Can you start Waterpolo at 13?

Yes. Water Polo can be learned fairly quickly with a bit of work and dedication.

What is the hardest position in Water polo?

The two hardest positions to play in Water Polo are the center and center guard/set guard positions. Both these positions require an admirable amount of work off the ball which is why most teams need to develop multiple players that can play this position in one game. A center, for instance, in a heated game can carry his/her weight through five to six possessions before the need to be substituted. This is due to the intense fight for the ball side position that is “endless” in addition to all the swimming and eggbeatering.

Is water polo the hardest sport?

Plainly put yes. One can’t play a pick-up game of water polo. It is too difficult. Even after years of swimming and water polo practice experience, the games get grueling and everyone involved gets exhausted. The reason for this is that our bodies are made for land and not for water. It is the swimming, the eggbeatering, the constant struggle of trying to defend a shot, “drive”, “post up” and the explosive counter-attacks, all the offensive elements that require unparalleled focus and attention to detail having to be executed correctly all while being “drowned” by the opponent.

What age is too late to start water polo?

Masters water polo has been up for some years now and they welcome the more experienced 30+ guys and girls.

Can children play water polo?

Children can play water polo. The game can be played at various levels that range from beginner to advanced. It doesn’t take much to learn the basics of the game.

What does 14U mean in water polo?

14u means fourteen and under and refers to the age group the athlete competes and practices under.

Why water polo is the best sport?

Some of the greatest elements of the game are hidden in the subtle movements that can be practiced but never mastered. For example, each offensive possession has a “body” of its own where the configuration of the positioning is the same yet each of those possessions requires a slightly different skill set to score a goal. It is the details and infinite variations to playing the game that make water polo arguably the best sport.

Are water polo players good swimmers?

Water Polo players are excellent swimmers. Swimming is a prerequisite to playing Water Polo.

Should I do water polo?

Water Polo is an excellent sport that engages the entire body. Water Polo players have unmatched water cardio, and incredible flexibility matched with football or wrestler-like strength. It's a team sport and teaches unity and social intelligence.

Can you swim underwater in water polo?

Although the visible, above-the-water part of water polo keeps the game attractive to spectate, 90 percent of the game is actually spent underwater. While one may think that creating positional advantage is simple, in actuality it requires a series of proper under-the-water wrist and elbow control techniques. Much like wrestling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu just under the water.

At what age should I introduce my child to the game of water polo?

Water Polo skills are rudimentary in nature and can be learned within a few months which allows children ages 10 - 15 to explore the game of water polo in its basic form. To play the game at a high level is a whole other animal. Let’s put it this way, 99% of division one and two Varsity players started playing water polo between the ages of 6 - 10. Splashball is a very friendly and inviting way of getting involved with the game and can be done as early as 6. I believe this is the way to go as it incorporates all the elements of the game while teaching proper fundamentals that later make all the difference.

Vanguard Aquatics - The Fastest GrowingWater Polo Club in Orange County

Our Expertise

Over 25 Years Of Water Polo Experience

Over the past nine years, over 1,200 athletes have participated under the Vanguard Aquatics banner. A significant number of Vanguard’s talent has competed in the top University programs and made it even as far as the Junior and Senior National Teams. We take immense pride in the development of our youth; winning is a byproduct of the countless hours put in by the athletes, coaches, and parents. Below are some of our accomplishments.

Years of Experience

0 +

Successful Players

JO Trophies

Professional Coaches

Welcome To Vanguard Aquatics

The Home of Water Polo in Huntington Beach

Vanguard Aquatics is a unique water polo club with a perfect balance of coaches who grew up playing highly competitive water polo in Europe and American colleges. This “best of both worlds” balance resulted in an efficient Vanguard system where every water polo player learns correct fundamentals, game tactics, and techniques traditionally developed and taught at the highest level. In addition, we strive to help all players build a lifelong passion for the sport, competition, teammates, and the community while having a tremendous amount of FUN at the same time!

At Vanguard, we are committed to providing the highest quality program not only to our elite athletes but also to new and inexperienced members and those who are just here to have fun. Our teams range from entry-level programs emphasizing play and fitness to highly competitive teams that compete for National Championships.

Water Polo Club

In order to maximize your potential, our water polo club provides top level coaching available to all athletes.

Splashball

Splashball is an introduction to water polo class. If you are looking to introduce a water polo and swimming to your child, splashball is the starting point. At Vanguard Aquatics, we provide a safe, fun learning environment designed for children ages 5-9 year-round.

Junior Life Guard Prep Program

Join our Junior Life Guard Prep Program. Coach Devon has been teaching the fundamentals of swimming and helping manage the swim lesson program at Golden West College for over 20 years.

Water Polo Club

In order to maximize your potential, our water polo club provides top level coaching available to all athletes.

Splashball

Swim Academy

Join our swim academy. Coach Kaps, our lead swim instructor, has over 20 years of coaching experience.

Benefits of Water Polo

Water sports have a proven track record for developing your child’s inner wellbeing, cardiovascular, and many other aspects of physical and mental health.

Increased Endurance

Your body will become progressively stronger when you practice water polo.

Injury Prevention

Water acts as a cushion for the body. Even when a player gets knocked around or dives hard for the ball, there is no hard surface to fall against, and the water prevents strain on the joints.

Cardio

All of this movement gets your heart pumping! To ensure proper heart health, one must partake in cardio workouts for at least 30 minutes each day. Water polo is an excellent way to do cardio training because of the constant exercise you partake in.

Cooling Effect

Exercising in the water is a great choice because it keeps your body from getting overheated, which leads to feelings of exhaustion.

Full-Body Workout

No part of your body sits still during a water polo game. Muscle groups throughout your entire body are engaged, and with repeated activity they gain increased strength.

Team Sport

You are way more likely to come to practice when all your friends are there waiting on you. Team sports build accountability and make your exercise patterns much more regular.

Let's Join Vanguard Aquatics

Be a part of the Vanguard family, we are here for you!

Meet Our Coaches

Enjoying The Vanguard Aquatics Journey Since 2013

14u Silver 2nd 🥈!! Boom 💥 🤝 💙🤍💙🤍
14u Blue take 3rd 🥉 in 16u division !
12u Girls 3rd 🥉 at Back to School Invite! Nice job ladies !! 💙🤍💙🤍
14u Silver Day 1 !!! 💙🤍💙🤍
12u girls jumping in together for their first team warm up of this year ! One Team One ☝🏻 Heartbeat 💙🤍💙🤍
14s cheering 📣 12u at Back to School Invite ! One Team One ☝🏻 Heartbeat 💙🤍💙🤍
Nothing like it
Girls Club Session has Started !! One Team One ☝🏻 Heartbeat 💙🤍💙🤍