What Is Splashball? A Parent’s Guide to Youth Water Polo (Ages 5–12)

Splashball is the entry point to the sport of water polo. It was created by USA Water Polo — the sport’s national governing body — as the official introduction to the game for kids ages 5 to 12. Think of it as the tee-ball of water polo: the rules are simplified, the ball is smaller and softer, and games are played in shallower water so young athletes can focus on having fun and learning the fundamentals.

At Foothill Club Water Polo, Splashball is where the #FoothillFamily starts. It is equal parts water confidence, teamwork, and play — and it lays the foundation for everything that comes later in club water polo.

What kids actually do at Splashball

A typical session mixes water games, passing and catching, basic shooting, and small-sided scrimmages. Because the ball is sized down for small hands, kids can actually grip, catch, and throw it one-handed from day one — which means more touches, more success, and more fun. As athletes grow, the equipment grows with them, all the way up to the Size 4 women’s and Size 5 men’s balls used in high school, college, and the Olympics.

Why parents love it

• Water confidence and safety. Time in the pool with attentive coaches builds comfort and competence in the water.
• A warm, safe pool. All Splashball runs in a heated pool kept at a comfortable, athlete-safe temperature.
• Teamwork and friendships. The squad quickly becomes the friend group — carpools, team snacks, and lifelong crews.
• Total-body activity. Swimming, treading, and playing build coordination, strength, and endurance in a way that never feels like a chore.
• A real pathway. USA Water Polo built Splashball specifically to feed into age-group club water polo — the skills learned here carry straight forward.

One important prerequisite

Because Splashball is played in the pool, we ask that athletes can swim one full lap (25 yards) of the pool unassisted before joining. This keeps every child safe and lets coaches focus on the game. If your swimmer is not quite there yet, that is completely okay — a few lessons or a season of a learn-to-swim program will get them ready.

What to bring to a first practice

• A comfortable swimsuit (something that stays put during active play)
• Goggles and a towel
• A water bottle
• A willingness to try something new

That is really it. Caps and balls are provided, and our coaches will walk first-timers through everything.

Is my child ready?

If your kid likes the water and likes to play, they are ready. Splashball is intentionally low-pressure — there are no tryouts, and beginners are always welcome. Many of the athletes on our older club teams started right here.

Sources & further reading

• USA Water Polo — Splashball program
• USA Water Polo — Sport development programs