there is no one to coach and
no good player to practise against, the new men should work on each
other.

Water-polo holds are a good deal a matter of individuality; each man
builds up a set of his own, but one tackle and one break will serve as a
foundation for all.

To learn the tackle, give your coworker the ball and let him come toward
you. When he's a couple of feet off, take a good, hard stroke, lift
yourself as high out of the water as you can throw your arm around his
neck, and pulling his head down until it is jammed hard against your
chest, wind your legs around his body. Then you have him at your mercy,
and you can proceed to take the ball away from him. This tackle should
be learned by forwards and backs alike; all need it.

The best break known is the following: We will suppose that you carry
the ball in the right hand. On approaching your opponent throw your
left shoulder forward, presenting a three-quarter view. To tackle you
effectively he must use his right arm, as you could easily repel a
left-handed one in your position. As soon as his right arm goes up,
place your left hand squarely under his armpit and let yourself sink,
twisting around, face toward him, as you pass under, and as soon as you
are on your back force his body over you. Then plant both feet on him
and shove off. In most cases, if you succeed, you will find yourself
between your opponent and his goal, where all you have to do is to touch
the board for a score.

To use the legs at every possible chance should be a principle of the
player. Once an opponent is caught in a good leg-hold he is rendered
helpless. Incidentally, the wise player ceases struggling when he
recognizes that he is caught beyond freeing. It is an excellent rule
also to avoid being tackled uselessly; if a body encounter is liable to
let you out best, or will help your side, go into it heart and soul,
just as hard as you know how, but never make a senseless sacrifice.

Passing and catching are all important factors in water polo and should
be practised constantly. In passing it is well to bear in mind that the
object in view is to give the ball securely to one's team-mate. Pass
high and carefully; a low throw may be intercepted and a hard one
fumbled. Specially in close quarters high passing is essential.

To cover one's opponent when the other side has the ball and get away
from him when one's own has it, should be the religion of every player.
In covering him, a