Category: Shooting
Type: Tip
GRABBING THE BALL
In past tips we have been talking about passing and shooting the ball. But there is one thing that has yet to be discussed. Grabbing the ball. There is actually a proper way to grab and hold on to the ball, and that is what this tip will discuss.
Your hand has to be as wide open as you can make it. When I grab the ball, my thumb and pinky are in a straight line with each other. That is good, because the thumb and pinky are the only two fingers that actually grab the ball. Older players can, in fact, pick up a water polo ball with just their thumb and pinky, if their hand is spread out wide enough.
The other three fingers on the ball are used for control. With the three fingers evenly spaced apart, this greatly helps with the accuracy of the hard, straight shot. This finger configuration should also be used for all passing. The way you adjust the fingers adjusts the balls power slightly and makes the ball curve in the air after it is thrown.
The index and ring fingers are the base fingers for control. These fingers do not move around on the ball. The middle finger, however, controls the ball’s movement in the air after it is thrown. Moving the middle finger to side of your ring finger and rotating your wrist toward your pinky while shooting will make the ball to curve from right to left (if you are a right-handed shooter) or into your body. Moving your middle finger to the side of your index finger and rotating your wrist toward your thumb while shooting will result in a “screwball” (the opposite of a curve ball). A screwball makes the ball curve from your left to right (if you are a right-handed shooter) or away from your body.
Beginning players should not mess around with throwing curveballs and screwballs. Those should be left alone until they get more experience playing. Besides, when you are a young player, just getting the ball to go where you want it is tough enough.
That is all for now, but stay tuned, because there are more tips coming your way in the future. Play hard, and shoot for the corners.
Submitted by: Coach Dave
|
|
|
