Redwood Empire Water Polo
Santa Rosa, CA Sonoma County

 

Two-meter drill for beating the double team
by Mike Schofield, US Naval Acedemy


The Two-Meter Drill

A lot of coaches have been busy this fall trying to figure out the best way to take advantage of the new two-point rule. One aspect of the game that I see changing is the way defenses are trying to stop a dominating two-meter player. Teams are reluctant to run a full drop or zone defense because of the two-pointer. We are relying more on a "crash-type" of double team where the nearest perimeter defender will double team two-meters when the ball is passed in. Sometimes we will designate one outstanding shooter that we don't leave under any circumstances. Simply put, we want to pressure all of the ouside shooters until the ball goes to set, then crash. One drill we are using more than ever is a five-man drill that I borrowed from Pete Cutino and Steve Heaston. Steve utilized this drill quite a bit this summer with the World University Games Team. Here is how it works:

1 Outside shooter sets up around seven to eight meters. Pass under pressure to set, follow the crash and look for shot.
2 Perimeter defender plays shooter one-on-one and pressures passer then crashes two-meter and recovers out to shooter.
3 Two-meter defender fouls two-meter player when ball comes to set, then shot blocks.
4 Two-meter player absorbs foul and releases quickly to shooter.
5 Goalie - Block ball.



Coaching the Drill

  • Make the drill as realistic as possible. If the ouside shooter is left open, he/she should try to score rather than force a pass to set. Be sure to follow the crasher in for a better shot.
  • Emphasize to the perimeter defender the importance of pressuring the pass, helping at set, and recovering to attack the shooter. Stress the ability to cover space quickly.
  • Insist that your two-meter players absorb the foul without losing the ball or his position, and that he release the ball to the shooter accurately and quickly. Fundamentals are key!
  • Have the two-meter defender play sound defense and make the two-meter player work. Stress communication with teammates and shot blocking.
  • The goalie must direct his defenders and help them with positioning.
You can rotate the players in the drill every four or five shots. If your team is big and space is limited, you can put two groups of four at each goal and alternate. Just have a two-meter man on each goal post. If you can whistle two-meter fouls, that is good, but you can run the drill without it. After 15-20 minutes, moving to a 6-on-6 or some type of game situation wil help solidify the concepts used during the drill.

 
This site is under copyright assignment. Any unauthorized use is a violation of the law