Idman.biz
Water polo is one of the most difficult and spectacular sports, combining endurance, tactics, and teamwork. Azer Babayev, Honored Coach of Azerbaijan in swimming, spoke about the most appropriate age to start this sport, why water polo is considered one of the most difficult sports, and what role it plays in a child's development.
We present an interview with Azer Babayev, in which he spoke in detail about water polo to innews.az.
- Azer bey, at what age should children start playing water polo?
- The optimal age to start playing water polo is considered to be 9-10 years old. The main reason for this is that the child must first be able to swim well. Usually, children start swimming at the age of 5-6-7. By the age of 8, they become physically stronger, master basic skills, and after that it is possible to switch to water polo.
- How important is a child's physical fitness and health in this sport?
- Health plays a key role. The child must be able to swim well, stay confidently in the water and have strong physical fitness.
Water polo is a game consisting of four periods, during each of which the athlete is constantly in motion: working with his shoulders, maneuvering, fighting for position and interacting with teammates. Therefore, breathing exercises and endurance are an integral part of the training process.
- How does water polo differ from swimming?
- Swimming is an individual sport, while water polo is a team sport. Here, not only physical indicators are important, but also the ability to work in a team.
According to statistics, the most difficult sport is hockey, and water polo is in second place. One of the most difficult moments for beginner children is the ability to support themselves in the water (standing on the water). This is not easy, but with regular training it forms over time.
- How important is psychological preparation and team spirit in water polo?
- Psychological preparation is as important as physical preparation. The child must be ready to work as a team. True friendship is formed in water polo.
If there is no mutual understanding between the players, it is very difficult to stay in this sport and achieve high results. The team is a single organism.
- How do you assess the development of water polo in Azerbaijan today?
- In Soviet times, Azerbaijani water polo was at a very high level. Our teams took top places in all-Union and international competitions.
Today, we have entered a new stage of development. We have actively started working with children aged 9-10-11, and our training sessions are held at the Water Sports Palace. We are confident that with the efforts of our coaches and the Azerbaijan Swimming Federation, we will be able to form strong and competitive teams in 4-5 years.
- What would you recommend to parents?
- I sincerely recommend to all parents to encourage their children to play water polo. This sport develops in a child:
Water polo educates not only an athlete, but also a healthy and valuable person who succeeds in life.
