Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-04-02
PHYSICAL DIRECTOR JAMESON
WILL ORGANIZE LEAGUE.
GAMES TO BE PLAYED WEEKLY
Elegant Swimming Plunge Of the Lo.
cal Y. M. c. A. Will be the Scene
of Some Hot Water Battles -
League to be Four Teams Strong.

Water polo, played by a league Of
four teams will be instituted at the Y
M. G. A., within two weeks, if the re
quisite number of players can be Sc
cured to make the four teams. This is
a new departure in the local associa
ton, but it is thought there are
enough water enthusiasts to carry Out
a schedule of games.
Water Polo.
Water polo is fascinating in the eX
IRENE and is considered the best AQUA
tic sport to popularize and cause in
terest in the are of swimming. 1t is
essentially a game for swimmers and
one that affords ample opportunity fol-
exhibition of skill and the develop
ment of staying power. It's practice
tends to improve the speed of all who
participate in the pastime, as well as
to inculcate in the minds of its follow
ers good ideas as to the best meth
DDS of obtaining command over them
selves in the water.
In the long distances swilns, only
one style of swimming is, as rule
adopted but in water polo the rapid
changes Of position which are neces
sary, compel players to constantly al
ter their style This is in itself ben
eficial phase Of the game and one
which teaches a swimmer how com
plete may become his powers. Physi
cal Director Hugh Jameson is pushing
the idea and expects to have polo
schedule started at the conclusion O.
the basketball season.
All members of the association wht
wish to indulge in this sport are re
quested to register with Mr.. Jameson
Two league games will be played
either Thursday or Friday night O.
each week.
Aws~s individual Work. 80, &
Owing nathsssesvery eing nlerl.
DDS necessary to good play, regular
practice is important 1t must moi
merely consist of the mere tossing Of
the ball here and there, the arrange
ment of friendly matches or other i'm
promptu scrimmages. A man who as
pires to be an expert water polois
must devote considerable time to the
study of the game. During the pas
few years the game has been far more
scientifically played than it was at the
outset. AZ
! UP to 1855 the system prevalent was
but an exhibition of brute strength
Dribbling, which consisted of bounc
4 ing the ball on the water, punting ant
passing the ball were things unknown
except in very rare cases. Quick
short passing should be practicet
rather than long shots, as to make {
long shot effective one has to get intt
a certain position, and in doing SO
time an all important essential in {
fast game is lost. The swiftnes
with the ball and accuracy of throw
of each player should be individual,
tested by each captain.
Six Men Constitute Team.
Six men are necessary to complet
team. Two forwards, two backs
a 8halfback and goal-keeper ar
used. The forwards must be goo
swimmers who can catch ball, quick
" judge distance, pass, dribble an
shoot strongly and accurately Bot
should always be on the alert for tn
ball, but in place Of holding it, shout
make quick, short passes to each otl
err, the ball in all cases being passe
to- the side farthest away from tn
goal, and never direct into the other
hands, unless uncovered by the oppos
ing back.
The backs should take up a position
near to their opponents forwards, bu
they should never allow them to b
between them and their own goal. 1t i
usual to appoint the heaviest men il
the team as backs, because it is BET
ter to have strong defense and
weak attack than a weak offense an
a strong attack. The half back ha
the most onerous position on tn
team. With the forwards a certain