Category: Positions
Type: Formation
STANDARD HOLE-MAN POSITION
The hole-man is often considered the quarterback of a water polo. The hole-man determines how the possession is going to be played out based on defensive set up on him and around the perimeter. The next couple of drills will focus on the skills needed to be an effective hole-man.
The standard hole-set position is approximately 2 to 3 meters away from the goal line and centered between the goal posts. The hole-man faces his/her team, looking away from the goal that he/she is attacking. The position in the water relative to the goal is ideal for any shooting situation. It gives you the maximum amount of angle to shoot against the goalie, and you are about as close as anyone can get to goal. If it weren’t for the hole-defense-man on your back pushing you away from the goal (and all of the physical abuse that goes with that) playing the hole-man position would be quite easy.
The proper body positioning for the hole-man is a semi-sitting/lying down position in the water. Your legs should be constantly kicking pushing you closer to the goal, but never violating the 2-meter rule (cannot be inside the 2 meter line without the ball). Your hips should be a little high in the water, but you should not be lying down in the water. Having your hips up a little higher, allows a little more leverage when kicking against your opponent and it also keeps his hands from conveniently grabbing your suit (ladies, you have no defense against the suit grab, sorry). Again, this sounds really easy, but the hole-defense-man on your back is doing the exact opposite, kicking his legs and pushing you away from the goal.
When you feel you have effectively established your position as the hole-man, you can now call for the ball. This often begins the offensive scheme that the coach wants to implement, based on the effectiveness of you as a hole-man. The field players will then give you a “wet pass” approximately an arms reach away, and the “fun” begins.
Submitted by: Coach Dave
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