The Perimeter in water polo can be a very active area and in many ways presents many officiating challenges. Team play generated from the perimeter can make a big difference in the outcome of a game. For example, it serves as a conduit for moving the ball to an advantageous position for passing into the center forward. Players can draw an ordinary foul outside 5Mers and attempt a direct shot on goal. Many times these attempts are in the high percentage area. Executing picks, screens or driving attempts potentially isolate offensive players with a critical advantage. “Cross Cage” perimeter passing can also pull a goalie out of position, making the perimeter shot in itself a very dangerous weapon.
The perimeter can also be the key factor for the defense in whether or not a counter attack is successful. As the 35 second shot clock closes in on zero, positioning by the defense in anticipation of the turnover is a critical factor. Just being acutely aware of turnover potential, whether from an offensive foul or a teammate’s steal or pressure, could mean a quick goal at the other end. At worse a successful counter will place offensive pressure on the defense before they can set-up to defend the half court offense.
Good officiating on the perimeter starts with developing an acute awareness of what takes place and how the players maneuver to gain an advantage or how they work defensively to prevent such opportunities. Covering key points in these situations is what we are trying to accomplish in this collection.