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Colorado Water Polo

Age groups & training

Find your crew

We run four groups, from a first splash to college recruiting. We place every Pirate by age and readiness, then coach them to move up.

Introductory

Swabbies

Ages 7–10

This is where every Pirate starts. We build water confidence and treading, and we introduce the ball through games rather than drills.

What they work on

  • We start with freestyle and head-up swimming.
  • Everyone learns the eggbeater kick.
  • Most of each session is passing, catching, and small-sided games.
Join the Swabbies

Developmental

Gunners

Ages 11–12

This is where the skills turn into a game. Players learn to move the ball, read the pool, and compete in their first tournaments.

What they work on

  • Players work on shooting mechanics and learn when to take a shot.
  • We drill the counterattack and moving the ball up the pool.
  • The group is introduced to the 6-on-5 power play.
Join the Gunners

Competitive

Boatswains

Ages 13–15

Positions start to matter here. We teach the set, driver, and goalkeeper roles in depth, and the group competes against clubs across the region.

What they work on

  • Training splits into position-specific technique.
  • Players learn defensive systems and when to press.
  • The group travels for the Mountain Zone tournament schedule.
Join the Boatswains

Elite

Quartermasters

Ages 15+

This is our top group. High school and club athletes train here for Junior Olympics, the Olympic Development Program, and college recruiting.

What they work on

  • Sessions are built around high-tempo conditioning.
  • Players run advanced offensive and defensive sets.
  • Coaches help families with recruiting and the ODP pathway.
Join the Quartermasters

Before your first practice

What to bring

There is not much to it. We supply the balls, caps, and goals, and you bring the athlete.

A swimsuit

Bring a snug practice suit, because loose trunks get grabbed.

Goggles

Players wear them for warm-up sets and take them off to scrimmage.

A water bottle

Denver air is dry, even indoors.

A towel

Pack a change of clothes for the drive home as well.

We handle caps and USA Water Polo membership once your athlete commits, and a coach will walk you through it. Your athlete needs none of that for a first trial practice.

Not sure which group fits?

Tell us your athlete's age and swimming background. A coach will point you to the right crew and the next open practice.

Ask a Coach See the schedule