About Us

Since 2012 Waterdog Polo has served the La Mesa and East County areas as an inclusive and introductory water polo environment. Practices typically take place two to three times a week with games in East County Leagues on weekends.

Water Polo is a high intensity competitive aquatic game in which two teams of even number field players and a goalie attempt to move the ball down the pool to score. Passes and shots can only be made with one hand (except by the goalie) without the use of the floor of the pool for stability or propulsion.

Am I ready to play water polo?

• Our pre-season swim test includes two successive required components, athletes must be able to swim a single 25 yard length of the pool and show head-up or side breathing technique without stopping to rest AND immediately be able to tread water for one minute after the swim portion. (Treading can be scissor-kick or eggbeater style).
• Water Polo players should be highly proficient swimmers in order to get the most out of the practices. Please consider a swim team or swim lessons if you athlete is not quite ready for water polo. The best way to get better at water polo is to get better at swimming.

What should I expect at a water polo practice?

• Dynamic skills and drills working on water polo and aquatic fundamentals. Practices typically start with stretching and 'chalk talk', then move into the water with swim warm-ups, leg work, then skill drills, and in-game tactic practices.

What should I bring with me to practice?

• Swim Suit (Girls- one piece, Boys- jammers, trunks, or speedo-style)
• Goggles (for swim practice/ warm-up)
• Towel
• Water or Sports Drink
• Cap for longer hair (boys and girls)
• No rash guards or swim trunks

What should I expect at a game?

• Referees communicate with players with whistles and hand signals- understanding both are important components of water polo player skills and knowledge of the game. Parents and athletes should learn the hand signals and whistle calls.
• The entire ball must cross the plane of the goal (front) in order for a ball to score (Goals are worth one point)
• Goalies can use both hands to block and pass
• Field players can only touch the ball with a single hand at a time
• Games and quarters are started with a long whistle and a 'sprint' to the center of the pool for possession of the ball
• A shot clock runs for a pre-determined amount of time and determines possession and is reset upon all shots
• The clock stops and starts on all whistles and length of stoppage is dependent on the call

I hear water polo is a rough sport... should I be concerned?

• Like all contact sports, there is risk of rough physical contact, but in water polo it tends to be that the horror stories you might have heard are exaggerated and or more mild than they seem. Coaches and referees do their best to monitor and enforce the rules of the game and make calls that attempt to ensure the safety of all players and participants. If concerned, please contact a Waterdog Coach or Official.