SHAPE STANDARDS
Swimming and swimming safety is not required within the Shape Standards.
This unit is for those who need to meet state specific standards or want to teach additional content.

CASEL STANDARDS
Self-Awareness- Self-Confidence

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

 

Objective: Water polo scrimmage

Swimming Unit | Level 36

TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to do a water polo scrimmage. 

IMPORTANCE
Scrimmaging a game is important because it teaches the rules and procedures of a full game.

VOCABULARY
Scrimmage
: Engage in a simulated game.

When water polo scrimmaging, it is important to:

SET UP

  • Depending on your class size, you may have an additional game played in the shallow end of the pool or play with substitutes.
  • If two games are being played, provide a competitive and noncompetitive option.
  • Each team can have six teammates and a goalkeeper. The goalkeeper must stay behind the midline during the game but can attempt to shoot on goal.
  • Teams will begin each game on their goal line (edge of the pool) with the ball in the middle.

RULES

  • The GrowFit rules are a simple, modified version of regulation water polo. If a rule is not mentioned below we will not be following it.
  • The game will begin when the whistle is blown. Teams will have a chance to swim to the midline to gain possession of the ball.  
  • Once a team has possession of the ball, the ball can be moved by throwing it to another teammate using one hand or swimming with it in front of them.  
  • Teams can score a goal if the ball is thrown or pushed into the goal.
  • Defense must stand three feet or an arm’s length away from offense.
  • A foul occurs if:
    • The ball is held underwater.
    • The ball is touched with two hands.
    • If the goalkeeper goes past the midline.
    • If a teammate walks or pushes off the bottom of the pool.
    • Unsportsmanlike conduct such as pushing, shoving, dunking, or any other aggressive behaviors.
  • If a foul occurs, the opposing team will gain possession of the ball.
  • For any unsportsmanlike conduct, it is up to teacher/referee discretion to have the teammate sit out for a break or the remainder of the game.

PRACTICE

  1. I will divide the class into groups of 3-4. With your group, find an area of the pool to practice passing the ball. If everyone in your group is comfortable, you may practice in the deep end where you can tread water. When I say, "GO!" begin passing the ball around.
  2. Repeat as many times as needed. Have students assign a goalie that they can try to throw the ball past.

POOL MASTERS

pool masters.png

TIME
15-25 minutes

NUMBER OF STUDENTS
4-30 students per game

EQUIPMENT
2 water polo balls
2 short cones

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Pool Masters. In this game, the objective is to win the water polo scrimmage and be the pool masters.

INSTRUCTIONS

  • I will divide the class into teams of two.
  • I will select the first two teams to begin as the pool masters.
  • Before the game begins, the pool masters will tread water at the midline of the pool.
  • Everyone else will form a line at the edge of the pool.
  • When I say, "GO!" the first team in line will throw a ball out to the pool masters then swim out.  
  • Once the pool masters receive the ball, the game is open to a two-on-two play.
  • If the pool masters score first, they stay in the water.
  • If the opposing team scores first, they become the new pool masters and the losing team goes to the end of the line at the opposing edge of the pool.
 

Game 1: Play as indicated above. 
Exit Ticket: Have students describe three rules they learned in water polo before exiting the water.

 

TEACHING TIPS

  • Approach:
    • This game is intended to be played in a half-pool. If your class size is smaller, play with one whole group.  
    • Give students the option to be in a competitive or non-competitive group.
  • ELL Accommodation:
    • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
    • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
  • SpEd Accommodation:
    • Allow students extra time to respond.
    • Allow students to respond with the help of pictures, a peer helper, manipulatives, or teacher.
    • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
  • Reflection:
    • Describe one of the rules or procedures of the scrimmage.
    • How does effectively communicating with your teammates improve the game?

CONCH SHELL POLO

conch shell.png

TIME
15-25 minutes

NUMBER OF STUDENTS
10-20 students per game

EQUIPMENT
1 water polo ball
2 short cones

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Water Polo Scrimmage. In this game, the objective is to water polo scrimmage a one-on-one match when your number is called.

INSTRUCTIONS

  • I will divide the class into two teams. Each team will line up shoulder-to-shoulder on opposite ends of the deep end.
  • Before the game begins, I will assign each student a number. Teams will have corresponding numbers.
  • At the beginning of each round, I will call out one number.
  • When your number is called, swim to the center of the field and attack the ball.
  • If you get to the ball, attempt to score by throwing into the goal.
  • You cannot push, shove or dunk another student when attacking the ball.  
  • We will begin a new round when someone has scored a goal or the ball thrown out-of-bounds.
 

Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Allow teams to add goalies. Students have one chance to shoot on goal.
Exit Ticket:  Have students describe three rules they learned in water polo before exiting the water.

 

TEACHING TIPS

  • Approach:
    • Divide teams equally based on athletic ability. 
  • ELL Accommodation:
    • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
    • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
  • SpEd Accommodation:
    • Allow students extra time to respond.
    • Allow students to respond with the help of pictures, a peer helper, manipulatives, or teacher.
    • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
  • Reflection:
    • Describe one of the rules or procedures of the scrimmage.
    • How does effectively communicating with your teammates improve the game?

WATER POLO SCRIMMAGE

wata.png

TIME
20-30 minutes

NUMBER OF STUDENTS
8-20 students per game

EQUIPMENT
4 short cones
1 water polo ball

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing a Water Polo Scrimmage. In this game, the objective is to work with your team to score as many goals as possible in the water polo scrimmage.

INSTRUCTIONS

  • I will divide the class into teams of seven.  
  • Ro Sham Bo to decide who on your team will be the goalkeeper.
  • Before the game begins, line up on the edge of your team’s side.  
  • When I say, "GO!" I will throw a ball into the middle of the pool and both teams can swim out to try to gain possession of the ball.
  • You cannot dunk, shove or push another student.
  • If the ball goes out-of-bounds, the teacher will throw it in.
  • Defending students must remain 3–5 feet away from their goal.
  • If a goal is scored, the opposing team starts with the ball at the midline.
 

Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Exit Ticket: Have students describe three rules they learned in water polo before exiting the water.

 

TEACHING TIPS

  • Approach:
    • Divide teams eIf not all students are participating, enforce a rule stating that teams cannot score unless each teammate receives a pass.  
  • ELL Accommodation:
    • Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
    • Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
  • SpEd Accommodation:
    • Allow students extra time to respond.
    • Allow students to respond with the help of pictures, a peer helper, manipulatives, or teacher.
    • Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
  • Reflection:
    • Describe one of the rules or procedures of the scrimmage.
    • How does effectively communicating with your teammates improve the game?