Why Kids Love Splashball

Splashball is designed to introduce the sport of water polo to children 5-11 years old. The intent is to provide basic skills and understanding of the sport in a recreational format. Although water polo is known for its toughness and endurance, SplashballTM harnesses all the fun, dynamic aspects of the game in a safe, easy to learn aquatic experience that will motivate kids to swim and stay fit.

USA WATER POLO SPLASHBALL RESOURCES & VIDEOS

USA WATER POLO

HISTORY

Founded in 1978, USA Water Polo is the National Governing Body for water polo in the United States of America. Originally governed by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) with assistance from the YMCA, the organization was formed following the passage of a federal law designating the US Olympic Committee as the coordinating body for all Olympic activity in the United States. Based on a volunteer structure, USA Water Polo moved to a more formal corporate model in 2006 consistent with reforms championed by the United States Olympic Committee.

USA Water Polo is a member organization with nearly 500 high performance club programs across America, and 45,000 active participants annually. The organization hosts a variety of national championships to serve the clubs, including Junior Olympics, Masters Nationals, the US Open of Water Polo, Champions Cup, the Rock-tober PCA 12 & Under Classic and more. The US Open of Water Polo, formerly the Indoor and Outdoor National Championship along with the Junior Olympics are the two oldest membership events and started in the time of AAU governance.

USA Water Polo's mission includes governance of the U.S. Olympic Men's and Women's Water Polo Teams and the development pipeline of future athletes for the Olympic Games. Toward that end, USA Water Polo launched an official Olympic Development Program in 2009. The program serves approximately 3500 athletes from throughout the US, who are introduced to high performance methods and may be identified to participate in elite level training and competition opportunities. Some of these athletes are selected to join Junior, Cadet, Development and Youth National Teams by virtue of their participation in our ODP Championship and National Team Selection Camp events.

USA Water Polo includes a high performance division, which collects and shares information to help each club and athlete reach their potential through sport. The high performance group shares learning from Olympic and international competition with clubs, athletes, coaches and officials through a special Team USA app and a proprietary YouTube Channel. USA Water Polo is also a member of the Positive Coaching Alliance and the US Olympic Committee "SafeSport" programs, both designed to provide encouragement to athletes within a safe environment. USA Water Polo also maintains a Hall of Fame, honoring greats in the community, founded in 1976 and revamped in 2010, inductions are held annually. In 2009, the organization launched Splashball, a program designed to introduce water polo and water safety to children ages 5-9.

For the history of USA Water Polo's participation in the Olympic Games and other major international championships, please visit the Team USA section of this website.

Mission

Want your kids to be personally trained and mentored by an Olympian?

5meter Water Polo Camps give them an unique opportunity to experience the lifestyle, nutrition and training of an Olympian. They also get practical training tips and drills designed by some of the best coaches in the world.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE 

• World class drills and training
• Open to all genders and levels of ability 
• Complete immersion in Olympian lifestyle and training regime
• Emphasis on game appreciation and fundamentals

Designed by the top coaches and athletes in the country, the camp provides in-water instruction to make an immediate impact on an athlete’s game. Young athletes will have the opportunity to learn first hand how Olympic Athletes train, meet their nutritional needs, and balance their lives.

We want our campers to come home with experiences that enrich both the quality of their play and their life through a better understanding and greater appreciation for sport. They will  develope new techniques and a heightened level of self-confidence.

5meter Water Polo Camps and Clinics provide the highest level of individualized coaching for aspiring water polo athletes. Whether you are learning the rules of water polo and how to eggbeater or preparing for college level competition, we have the best water polo camp for you. Upon arrival at camp, campers are placed in groups with other players having similar abilities and goals. Our camp staff will do their best to accommodate your needs, keeping in consideration your experience and desire to improve.

• Superior instruction from USA Olympians and College Coaches
• Olympians get in the pool with you to demonstrate and lead drills
• Daily emphasis on fundamentals, position training, drills and scrimmages
• Position Specific Training for Divers, Shooters, Goalies & 2 Meter Offense & Defense
• Water Polo specific dry-land training. 

Genai Kerr is a USA Water Polo Olympian, coach, mentor, and true ambassador of the sport. Genai was a member of the United States Men's National Water Polo Team for 12 years and played in the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2003 & 2007 Pan American Gold Medal games, and multiple World Championships. He has coached at every level from Splashball to college and National Teams. He is a USAWP Sport Growth Manager, FINA Subject Expert, and consultant with a variety of countries.