In water polo, a Pick is another name for a Screen. It is a tactical move where an offensive player blocks a defender to help a teammate get open.
While “screen” is the official term, many players and coaches use “pick” interchangeably to describe the act of “picking off” a defender.
How to Execute a Pick
- The Approach: You swim toward a teammate who is being closely guarded.
- The Wall: You stop your movement and set your body like a wall in the defender’s path.
- The Break: Your teammate swims tight against you, using your body to “rub off” their defender.
- The Result: The defender hits you (the pick) and stops, while your teammate swims away free to shoot or pass.
Common Types of Picks
- The Drive Pick: An attacker sets a pick at the top of the perimeter to let a teammate “drive” toward the goal.
- The Stationary Pick: A player near the center (the hole set) holds their position so a teammate can swim around them for a quick hand-off pass.
- The Double Pick: Two offensive players set picks at the same time, creating a massive traffic jam for the defense.
Rules to Remember
To keep the play legal and avoid an offensive foul:
- Stay Still: You must be set before the defender makes contact. Moving into a defender is a foul.
- Keep Hands Down: Do not grab or hold the defender. Use your back or shoulders to create the barrier.
- Don’t Sink: Keep your head above water. If you push the defender under while setting the pick, the referee will blow the whistle.
Pro Tip: A successful pick often leads to a “Switch.” This is when the defense realizes the first defender is stuck and a second defender must jump over to cover the open player. This chaos usually creates a scoring opening.