How to have better fakes in water polo?

Fake in water polo is using to fake a goalie that you are going to shoot. Faking in water polo is one of the most powerful tools an offensive player can develop. Whether you play as a wing, driver, point, or center, knowing how to fake properly helps you keep the goalie guessing, freeze defenders, and create high-percentage scoring opportunities. However, many younger players—especially those around the age of 14—struggle with how and when to fake. In this blog, we’ll break down what a fake is, why it matters, how to train it, and how your overall game (including your shoulder mobility from band exercises) ties into mastering better fakes.

Why Faking Matters in Water Polo Water polo is a fast, physical sport that relies heavily on deception. Just like in basketball or soccer, the best offensive players are those who can trick their defender into thinking they’re doing one thing and then do another. A strong fake makes your actual shot, pass, or drive more effective because defenders react to what they think is coming.

For example, a solid shoulder fake from position 4 can pull the goalie to one side of the cage, opening a clear shot into the opposite corner. Or a head fake at the wing can freeze the defender long enough to drive into better position. Simply put: fakes create time, space, and scoring opportunities.

What Is a Fake? In water polo, a fake is any movement—usually with your upper body—that suggests you're about to shoot or pass but don't. Common fakes include:

• Pump fakes (shoulder and wrist motion)

• Head fakes (turning or lifting your head quickly)

• Body fakes (leaning or twisting as if about to shoot)

A good fake is quick, convincing, and sets up your real action.

Common Mistakes Young Players Make with Faking Players aged 12–14 often make the following mistakes:

1. Faking too much without purpose – This tires your arm and tells defenders you’re not actually going to shoot.

2. Faking too slowly – Real fakes should be sharp and quick.

3. Using only one type of fake – Mixing pump fakes with head or body movement is more convincing.

4. Not selling the fake – If it’s not believable, it’s not effective. You need to make yourself believe that you are going to shoot.

5. Poor body positioning – If you’re not in a strong shooting position, the fake has no threat.

How to Fake Better at 14 Years Old If you’re just starting to learn how to fake, keep these principles in mind:

1. Start in a strong base position – Legs sculled wide, hips up, ball high, and your body ready to shoot.

2. Use short, snappy fakes – Two or three strong pump fakes are more effective than seven weak ones.

3. Mix up the timing – Fake once, then pause. Fake twice quickly, then shoot. Don’t be predictable.

4. Add head and shoulder movement – Make your whole upper body look like it’s committing to the shot.

5. Know your angle – From the wing (positions 1 or 5), aim to fake the cross-cage shot before going near post. From point (position 3), fake the lob to open a skip shot.

Position-Based Faking Tips

• Wings (1 and 5): Use fast pump fakes to freeze the goalie, then drive or shoot near post.

• Drivers (2 and 4): Fake before passing or driving; it makes your defender hesitate.

• Point (3): You have the most visibility. Use shoulder fakes and change your body angle to create open shots or pass lanes.

• Center: Fakes aren’t used as much here, but you can fake a turn or reposition to force your defender off balance.

How Band Exercises Help You Fake Better Your ability to fake well depends heavily on your shoulder strength and flexibility. At Waterpolo University, we always emphasize dryland training—especially resistance band exercises—for players of all ages. For 14-year-olds still developing physically, band exercises help:

• Improve shoulder mobility for bigger, looser fakes

• Increase wrist snap for more realistic pump fakes

• Strengthen scapular control for body fakes

• Build core control, which helps your balance while faking and shooting

You should be doing these exercises every day if you want to become a stronger, smarter player. Fakes aren't just about tricking people — they're about controlling your body well enough to sell the trick.

Practice Drills for Better Fakes

1. 3-Fake 1-Shoot Drill: Do three convincing fakes, then a real shot. Helps with timing and composure.

2. Fake + Drive Drill: Fake, then drive toward goal. Your defender will hesitate and give you a step.

3. 1-on-1 with Fake Start: Start every 1-on-1 with a fake. Forces you to integrate it into real game situations.

4. Partner React Drill: Partner reacts to your fake; if they bite, shoot. If not, fake again.

Mental Side of Faking Confidence is everything. If you hesitate or doubt your fake, so will your defender. Believe in your fake the same way you’d believe in your shot. Your body language sells it, and so does your focus. Again, you need to make yourself that you are going to shoot.

Also remember: faking isn’t about showing off. It’s about manipulating space, timing, and the mind of your opponent.

Final Thoughts Mastering fakes in water polo is a skill that takes time and repetition, but it’s a game-changer when done right. For 14-year-olds just stepping into more competitive levels, learning how to fake with purpose—not just motion—is key to growing into an elite offensive player.

Focus on your body position, add variety to your fakes, and build shoulder strength and flexibility through daily band exercises. With time, practice, and confidence, you’ll be able to keep goalies guessing and defenders reacting instead of attacking.

Train smart. Fake smarter. And as always — keep moving forward.

Want help mastering your fakes? Check out our daily band exercise program and our new offensive positioning course at https://www.waterpolouniversity.com/band-exercices/buy