com
