points of note.

alright team. here goes: a compilation written by chen ting an :D

here is a list of the important points to note(for myself, as well as for you if you have forgotten):

job of a zoner

• push opponents out of shooting position/out to the side(for side zoners)/out at the back(for middle zoners) without charging keeper
• question: what is the point of cramming the opponents together? what does it do? does it restrict their movements so that they cannot pass to wherever they want at will?

job of a chaser

• letting in one opponent or 2 for zoners to deal with is fine. prevent overloading by pushing opponents out of shooting zone
• when an opponent is left outside with the ball, chaser can try to pressure and chase for ball

passing

• when someone is near you, do a fast pass. it is difficult for opponent to block a ball that is travelling so near them(especially when their hands are primarily on their paddles to block high passes) --> this is from the handout hengfoo gave out
• when opponent is not so near you, you can pass a high ball but pass it high enough to evade their paddles
• when someone is too far away, do not do a high pass as there will be enough time for opponent to travel to where the ball is going to land and chances are that he will succeed in interception. try to pass to someone nearer, row to a more suitable position and call for ball back
• have a formed idea in your mind already, before you pass. this is to ensure you do not fumble when you get the ball, and not know whom to pass to(very easy to lose the ball). everyone must be very alert and aware of the game

dribbling

• pick ball from under
• first sweep after throwing the ball should be on the side where the ball is
• place paddle on bow(not horizontally across cockpit) when getting ball(this can apply during cross passing as well)

rolls

• head last to come up
• hip flick, must be able to rock the boat while lying on it
• paddle not too close to face(for paddle roll)
• must be comfortable under water
• prepare yourself before coming up, don't be too eager

these are either from the handout hengfoo gave or the tips that i have asked from people. i am not sure if they are entirely correct. please give some comments ok? (the tagboard is there for a reason).

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to recap somemore: once the boat bounces off your bow/stern/boat(in general), it's GONE. those other sch guys are gonna get it man. they are PRO/STRONG MEN okay. haha. so must make sure we do simple/hand-to-hand passes!!!

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Game play!
Defence
[1-3-1 defence formation]
Zoners

• maintain position! don't drift/"cross into" other zoners' territory
• not impossible to push opponent(no matter how heavy/strong). just PUSH EARLIER, don't wait until opponent approaches! or you'll be easily pushed by him instead & he can then get into any position he prefers
• Boat has a LENGTH. don't just use front of boat to push. sweeping can be used to change opponent's direction(using your whole boat to push); back paddling can be used to push opponent out(using stern)
• If you play more, you will know more about boat movement and will be more familiar with how to counter every attacker's invasion to zone. you can then push "with strategy".
• ultimate role of zoner: to prevent/push opponent from shooting position!!

Chaser

• Stop opponents from overloading one side
• you just gotta watch hengfoo demo. lol. --> fast, alert, (the game's never relaxed!!! you can see how hard hengfoo's trying everytime)you take care of one you rush to take care of another. NEVER let them have the chance to pass the ball properly

Attack

• Watch your passing! --> simple, hand-to-hand passes
• once you know you are doing nothing inside, i.e. getting crammed, just parking inside -- no communication with teammates, being pushed in undesired directions etc; GET OUT IMMEDIATELY to support other teammates who will drive in!
• Always lookout for ball. don't drive in without a purpose!
• only call for ball if you are certain teammate is able to pass to you + you are able to catch + if it is a safe/useful move(i.e. no defenders in between you)
• don't always try to shoot. if you see many paddles in front of you, pass OUT! & then create more opportunities to shoot
• try not to pass to a teammate that is being marked & opponent is in between --> high chance of interception
• always keep moving so as to create open space for passing
• picnic situation! not useful to the team to park there. move around!

--> man-marking

(look at hengfoo's magnetic boats. haha)

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hengfoo's recent reminder: only shoot when it is a one-on-one situation!

that's all. many loves, tingan. enjoy.

PT meditation session

Well, today was PT and hengfoo had this interesting meditation+reflection session with us. So i think i'll update about it? as much as i can remember. (will not mention whose faults or whatever lah)

Faults

• when you are being closely followed/cornered by opponents and find no chance to pass the ball albeit your teammates' incessant callings for the ball, you give an any-old-how pass.
• solution: rather than risking a pass(and risking a fast break), shield the ball(must be confident with rolls lest they handtackle you). if the ball goes out, at least you and your teammates still have the time to rush back to zone.
• charging own keeper
• solution: improve boat skills/control
• turning wrongly and allowing opponent to slide into zone
• solution: remember the FUNDAMENTALS of zoning!(will update soon!)
• (sorry... i cannot remember anymore... :( please tell me over msn or something and i will update! this is for the benefit of everyone okay :D)

Satisfactory performance :)

• can do paddle roll le :D JIAYOU. mastering a boat skill is something really very satisfying. :)
• can drive in efficiently & manage to get into shooting position - continue the hard and SMART work :)
• can remember to come out of zone to support once realising that staying inside is useless - game sense improved! :)
• can effectively push out opponents as a zoner le. :D

HAI. i really really really cannot remember! so pls update me yeah haha.

okay now i am going to import more canoe polo tips that i had typed previously in my own blog. now sharing with everyone. :) hope they help.

Polo For Thought

Hey babes,

Always remember the positive things you've done in canoe polo and the negative things. By remembering the positive things, you will continue to perform them in canoe polo and improve your play. By remembering the negative things, you will learn from your mistakes and similarly improve your game.

Work hard! ^_^

SP Friendlies Pictures

Hello. These are the photos taken at our friendly match at SP on 29 march!



Hi! We are from canoe polo!

Hao the keeper!

Our goal!

Lian Han looking for a pass.

Wee Chye chasing for ball.


A shot from the opponent!


Tan Kuan takes a shot...


Effective ball bracing


Save the damsel in distress!


waiting for....?


listening to our coach HengFoo


rush back to zone!


Je Hon feels the pressure of the competition


Debriefing...

Thanks Han Siang and Wan Yu for helping us take all the photos, and Wan Yu for uploading all the photos for us. =)

SP friendlies (29/3)

Take note that I was not there until the last match. So if you've got more stuff to contribute, please tag and I will add your point =D

Singapore Polytechnic Friendly Matches
学んだこと(mananda koto-- things learnt)

1. Once a teammate is attempting to shoot, the rest of the teammates must prepare to rush back to zone!
2. Change of possession--> just ONE player stay to chase for ball. Rest of the players must go back quickly to zone (Hao rushed back to keep today but the zone seemed undefined/non-existent)
3. Above 2 points mentioned: to prevent fastbreak situations. Two kinds of fastbreak situations: 1. When opponent dribbles ball towards zone. 2. When opponent sprints to zone and anticipates a pass from teammate.
4. For #1: Nearest player rush back, try to catch up. Keep jostling him, get beside him and handtackle. Rest of the teammates must rush back already as well! Turn your boat and go back. Do not BACKPADDLE: less easy for you to become as fast as attacker, even less easy for you to stop him or whatever you want to do. -.-
5. #2: Come back to zone QUICKLY. Before the long pass between attackers takes place. By placing ourselves between the attackers they can pass less easily. Quickly go back to form defence formation.
6. It doesn't really matter if there is a player who is open inside the zone as long as you know he really cannot cannot cannot recieve any pass from his teammates. This kind of opponent no need to care :D if he can't get out himself it's his own problem. Then they'll have one man down le. (that's why after we know we are doing nothing inside, must get out immediately to support teammates who will drive in) but can't intentionally trap him i think...? (will someone please verify this)
7. Know very well beforehand who to pass to so you can pass early
8. Passing early: Don't spend too much time pondering/contemplating about who to pass to. This lures the opponents towards you and it will be very easy for him to use his paddle to block your passes then unless you throw at a really really steep angle(not easy)

Lots and lots more points to take note, but this shall suffice for today. The rest: maybe later or tomorrow. hahaha.

Boys, have a good rest. Drink more soyabean :D You look cool in rashguards!

But you still have to pass up your indemnity forms to me okay. :@

opening post

<訓練の大切な点>
(important points in training)

Polo Discipline/Attitude matters

1. Listen to hengfoo whenever he's trying to tell us something
2. Don't just keep trying out own stuff--> will miss out on hengfoo's words
3. Most important: gameplay! Personal skills can be picked up along the way
4. Concentrate on observing good points of other teams, don't just always want to go down the waters to have fun
5. To improve, it is inevitable that we must force/push ourselves to do stuff we don't like
6. Training is not just about playing & having fun, or we will never improve and be as good as other teams

why do we start with discipline/attitude stuff and not game play? please remember, that in canoe polo, skills/strength etc are secondary. your GAME & LEARNING ATTITUDE is essential!