Mini Polo

You do not need much to play mini polo. Just a ball and a pool will do!

However, if you wish to run a mini polo programme, you might wish to invest in some equipment.

• Free kit
• Goals
• Balls
• Hats

Free kit

Mini polo starter sets may still be available from the National Water Polo Office. Otherwise, they may have information about grants for kit.

e-mail: waterpolo@swimming.org
tel: 0161 973 7965

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Goals

Simple goals can be made from equipment used in swimming lessons:

• Lean two floats against each other to use as a target
• Lean a bent woggle against a wall to shoot through
• Lean a big float against a wall as a target
• Score by doing 'touch downs' on the poolside
• Sit a player on the poolside and score by passing them the ball (like bench basketball)

A variety of goals can also be purchased:

	Basketball type goals are cheap. They are good for swim schemes or for developing lob shots. They stack, so they are easy to store.
	This small, floating goal is also cheap. It is good for young players as the length of the pitch can be altered. This one takes up a lot of storage space.
	This is the official ASA mini polo goal. It can be set up to offer a larger or smaller goal area, which is useful if you are playing in deep and shallow water. The smaller goal area demands accurate shooting. In theory, it can be taken apart easily for transport and storage. However, it has a tendancy to come apart unless screws are used to fix pieces together more permanently.

The pictures above are sourced from the 'Swimshop' website. Please click these pictures to buy these products.

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Balls

Any ball that is waterproof and floats can be used for mini polo.

Official mini polo balls have a rough surface that makes them easy to grip. A strict no-bouncing rule is advisable if you want these balls to last as the grip wears down quite quickly.

There are a variety of sizes. Small hands cannot catch a large ball easily with one hand.

• Size 3 is the standard mini polo ball. It is used until players are about 13 years old.
• Size 2 balls are now available. They are good for players under 10.
• Size 1 balls are very popular with the players as a change. They are useful for very young players.

Official mini polo balls are heavy and to be used with careful supervision. A ball in the face is painful.

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Hats

Hats are useful for distinguishing teams.

If you are playing mini polo at the end of a swimming lesson you may not have the time (or the hats). Holding an armband or sinking ring can be effective. These affect swimming a little, but encourage players to pass with one hand.

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