Water Polo Forum

A successful water polo coach requires a level of knowledge of the game far beyond the scope of a typical player or spectator.  Back in high school, I remember participating on Stanford University's summer water polo leage and my coach at the time, Bryan Kreutzkamp, portrayed a mental grasp of the game that confused the entire team: "How did coach forsee that?" "How did coach know to set up that play?" "How did coach know to draw a foul at a particular time?" - He seemed more like a wizard of the game than anything else.

Aside from the ability to encourage others and uphold a high level of moral integrity, that all coaches should posess, I believe that a successful coach needs to have specific skills developed just in the scope of coaching. As knowledgeable as a vertain player may be, coaching provides an entirely new insight into the game. Coach Kreutzkamp illustrated this level of experience as a coach; and even as a high school athlete, I immediately recognized his superior ability over most coaches.

Any other thoughts about what makes a great coach? Any other water polo coaches in particular that stand out to athletes of the game?