Man-Up Offense in Youth Water Polo

If you’ve played water polo in the U.S., you’ve probably heard the whistle blow, someone gets excluded, and suddenly your coach yells: “Man-up!

But what does that really mean for youth players? Whether you’re 10U, 12U, or 14U, understanding what to do in a man-up situation (or any variation depending on how many players are in the water) is one of the most important offensive lessons you’ll learn.

At Waterpolo University, we believe that learning age-appropriate tactics is key. You can’t expect a 10-year-old to run a professional 6-on-5 system the way Olympians do. But you can teach the fundamentals of spacing, passing, and decision-making that set players up for success at every level.

In this article, we’ll break it down:

• What man-up situations look like for 10U, 12U, and 14U in the U.S.

• The main goals of man-up offense at each age

• Common mistakes players make (and how to avoid them)

• Drills and teaching points you can use right away

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for how to attack when you’ve got the numbers.

The Basics: What Is Man-Up?

When a player commits an exclusion foul (a “kick out”), their team plays with one fewer field player for 20 seconds. That creates a numerical advantage for the offense.

• In older divisions (16U, 18U, college, pros), this usually means a 6-on-5 situation (6 attackers vs 5 defenders).

• But in younger divisions (10U, 12U, 14U) in the U.S., where fewer players are in the water to begin with, it might look different:

  • 10U often plays 5-on-5 field players (plus goalies) → so a man-up becomes 5-on-4.

  • 12U typically plays 6-on-6 field players → so a man-up becomes 6-on-5 (like older levels).

  • 14U also plays 6-on-6 field players, so exclusions are again 6-on-5.

👉 The numbers matter — but the principles are the same: when you have more players, you must use space, move the ball quickly, and take advantage before the defense can recover.

Man-Up Offense for 10U (5-on-4 Situations)

Main Goal: Keep It Simple

At 10U, players are still learning body position, passing mechanics, and spacing. Running complicated rotations only confuses them. Instead, the focus should be on basic spacing and fast ball movement.

Setup

• Spread out in a box or “umbrella” formation.

• Keep one player near the post (close to goal) if possible.

• Use the extra player to create a passing lane or an open shot.

What to Do

1. Move the Ball Quickly: Don’t hold it too long — every second matters.

2. Look for the Open Player: The excluded defender means someone is free. Find them.

3. Take High-Percentage Shots: Don’t rush a bad angle; wait for a good lane.

4. Crash the Cage After Shot: Rebounds are huge at this age.

Common Mistakes at 10U

• Holding the ball too long.

• Everyone crowding the middle.

• Weak passes that give defenders time to recover.

Key Teaching Point

“When you’re up a player, pass faster, spread wider, and shoot smarter.”

Man-Up Offense for 12U (6-on-5 Situations)

Main Goal: Learn Structure

At 12U, players can start learning the basic 6-on-5 umbrella setup. This is the foundation for man-up offense at all higher levels.

Setup: The Umbrella

• 3 players along the top (perimeter).

• 2 players on the wings (near the posts).

• 1 player in the middle (2-meter or “post-up” player).

What to Do

1. Pass in a Rhythm: The ball should move every 1–2 seconds.

2. Center the Defense: Use the 2-meter player to occupy defenders.

3. Shoot from Best Angles: Wings and 5-position (lefty shooter side) are most dangerous.

4. Finish Quickly: Don’t waste the 20 seconds — take the shot within 10–12 seconds.

Common Mistakes at 12U

• Taking shots from the top too far out.

• Not moving the goalie before shooting.

• Forgetting to look inside at 2-meters.

Key Teaching Point

“Man-up is not about trick plays — it’s about simple ball movement that forces the defense to open up.”

Man-Up Offense for 14U (6-on-5 Situations)

Main Goal: Add Timing and Rotation

By 14U, players are strong enough and skilled enough to handle rotations and timing plays. They should learn not just to pass and shoot, but also to move into better positions during the man-up.

Setup: Umbrella with Rotation

• Start in standard umbrella.

• Add simple rotations:

  • If the ball goes to wing, opposite wing may cut toward the post.

  • Perimeter players can exchange positions to shift defenders.

What to Do

1. Force the Goalie to Move: Fake passes, skip passes, and quick ball movement make the goalie shift — opening better lanes.

2. Use the Extra Player Wisely: The free player should always be ready to shoot.

3. Attack in 3–4 Passes: Don’t overcomplicate; move the ball and shoot while defense is scrambling.

4. Crash for Rebounds: At 14U, goalies are good enough to block — rebounds decide games.

Common Mistakes at 14U

• Overpassing and running out of time.

• Players not rotating or just standing.

• Shooting too late (after defense has reset).

Key Teaching Point

“Man-up goals win games at 14U. Be disciplined, move with purpose, and finish strong.”

Drills for Man-Up Offense (All Ages)

1. Number Advantage Passing Drill

   • Play 4-on-3, 5-on-4, or 6-on-5 in a half pool.

   • Focus on fast passing and shooting within 10 seconds.

2. Quick Shot Drill

   • Give offense only 8–10 seconds to shoot.

   • Teaches urgency and decision-making.

3. Rebound Drill

   • After every man-up shot, offensive players must crash the cage.

   • Reinforces second-chance goals.

4. Freeze and Teach

   • Run a man-up, then freeze and show where the open player was.

   • Helps young players recognize spacing.

Why This Matters

Man-up offense is one of the biggest deciding factors in water polo games. Teams that convert exclusions win; teams that don’t, lose. At the youth level, it’s also a teaching opportunity:

• 10U learns spacing and passing.

• 12U learns structure and simple systems.

• 14U learns timing, rotations, and finishing discipline.

If players master these lessons early, they won’t just score more goals — they’ll also be prepared to compete at the highest levels later on.

Conclusion

Man-up situations (whether 5-on-4 at 10U or 6-on-5 at 12U and 14U) are not just special plays — they are opportunities to practice some of the most important offensive principles in water polo: spacing, quick ball movement, decision-making, and teamwork.

At Waterpolo University, our goal is to help every player understand not just what to do, but why to do it. When you learn man-up offense the right way, you’ll be ready to contribute to your team and unlock your full potential in the sport.

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