There is a plan!

The long-term athlete development framework in water polo.

Why take 'lessons', when you can enter a program that develops your child over the medium to long term?

Wouldn't it be good to know that you child's sports skill development follows a plan, that carries through numerous years and levels.

Water Polo Canada (the national sporting organization) has published an athlete development plan. Although clubs don't follow the plan to the letter, this is a good indicaiton of what you can expect.

The plans are detailed according to following:

• General program objectives
• Motor skills development
• Guiding principles
• Technical skills - swimming
• Technical skills - game & ball handling
• Tactical game strategies
• Conditioning objectives
• Competitive outcomes

See the Long Term Athlete Development framework.

Water Polo’s Vision for Athlete Development

An interesting workshop at the WPC Summit meeting in September highlighted the Long Term Athlete Development plan which ties into the Renegades’ Athlete-centred, Coach-driven, Parent-supported program. View details from the workshop.

If you think you are starting too late (too old), don't worry. Your sports skills are transferable, and the programs are flexible.