Water polo is a team sport that requires multiple aquatic, individual and relational skill set. There are numerous skill sets or qualities a Water Polo player should possess. In this blog post, let’s delve into some important qualities that makes a Water Polo player. Owning aquatic skill set such as the ability to swim and perform egg beater kick are essentials for a Water Polo player in the pool. What about the latter two, individual and relational skill set? These two areas holds the key to making a Water Polo player as well.
Let’s talk about individual skill set. Water Polo players should possess strong individual skill sets. Having a strong determination is one important characteristic. Water Polo players must be determined and have that never-say-die attitude in both their training sessions and competitions. Players can train up their stamina to compete throughout the entire match but if they do not have the willpower rooted in them, how then can he or she sustain through the arduous four quarter match in a competition.
Another worthy skill set is being a team player. The starting of this post quoted Water Polo a team sport hence, it is only logical that players possess this quality. In a match, it’s not up to only one player to score a goal but it requires the team members to coordinate themselves and pass the ball around to score a goal. If one player decides that he/she does not want to coordinate with rest of the team, there will be a loophole and the team may not score a goal.
Moving on to relational skill set, one important quality a Water Polo player should possess here is the ability to communicate within the team. No matter how timid or quiet a player is, he/she will have to open up and speak because Water Polo is a team sport. In a match, players must communicate with each other such as who to pass the ball to and defence-attack strategies. In terms of relationship within the team, communications among players can aid in resolving misunderstandings because thoughts and feelings are being communicated. Any unhappiness or misunderstanding can then be resolved and this furthers strengthens the bond within team as well.
To find out more on what makes a Water Polo player, I did a short interview with Mr Tan Hong Boon, a 2 time SEA Games Gold Medallist and FINA Water Polo listed referee. He is also the Water Polo coach for Speediswim.
Talk about your journey in Water Polo – how was training like for you:
The Spartan style training moulded me into a hardcore player and a naval elite force operator.
Discipline is the key to many success, so is failure. To climb back up after not just one but many falls.
What do you think makes a good water polo player:
Having discipline and more discipline.
Talk about your defining moment(s) in Water Polo:
As a player, it was a gold medal in the 1989 SEA Games. During one match, I suffered a blow that left me with 6 stitches on my left temple. Indonesia possessed one of the strongest team in decades, we could have surrendered that gold medallist position at the top podium finish without that blow.
As a coach for SAFSA* water polo team, we reigned in regional competitions and I also held the title of SAFSA* Best Coach for 3 consecutive years.
Together with the 2007 Singapore Water Polo office bearers: Mr Lim Teck Yin & Mr Ivan Tan, we brainstormed and came up with the slogan "Water Polo for Life" that Water Polo players are trained from playing the game to maturing into society.
*SAFSA – Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association
From this interview, we can all pick up another important individual skill set a Water Polo player should possess and that is: Discipline. Being discipline in attending and being punctual for training sessions should actually be the first step in making a Water Polo player. Coach Hong Boon is my father, he is someone I respect and honour deeply. Through the way he lived his life, I have seen how he is disciplined in the little things. When one is disciplined in the little things, he can do great things. Growing up, I seen how Coach Hong Boon dedicate his time to this passion of his. He will be found taking up referee or official duty in matches during weekends and even travel overseas to referee in Water Polo competitions.
Water Polo is not an easy sport to play. Hence, a strong character to withstand the toughness of the game is required. Nevertheless, be it aquatic, individual or relational skill set, all these can be trained up in a Water Polo player. It can also be seen that the various skill sets are actually positive qualities that make not just a Water Polo player but a man or woman. In addition, the qualities also sets players up for success. Moving forward, Speedi Water Polo hopes to nurture young players as they show interest in Water Polo. Looking forward to seeing more new members joining us.
