The Arc

• Sport
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• BTEC

Arc Setup & Positions in Water Polo

What is the arc? Why are we learning about this?

The arc is the formation we use when moving up and down the pool.

By staying in these positions, we give each other space and a better chance to score goals.

The Positions

2M

5M

2M

5M

Right Wing

1

2.

Right Driver

(Right-hand side)

2

-Center Back 

-Top of the Arc

3

Left Driver 

(Left-hand side)

4

Left Wing

5

-Center Forward

-Hole Man

6

Click me

What's my Job?

2M

5M

2M

5M

Right Wing

1

Left Wing

5

The wing players occupy positions on the sides of the pool, getting as close to the 2 meter line as possible. By moving closer to the goal line, these players can create scoring opportunities by making passes to the hole man or to the drivers.

What's my Job?

2M

5M

2M

5M

2.

Right Driver

(Right-hand side)

2

Left Driver 

(Left-hand side)

4

Drivers are positioned 5-6 meters away from the goal typically in line with the goal posts. Their main objective is to help facilitate the offense by making strategic passes to the hole man or wings, swimming to new positions to create movement, or taking outside shots on the goal.

What's my Job?

2M

5M

2M

5M

Center Back 

Top of the Arc

3

The hole back, or center defense, guards the hole man. While on defense, the hole back wrestles with the hole man for position, trying to prevent entry passes by positioning their body and arms between the hole man and perimeter players. On offense the hole back plays at the top of the arc (also known as ‘point’), facilitates passes, and can take outside shots on the goal.

What's my Job?

2M

5M

2M

5M

Center Forward 

6

The hole man lines up 2 meters in front of the goal directly in the center of the cage. One of the main objectives a water polo offense is to pass the ball to the hole man. This position has one of the highest chances of scoring a goal or earning an ejection, resulting in a man up opportunity.

What's my Job?

2M

5M

2M

5M

Goalie

7

The last line of defense. The goalie in water polo is allowed to use two hands to block, catch, or save incoming shots. Water polo goalkeepers exhibit exceptional reflexes, agility, and shot-stopping abilities to keep the opposition from scoring.

What is a key skill of a goalie?

1. Shot-stopping abilities
2. Passing to drivers
3. Exceptional reflexes
4. Swimming to new positions

What is the hole man's main objective?

1. Defend the perimeter
2. Block shots
3. Receive passes
4. Score goals

What does the hole back do on defense?

1. Guard the hole man
2. Take outside shots
3. Position near the goal line
4. Prevent entry passes

Where do drivers typically position themselves?

1. 2 meters in front of the goal
2. 5-6 meters from the goal
3. At the top of the arc
4. Line with the goal posts

What is the main role of wing players?

1. Create scoring opportunities
2. Pass to hole man
3. Guard the hole man
4. Block shots

The Positions

2M

5M

2M

5M

Right Wing

1

2.

Right Driver

(Right-hand side)

2

-Center Back 

-Top of the Arc

3

Left Driver 

(Left-hand side)

4

Left Wing

5

-Center Forward

-Hole Man

6

You should learn each position as you will move into these roles during a match, even if the coach tells you where to play.

You can return to the position the coach wants you to play on the next attack or stoppage in play but during an attack you need to know which position's your teammates are in and where the space in the pool is for you to move into.

Next Week:

How do I move from defence into my attaching position.