How to Receive the Ball in Water Polo and Keep It Dry

Introduction

In water polo, passing and receiving are the foundation of the game. Players love to shoot, drive, or play defense — but none of it works if you can’t handle the ball properly.

One of the first things every player must master is how to receive the ball in a pass and keep it dry. At younger ages (10U, 12U, 14U), many players struggle with sloppy catches, wet passes, or losing control. But at the higher levels, the difference is clear: the best players control the ball, the weaker players let the ball control them.

At Waterpolo University, we teach that receiving the ball is not just about catching — it’s about anticipation, positioning, balance, and control. In this article, we’ll go step by step through the exact mechanics of how to prepare, how to position your body, how to meet the ball, and how to stay in control.

Why Receiving the Ball Matters

Water polo is a passing game. A strong pass and clean catch keep the rhythm of the offense alive. A sloppy pass or missed catch breaks momentum, wastes the shot clock, and gives the defense confidence.

• A clean dry catch → allows for a quick shot or immediate pass.

• A wet or sloppy catch → slows the attack and lets defenders recover.

At higher levels, every possession matters. That’s why mastering how to receive the ball dry is one of the most valuable water polo skills a player can develop.

Step 1: Preparation Before the Pass

Most mistakes happen before the ball even arrives. If you’re not prepared, you’ll never have control.

a) Eggbeater Early

Start your eggbeater kick before the pass is thrown. Don’t wait until the ball is halfway to you. Strong eggbeater gives you balance, height, and stability to handle the ball cleanly.

b) Eyes on the Ball and Teammate

Always know where the ball is coming from. Look at your teammate’s body language, not just the ball. Anticipate when they’re about to pass.

c) Hands Ready

Your passing hand should already be out of the water, palm open, ready to receive. Think of it like giving your teammate a target.

Step 2: Positioning the Body

How you angle your body before receiving makes all the difference.

a) Face the Pass

Turn your body toward the ball. Don’t stay square to the goal if the pass is coming from the wing. Rotate your torso and hips toward the ball’s direction.

b) Legs Toward the Ball

If the ball is coming from your left, your legs rotate slightly left to stabilize. From the right, rotate right. Your legs act like the base of a tripod — always adjusting to absorb the pass.

c) Stable but Flexible

Don’t be stiff. You need balance, but also the ability to adjust to a pass that’s too high, too low, or slightly off target.

Step 3: Meeting the Ball

Many players wait for the ball to come to them. Great players go meet the ball.

a) Move Toward the Ball

Even if it’s a clean pass, reach slightly forward so the ball comes into your hand. This keeps you in control.

b) Soft Hand Catch

Absorb the pass with a soft hand, not a stiff palm. Think of cushioning the ball instead of slapping it.

c) Keep the Ball Dry

Lift the ball slightly on the catch. If your elbow is low or hand sloppy, water splashes and the ball sinks. By catching high and controlled, you keep the ball dry.

Step 4: Being in Control, Not the Ball

This is the golden rule: you control the ball, not the other way around.

• Bad players react to where the ball bounces.

• Good players position themselves so the ball ends exactly where they want it.

Tips for Control:

1. High Elbow → keep the elbow above the waterline.

2. Hand Over the Ball → not underneath, so you can immediately pass or shoot.

3. Absorb, Don’t Slap → control the momentum of the ball with your hand.

4. Quick Transition → after catching, be ready to pass or shoot instantly.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Starting Eggbeater Too Late

   • Fix: Always start before the pass is thrown. Stay in rhythm with your teammate.

2. Catching Flat-Handed

   • Fix: Use soft fingers, absorb the pass. Think like catching an egg without breaking it.

3. Ball Landing in Water

   • Fix: Hand over the ball, catch higher, engage legs for balance.

4. Not Turning Toward the Pass

   • Fix: Rotate torso and legs to face the ball before it arrives.

5. Waiting for the Ball

   • Fix: Move toward the ball every time.

Drills to Master Receiving and Keeping It Dry

Drill 1: Catch and Release

• Partner passes, you catch dry and immediately pass back.

• Focus on quick hand positioning and minimal water contact.

Drill 2: Moving Target

• Move laterally while partner passes.

• Adjust legs and torso each time to keep catches clean.

Drill 3: One-Hand Balance

• Eggbeater with one hand out for 30–60 seconds while catching balls.

• Builds stability and arm strength for clean dry catches.

Drill 4: Reaction Drill

• Partner throws passes high, low, left, right.

• Train to adjust legs and torso while keeping ball dry.

Drill 5: Catch to Shot

• Catch dry and immediately transition to a shot.

• Reinforces the idea of control and readiness.

Why This Matters for Young Players (10U, 12U, 14U)

At 10U, just holding the ball is progress. But if they start learning to keep it dry, their fundamentals skyrocket.
At 12U, players must consistently catch dry — otherwise the offense falls apart.
At 14U, catching dry isn’t optional anymore. College coaches notice instantly who controls the ball and who doesn’t.

The earlier this habit forms, the easier everything else becomes: shooting, passing, faking, driving.

Visualization and Awareness

Players should visualize game scenarios while practicing catches.

• Imagine a defender pressing you.

• Imagine needing to shoot within two seconds.

• Imagine a counterattack where one sloppy catch ruins the play.

Visualization connects the drill to the game — and makes the skill automatic.

Long-Term Benefits of Ball Control

1. Quicker Offense — Clean catches = faster passes, more goals.

2. Confidence Under Pressure — Strong control frustrates defenders.

3. Versatility — Better passing, faking, and shooting options.

4. Coach Trust — Coaches rely on players who never drop the ball.

Conclusion

Receiving the ball and keeping it dry might seem simple, but it’s one of the most important skills in water polo. It requires preparation, strong eggbeater, body positioning, moving toward the ball, and staying in control at all times.

Remember:

• Start eggbeater before the ball comes.

• Rotate legs and torso toward the ball.

• Meet the ball with soft hand control.

• Always be in control of the ball — don’t let it control you.

At Waterpolo University, we emphasize these details because they separate good players from great ones. If you can master this skill early, every other part of your game — shooting, passing, driving — will become easier and more effective.

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