Redwood Empire Water Polo
Santa Rosa, CA Sonoma County

Setting a centre-forward

• Most teams try to get a fastbreak opportunity first. When this doesn’t occur, a centre-forward is set up so that other opportunities can be made.
• Centre–forwards normally set up in the middle of the cage at about 2m out. There is an argument for the CF these days to set up on one of the posts.
• Once set, the centre-forward has a number of options. A shot if there is an advantage over the guard. Getting the guard ejected over heavy fouling, thus giving the team a powerplay opportunity. Getting an ordinary foul so that the team can set up a set play (drive, pick, screen) to make an opportunity. Or getting the right pass to the open outside power shooter.
• Defending teams are allowed a lot of freedom these days to crash (double-team) the centre-forward, thus creating a turnover opportunity. The following drill can help teams beat this crashing technique.
  

BEATING THE DOUBLE TEAM (source Rich Corso)
Identify if there is an outstanding shooter who is not left under any circumstances. Put pressure on all of the outside shooters until the ball goes to the cf, then double-team.

1. Outside shooter sets up around seven to eight meters. Pass under pressure to cf, follow the double-team and look for a shot.
2. Perimeter defender plays shooter one-on-one and pressures passer then double-teams cf and recovers out to shooter.
3. Two-meter defender fouls cf when ball comes to, then blocks shot.
4. CF 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 should try to score rather than force a pass to the cf. Be sure to follow the double-teamer in for a better shot.
• Emphasize to the perimeter defender the importance of pressuring the pass, helping at cb, and recovering to attack the shooter. Stress the ability to cover space quickly.
• Insist that your cf players absorb the foul without losing the ball or position, and that he releases the ball to the shooter accurately and quickly.
• Fundamentals are key!
• Have the cb play sound defense and make the cf work. Stress communication with teammates and shot blocking.
• The goalie must direct his defenders and help them with positioning.
• 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 cf 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 will help solidify the concepts used during the drill.