What is water polo?
Water polo is a team game consisting of two opposing teams trying to put the ball in the opponent’s net. Each match has four quarters lasting 7 minutes each for high school Varsity (6 for JV), with a 2 minute break in between each quarter. Since the game clock is stopped after fouls and goals, an average quarter really lasts around 11 minutes.
Each team has six field players and one goalkeeper. Water polo players need to be able to swim in a pool without goggles and to throw a ball while treading water. They also need good reflexes and awareness.
Players may not stand on the bottom of the pool and must be able to tread water using an eggbeater kick. Field players can only use one hand to handle the ball, and goalies are the only players that can use both hands.
Upon taking control of the ball, the offensive team has 30 seconds to shoot for a goal or it loses possession. A shot clock at each end of the pool helps players keep track of time. If the 30 seconds expires, the ball changes possession. Water polo is very physically demanding. Click here to view the rules of the game.
Each team has six field players and one goalkeeper. Water polo players need to be able to swim in a pool without goggles and to throw a ball while treading water. They also need good reflexes and awareness.
Players may not stand on the bottom of the pool and must be able to tread water using an eggbeater kick. Field players can only use one hand to handle the ball, and goalies are the only players that can use both hands.
Upon taking control of the ball, the offensive team has 30 seconds to shoot for a goal or it loses possession. A shot clock at each end of the pool helps players keep track of time. If the 30 seconds expires, the ball changes possession. Water polo is very physically demanding. Click here to view the rules of the game.
Who should try out for the water polo team?
Anyone interested in being an athlete at Torrey Pines High School should try out for the water polo team. Most players have little or no water polo experience when they start. Experience in swimming (you'll do a lot of this), basketball, and/or softball are good because water polo requires passing and catching a ball while swimming or treading water. Water polo is a team sport, so any experience playing on a team is an asset. Surfing, body boarding and body surfing help because you're comfortable in the water. If you're not a strong swimmer, you can still go out for this team. Several players on the team started out with very little swimming experience and they ended up being valuable members of the team. Come check it out, it's a very fun sport and a great way to get connected at Torrey Pines.
How DO I JOIN?
If you decide to go out for the team, contact the TPHS Athletic department and ask for an "Athletic Packet". You must complete all of the forms in this packet and turn them back into the athletic department in order to try out for the team. One of the forms requires a doctor's physical and another requires that you maintain a 2.0 GPA.
What is a typical week like for the season?
A typical week on the water polo team is a dynamic and action-packed experience, filled with training sessions, games, and tournaments. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during the season:
1. Season Duration and Schedule:
Girls' Season: The water polo season typically commences in early November and concludes in mid-February, culminating with the CIF Playoffs for the varsity squad. Junior varsity teams generally finish their season around the first week of February.
2. Game Schedule:
Weekly Game(s): During a regular week, the team usually has scheduled game(s), either league or non-league matches. These games offer a chance to compete against other schools and showcase the skills developed during practices.
Weekend Tournaments: The team will participate in weekend tournaments held on Fridays and Saturdays. These tournaments provide an opportunity for intense competition and valuable game experience. Typically, there are two or three games per day during tournaments.
3. Practice Schedule:
Practice Days and Times: Team practices are held daily from Monday to Friday.
Practice Location: Mt Carmel High School
Practice Duration: Practices typically run from 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM and/or early AM practices depending on pool availability and game schedule.
4. Transportation:
Bus Transportation: A bus is provided for some away games otherwise a parent carpool is scheduled to ensure convenient travel for the team.
Personal Transportation: All other circumstances, such as practices, home games, and weekend tournaments, require athletes to arrange their own transportation and/or carpools.
1. Season Duration and Schedule:
Girls' Season: The water polo season typically commences in early November and concludes in mid-February, culminating with the CIF Playoffs for the varsity squad. Junior varsity teams generally finish their season around the first week of February.
2. Game Schedule:
Weekly Game(s): During a regular week, the team usually has scheduled game(s), either league or non-league matches. These games offer a chance to compete against other schools and showcase the skills developed during practices.
Weekend Tournaments: The team will participate in weekend tournaments held on Fridays and Saturdays. These tournaments provide an opportunity for intense competition and valuable game experience. Typically, there are two or three games per day during tournaments.
3. Practice Schedule:
Practice Days and Times: Team practices are held daily from Monday to Friday.
Practice Location: Mt Carmel High School
Practice Duration: Practices typically run from 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM and/or early AM practices depending on pool availability and game schedule.
4. Transportation:
Bus Transportation: A bus is provided for some away games otherwise a parent carpool is scheduled to ensure convenient travel for the team.
Personal Transportation: All other circumstances, such as practices, home games, and weekend tournaments, require athletes to arrange their own transportation and/or carpools.
HOW DO STUDENT-ATHLETES BALANCE ACADEMICS AND ATHLETICS? CAN YOU EARN PE CREDIT FOR PARTICIPATING?
Balancing School & Waterpolo
Players on the water polo team are adept at balancing their academic responsibilities alongside their rigorous training schedule. Here are some key factors that contribute to their success in managing schoolwork:
1. Self-Discipline and Time Management:
Water polo practice schedule: The practice schedule, typically held later in the evening, fosters self-discipline among players. This structure encourages them to prioritize their schoolwork and complete it before practice.
Early completion of homework: Many players appreciate the opportunity to tackle their homework early, ensuring they are mentally fresh and focused during study sessions. By completing assignments before practice, they can utilize their energy efficiently and then rest properly after practice.
2. Academic Support:
Commitment to education: The water polo program at Torrey Pines High School places a strong emphasis on academics. The Varsity Water Polo Teams has consistently maintained the highest GPA among all sports programs, highlighting the players' dedication to their studies.
Time management strategies: Coaches and staff provide guidance and support to help players develop effective time management strategies. These strategies assist athletes in prioritizing their tasks, creating schedules, and finding a balance between academic demands and water polo commitments.
3. Athletic PE Credits:
Opportunity for PE credits: Students in grades 10-12 have the option to earn 5 PE credits per season by enrolling in Athletic PE. This program recognizes the commitment and physical demands of participating in water polo, allowing players to fulfill their physical education requirements while pursuing their passion for the sport.
Overall, water polo players at Torrey Pines High School are known for their exceptional ability to manage their schoolwork alongside their rigorous training and competition schedules. Through self-discipline, effective time management, and a supportive academic environment, players are able to maintain high academic standards while excelling in the pool.
It's important to note that individual experiences may vary, and students should proactively communicate with their teachers, coaches, and counselors to ensure they receive the necessary support to thrive academically while participating in water polo. By fostering a balanced approach, players can achieve success both in their studies and on the water polo team.
Fill out an Athletic PE Form and turn it in with your athletic packet to the TPHS Athletic Secretary.
Players on the water polo team are adept at balancing their academic responsibilities alongside their rigorous training schedule. Here are some key factors that contribute to their success in managing schoolwork:
1. Self-Discipline and Time Management:
Water polo practice schedule: The practice schedule, typically held later in the evening, fosters self-discipline among players. This structure encourages them to prioritize their schoolwork and complete it before practice.
Early completion of homework: Many players appreciate the opportunity to tackle their homework early, ensuring they are mentally fresh and focused during study sessions. By completing assignments before practice, they can utilize their energy efficiently and then rest properly after practice.
2. Academic Support:
Commitment to education: The water polo program at Torrey Pines High School places a strong emphasis on academics. The Varsity Water Polo Teams has consistently maintained the highest GPA among all sports programs, highlighting the players' dedication to their studies.
Time management strategies: Coaches and staff provide guidance and support to help players develop effective time management strategies. These strategies assist athletes in prioritizing their tasks, creating schedules, and finding a balance between academic demands and water polo commitments.
3. Athletic PE Credits:
Opportunity for PE credits: Students in grades 10-12 have the option to earn 5 PE credits per season by enrolling in Athletic PE. This program recognizes the commitment and physical demands of participating in water polo, allowing players to fulfill their physical education requirements while pursuing their passion for the sport.
Overall, water polo players at Torrey Pines High School are known for their exceptional ability to manage their schoolwork alongside their rigorous training and competition schedules. Through self-discipline, effective time management, and a supportive academic environment, players are able to maintain high academic standards while excelling in the pool.
It's important to note that individual experiences may vary, and students should proactively communicate with their teachers, coaches, and counselors to ensure they receive the necessary support to thrive academically while participating in water polo. By fostering a balanced approach, players can achieve success both in their studies and on the water polo team.
Fill out an Athletic PE Form and turn it in with your athletic packet to the TPHS Athletic Secretary.
WHAT KIND OF INJURIES DO WATER POLO PLAYERS GET?
Injuries are not a big problem in water polo. This is probably because water slows down the speed of contact between players. Although players wrestle each other under the water out of the view of the referee, it's rare to see a serious injury because the water acts as a buffer. The most common injury is a scratch from another player's fingernails. Players are required to show their fingernails to the referee before each game. Fingernails must be cut very short to be eligible to play. Bloody noses, fat lips and sprained thumbs occur infrequently.
HOW DO I BECOME A PARENT OR STUDENT VOLUNTEER?
The team needs volunteers to record game/player statistics, to video & photograph games/events, to run clocks & keep score during games, and general assistance at team events and more. Please click on the VOLUNTEERS tab on our homepage to share your interest with the team liaison.
TORREY PINES HIGH SCHOOL
3710 Del Mar Heights Road San Diego, CA
858-259-0125
3710 Del Mar Heights Road San Diego, CA
858-259-0125