a fast hundred. This done, rest
until you have regained your breath. Taking the water-polo ball next,
pass it to given points of the tank to secure accuracy, and sprint after
it each time. Then get against the side of the tank, and placing the
ball ten or twelve feet away, try to secure it with one hand on a
push-off. This, done half a dozen times daily, will insure accurate
passing, catching and obviate fumbling.

Another excellent exercise is to place the ball fifteen or twenty feet
from you and then swim after it under water, trying to get it without
coming to the surface. This has the double object of getting you used to
under-water work and accustoms you to looking for the ball while
submerged in a scrimmage.

Gymnasium work is not advisable unless one's physical condition is badly
in need of building up, and even then only the lightest kind should be
taken. It has too great a tendency to harden the muscles; a swimmer's
should be soft and pliable.

Breathing exercises can be highly recommended; there is nothing better
for the wind. A good system is to take it while walking in the open air.
By inhaling for the space of six steps, and exhaling for six, the lungs
are properly worked. In cold weather breathe through the nose.

HOW TO DEVELOP THE NEW PLAYER

The game of water polo is such a strenuous one that even the best of men
often tackle it with misgivings. The new player should on no account
attempt to take part in a scrub game until he has thoroughly mastered
the rudiments. The man who goes in against an experienced tackler,
ignorant of the means of protecting himself, receives punishment so
severe as to give him a completely erroneous idea of the game.

If the candidate has followed the suggestions given above he will be
physically able to stand the gruelling, but more is needed; he should be
able to take care of himself. To teach him how, he must be taken in hand
alone, and shown the various tackles and breaks.

This is best done on _terra firma_; in the water the man will be
thinking of the ducking in sight and his mind will not be in receptive
mood. It is also essential to make him understand a hold thoroughly
before proceeding with another.

Once a man has the movements learned, he can be put in the water with a
skilled player and allowed to practise on the latter, who should let him
secure the holds without opposition at first, but gradually increase the
resistance until he becomes proficient. If