There are only two real reasons to use fakes in water polo:

1. To trick the goalie into thinking you’re about to shoot.

2. To move closer to the cage so you can finish at a higher percentage.

From ages 10 to 14, the focus should be on the second reason — sliding. At this stage, players need to learn how to close distance to the cage with control and balance. The technique for sliding forward has already been explained: start in shooting position, use a strong breaststroke kick, and reset quickly into your shot pocket.

If you do decide to fake the goalie, the golden rule is this: your fake must look exactly like your shot. The more believable the motion, the more effective the fake. If your goal is to move closer while faking, then you need to combine both — forward slide + shooting motion.

For young players (10–14), however, the priority is clear: don’t overuse fakes. Build your game around slides first, so you can consistently attack from better angles and higher-percentage positions. Once that foundation is in place, fakes can be layered on top to make you unpredictable and dangerous.