Some people on this forum probably figured out who I am in the water polo community, but at risk of outing myself I have to share my opinion.
I’ve been around since when 10u and 12u were 7v7, playing in a large pool, with age appropriate goals.
Those kids, even if there were less teams, became higher IQ and skilled players at the hs level than what I’m seeing now.
Here’s the issue:
By reducing the pool size AND reducing the players, kids have to process less information. This, in turn, creates a situation where, at ODP development, coaches had to teach a 3-3 setup, a 4-2 setup and what basic zones like M-drop and 4-5 drop look like.
The way 10u is played right now is this:
Give the ball to your second best player. Best player gets open (post up, drive, whatever) and shoots. Players don’t have to be super on-point with their spacing and positioning, because it doesn’t really matter. The purpose of 4v4 is more touches, but that’s realistically not what’s happening. Additionally, players do not have to understand releasing or pressure passing as well, since there’s no realistic threat of help-defense anywhere. On top of that, any counter into ballside drive (BASIC POLO), isn’t a realistic thing, because with 4 players it’s less likely one defender is in a bad position. The biggest success of the 4v4 system is that the best players have very good 1on1 skills like turning.
This results in 12u players having to learn a new system of setting up, with very little understanding of spacing and positioning. They’re used to giving the ball to the best (often biggest) player who then tries to 1on1 their defender. This doesn’t work in a team setting, most of the time.
Then, when coming to 14u, they need to learn another new system. They just get to learn this for 1-2 years and now they want to play varsity high school, but have a mediocre understanding of team ball, even though their turning and shooting is good.
The solution, imo, is simple. Platinum division polo should be 7v7 at ALL levels. If you want to lower the bar of entry for new players, play 4v4 and 5v5 in silver and gold!
Edit: I also want to add that the culmination of talent is a direct effect of this. Some clubs play up regularly, or practice 7v7. Those players understand the game better and tend to place higher against their peers. Parents from other clubs see this and then say ‘I must bring my kid there’.
