10 Things You Should Never Do in Water Polo

Water polo is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports in the world. Players are constantly balancing endurance, skill, discipline, and teamwork. But sometimes, what not to do is just as important as what to do. Small mistakes can cost games, create rifts within a team, or hold back an athlete’s development.

In this article, we’ll break down the 10 things you should never do in water polo, why they matter, and how avoiding them can transform you into a stronger, smarter, and more respected player.

1. Never Speak to Referees During the Game

Referees are there to enforce the rules and keep the game fair. But in water polo, arguing with a referee is not only pointless — it’s dangerous for your team.

When you talk back to the referee:

• You risk a major foul or even an ejection.

• You lose focus on the game.

• You show weakness and frustration to the other team.

The golden rule is this: control what you can control. You cannot control the referee’s calls, but you can control your reaction. Instead of wasting energy complaining, redirect that energy into swimming harder, defending tougher, or organizing your offense.

Champions never let a whistle dictate their mindset.

2. Never Speak Negatively to Your Teammates During the Game

In the heat of competition, emotions run high. Maybe a teammate misses a pass, fails to defend properly, or takes a bad shot. But speaking negatively — yelling, blaming, or showing anger — destroys team chemistry.

Negative words can:

• Lower your teammate’s confidence.

• Create division and resentment in the team.

• Distract everyone from the bigger goal: winning.

• Make your team look bad and not cohesive

Instead, use constructive communication:

• “I’ve got your help on defense.”

• “Keep shooting, you’ll get the next one.”

• "Good try, let's get back on defense'

Time for CONSTRUCTIVE feedback is AFTER the game, or during the practice (the best option). Practice is there to help you try new things and communicate what kind of passes/shots/defensive components you prefer.

Water polo is a team sport. Every player must feel supported. Even the best teams lose if the communication turns toxic.

3. Never Blame Others — Always Take Responsibility

Great athletes understand that accountability is power. Blaming others may protect your ego for a moment, but it prevents growth.

When you take responsibility:

• You identify where you can improve.

• You set the tone for leadership.

• You inspire teammates to also own their mistakes.

For example: if your pass was stolen, don’t just blame the receiver. Ask yourself:

• Was the pass too late?

• Did I telegraph it?

• Could I have faked before throwing?

By taking responsibility, you stay in control of your improvement. Blaming others makes you powerless.

4. Never Allow Yourself to Be Scored on in a One-on-One Duel

One-on-one duels define games. When it’s you versus your opponent, everything comes down to discipline, toughness, and mindset.

Being scored on in these moments doesn’t just affect the scoreboard — it affects your team’s morale. If your teammates see you consistently losing one-on-one battles, they lose trust.

How to avoid this:

• Position first: Always keep your hips high and between your opponent and the goal.

• Anticipate: Read the player’s body movement, not the ball.

• Mindset: Enter every duel with the belief: “This attacker will not beat me.”

Winning one-on-one duels sends a clear message: you are reliable, and your team can count on you.

5. Never Make an Ejection in the Opponent’s Half

This mistake is common among younger players: committing a foul or major penalty in the opponent’s half of the pool. Why is this so costly?

• It puts your team in an immediate man-down situation.

• It wastes energy you’ll need on defense.

• It gives your opponent momentum and confidence.

• They are not dangerous in their half

Smart players know when to apply pressure and when to control themselves. Fouling in the opponent’s half shows lack of awareness. Elite athletes stay disciplined and avoid unnecessary risks.

6. Never Guard Water — Always Defend With Purpose

In water polo, “guarding water” means floating in position without truly defending anyone. It’s one of the most common mistakes coaches hate to see.

Why is it a problem?

• You’re not helping the team.

• The offense gains an easy advantage.

• You’re wasting energy with no impact.

Instead, every defensive moment must have purpose:

• Press your opponent.

• Block passing lanes.

• Help against the center if needed.

Defense is about activity and intention, not just being present. If you’re in the water, your job is to influence the play.

7. Never Stay in the Same Spot More Than 3 Seconds in Offense

Water polo offense requires constant motion. When you stay in one spot too long:

• You make it easier for the defense to guard you.

• You limit passing options for your teammates.

• You break the flow of the attack.

Great offenses are built on movement, picks, drives, and rotations. Moving every 2–3 seconds keeps defenders busy and creates opportunities.

The rule is simple: if you’re not actively doing something after 3 seconds, reposition.

8. Never Watch the Other Team During Warm-Up

Warm-ups are sacred time. They prepare you mentally and physically. But many young players waste this time watching their opponents, comparing, or even feeling intimidated.

When you watch the other team:

• You give them psychological power over you.

• You lose focus on your own preparation.

• You let doubt creep in before the first whistle.

Instead:

• Focus on your breathing, strokes, and shooting form.

• Visualize your role in the game.

• Build confidence by sharpening your strengths.

The warm-up is your chance to show discipline. Champions don’t get distracted — they get ready.

9. Never Eat Within One Hour Before the Game

Nutrition is often overlooked in water polo. Eating right before a game is a classic mistake that hurts performance.

Why avoid food within one hour?

• Digestion requires blood flow, which takes energy away from your muscles.

• You’ll feel heavy, sluggish, or even nauseous in the water.

• Your reaction time and stamina will drop.

Instead, follow this guideline:

• 3–4 hours before: Eat a balanced meal (carbs + protein).

• 1.5–2 hours before: Have a light snack (banana, energy bar).

• During the game: Stick to hydration and electrolytes.

Fuel correctly, and your body will respond when it matters most.

10. Never Give Up

The most important rule of all: never give up.

Water polo is brutal. You will get hit, pulled, fouled, and exhausted. There will be times when you’re down on the scoreboard or when mistakes pile up. But the athletes who refuse to quit are the ones who make history.

Giving up isn’t just about losing the game — it’s about losing trust in yourself. If you push through every challenge, you’ll develop resilience that carries into every part of life.

Remember: your team, your coaches, and your younger teammates are watching. Set the standard. Be the player who never gives up.

Bringing It All Together

These 10 rules may seem simple, but they represent the foundation of discipline in water polo. They separate players who remain average from those who rise to elite levels.

• Don’t talk back to referees.

• Lift your teammates, never tear them down.

• Take responsibility, not excuses.

• Win your one-on-one battles.

• Stay disciplined in the opponent’s half.

• Defend with purpose.

• Keep the offense moving.

• Focus during warm-up.

• Fuel your body right.

• Never give up.

Every time you jump in the pool, ask yourself: Am I following these rules?

If you commit to them, you’ll grow not just as a player, but as a leader — the kind of athlete every coach wants and every team needs.

Want to Go Deeper?

Each of these rules has layers of strategy, psychology, and training methods behind it. At Waterpolo University, we break them down step by step:

• Why they matter in elite competition.

• How to practice them with specific drills.

• How to develop the mental toughness to apply them under pressure.

• Take course

Don’t just play water polo. Play it the right way.

For Clubs & Teams

If you’re a coach or club director, we have club licenses so your whole team can get access:

• One login system for all your athletes

• All fundamental courses (eggbeater, hips up, body position, passing, defense, spacing, dryland, warm-up, self-analysis and more courses) in one place

• You can use the lessons as “homework” between practices or as a structured part of your training plan

• New videos and courses added every week

If you’re interested in a club license, reach out and we’ll find the best option for your roster size and level.

For Individual Athletes & Families

If you’re an individual player or parent, you can join with a personal membership:

• Full access to the beginner fundamentals

• New videos and courses added every week

• Learn at your own pace and rewatch any lesson as many times as you want

• Part of Water Polo Community where we post weekly updates

Choose what fits you best – club access if you want your whole team on the same page, or an individual membership if you want to start improving on your own right away.