Water Polo Cutoffs: The Simple In-Game Correction That Draws More Exclusions (Ejections)

Most players think drawing exclusions (ejections) is about being bigger, stronger, or “selling” contact. But there’s a much simpler correction you can make in your own game—something you can apply immediately, even if you’re tired, even if you’re not the fastest swimmer on the team.

It’s called cutoffs.

And the easiest way to understand it is with a car example.

The “Car Cutoff” Idea (Why It Works)

Imagine you’re driving and someone cuts into your lane. What happens?

You have to slow down, adjust, or stop—because if you don’t, you crash.

That’s exactly what a cutoff does in water polo.

When you and a defender are swimming in the same direction, side-by-side, the defender feels comfortable. They can match your speed, lean on you a little, and keep you from getting clean water. But the moment you cut into their line, you force an emergency decision. And emergency decisions create fouls, mistakes, and advantages.

What a Cutoff Is (Simple Definition)

A cutoff is when you are next to a defender in the same line of swimming, and you explode into their path so they have to stop, slow, or change direction.

You’re not “crashing” into them. You’re not trying to wrestle. You’re simply taking the line they want.

When to Use It

Use cutoffs anytime:

• You and the defender are swimming next to each other (same direction)

• You’re transitioning

This is especially effective when you’re just outside the ball-side lane or when you’re about to enter a dangerous area (inside water, near the post, or into a passing lane).

How to Do It (The 3-Step Execution)

Keep this simple and repeatable.

1) Get next to them on the same line

You’re shoulder-to-shoulder or slightly behind—close enough that your movement affects them.

2) Two explosive strokes into their line

This is the entire move.

Two hard strokes across their path. Not five. Not a slow drift. It must be decisive.

Think: “I’m taking your lane.”

3) Try to Fake that they are holding you/keep swimming through clean water

When you enter their line, try to make two fast strokes at the same spot like they are holding you -- WHY? Because if they keep their hands under the water and you do that, the referee is REQUIRED to call an ejeciton on them. -- But when you do that don't look at the referee and wait for the call. Don’t pause to “check” if it worked. Don’t look for the call. Your job is to continue your line and let the defender react.

That reaction is where the advantage comes from.

The Defender Only Has Two Real Reactions (Both Are Good for You)

Reaction #1: They keep hands underwater

This is the most common response—especially from defenders who are already tired or frustrated.

They get cut off, they feel you in front, and they grab, tug, hold, or push to keep you from leaving.

If their hands are underwater while you’re trying to swim through, referees are required to call an exclusion. Why? Because you’re moving into space and they’re using illegal contact to stop movement.

Your cutoff forces the moment where the foul becomes obvious.

Reaction #2: They throw hands up to show they’re not holding

Some defenders are smarter (or they’re already on a warning). So instead of grabbing, they pop both hands up like: “I’m not touching!”

This looks clean… but it creates a new problem for them:

When defenders lift their hands, they usually drop their hips.

And when their hips drop:

• their legs sink

• their body gets longer and flatter

• they lose power and acceleration

• they lose the ability to stay tight on your shoulder

Now you have what I call a body-length advantage.

If you continue swimming after the cutoff, you’re in front with leverage, and they’re chasing from a weaker position. Even if you don’t get an exclusion, you’ve created separation and you’ve moved the defender into a losing posture.

Either way: you win.

Why Cutoffs Are “No-Risk” (And That’s Why You Should Spam Them)

Here’s the best part: there’s almost no downside.

This isn’t like forcing a shot and missing.
This isn’t like throwing a risky pass and giving up a counter.
This isn’t like wasting the shot clock.

A cutoff is a movement correction.

If it works, you get:

• an exclusion

• a clean lane

• better position

• a tired defender

• a clear advantage for your team

If it doesn’t “work,” you still get:

• improved line

• better water

• more pressure on the defender

• more fatigue on them over time

In other words, it’s a bonus play. It adds value without stealing possessions.

“But I’m Tired” (The Mindset That Makes This Deadly)

A lot of athletes don’t do cutoffs consistently because they think:
“I’m too tired to explode.”

Here’s the truth:
If you’re tired, your opponent is tired too.

So the real question becomes:
Who can give more for two strokes?

You don’t need a 15-meter sprint. You need two explosive strokes at the right moment.

That’s willpower, not conditioning.

And it’s exactly why cutoffs separate average players from players who constantly create exclusions: they’re willing to win small moments over and over.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Drifting instead of cutting
   If you slide slowly into their lane, they adjust easily. You need a SHARP change.

2. Too many strokes
   Two is enough. When you overdo it, you lose timing and you swim into traffic.

3. Stopping to look for the call
   Keep going. Referees reward continuous movement. Also: even without a call, you’ll gain position.

4. Doing it when you’re not side-by-side
   If you’re far behind, it becomes chasing. Cutoffs work best when you’re already close.

A Simple Challenge for Your Next Game

In your next match, set a small goal:

Try 5 cutoffs in transition.

Not 50. Just 5.

After the game, ask yourself:

• Did I force any holds?

• Did I make the defender lift hands?

• Did I win cleaner water?

• Did I arrive earlier to space?

If you do this consistently, you’ll notice something quickly:
you start creating exclusions as a part of your regular game.

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