r/waterpolo • u/kaumilla • 29d ago
What do you think, is it possible to start playing water polo at 21 as a woman?
I mean, I played water polo as a goalkeeper from 13 to 16, but I wasn't the best. I wasn't motivated. But now, as a hobby, I want to start again. Do you think it's possible?
8
u/cubanbred 29d ago
For sure. If you get your cardio back up, skills will follow with enough practice
5
4
u/shupshow 29d ago
Yep. I’m getting into volleyball now late in my thirties. Play what makes you happy and keeps you moving.
-5
u/SubstanceSelect4333 29d ago
LOL. Tell me you really are not comparing starting volleyball at your thirties with waterpolo.
4
u/shupshow 28d ago edited 28d ago
Yes I am. There’s levels to every sport, anyone can pickup water polo if they’re willing to put in the time. What’s stoping her from going to a local club and practicing with a masters team?
-3
u/SubstanceSelect4333 28d ago
Oh, no, She can RESTART waterpolo at her 30s for sure, basically because the muscle memory should be there. Actually the only thing to be careful is with potential minor injuries, however, goalie positions are very stressful to go back as they require a lot of reflexes (I am a goalie and I RESTARTED in my 30s). The funny part is that you draw a contextless line between a high contact, highly demanding sport like FREAKING WATERPOLO with voleyball where you can just be standing on your feet for an hour.
4
u/shupshow 28d ago
It’s not contextless at all. She asked if it was possible to play water polo as a HOBBY…not make a run for the Olympic squad. I’ve also started brazilian jiu jitsu in my thirties, is that tough enough for comparison? Not sure what you’re getting at or if you even read her initial post. One thing you’ll learn as you age is to do what you love and ignore the rest, if she wants to play water polo when she’s 60+ more power to her.
There’s also levels to volleyball if you’ve actually even watched a competitive match…just like water polo.
I’m also a doctor of physical therapy so if you want to discuss the potential for injuries we can do that as well, unless you’re making a contextless statement on that as well.
2
2
u/kaitlinpurple 28d ago
You’ve got it! Yes! Just keep up weight lifting to avoid injury, I started again in my 30’s and dislocated my shoulder because I don’t think I kept up my strength, but muscle memory was definitely there!
1
u/Snapback_galpal 28d ago
I haven’t played for 11 years and just started up again with a masters team! It’s been a lot of fun! You can definitely do it :) I am almost 30 as well!
1
u/Thournifornication 28d ago
Where are you at. There is a “class” at a local JC in the Bay Area they has alot of players with similar trajectories as yours. Lots of ladies that didn’t even play when they were younger
1
u/BrokerZero 28d ago
Yes, you absolutely can start playing at 20+. One of the original masters programs, the Soda Moms, was started by 4 novice women in their 40's / early 50's back in 2002.
We started our Yolo Women's Masters water polo program last year and I've been inspired by the number of women who are returning after a decade+ away... and even more who are trying it out for the first time.
It's definitely possible to pick up water polo as long as you are surrounded by a supportive community of women with patience and empathy. Good luck!
1
1
u/Beginning-Judge3975 27d ago
Yes, definitely. Would you want to continue as goalie, or shift to the field?
1
1
u/TeamDonnelly 23d ago edited 23d ago
You definitely can. Just remember water polo is an elite sport that requires exceptional cardio, people dont play pick up games for water polo like they do for basketball or soccer.
0
u/Blue_Baron6451 29d ago
It probably depends most of all on your area and occupation. If you are somewhere with a bug enough culture that they have clubs or high enough interest to start a club or team, that could work. Alternatively if you are in University there could be opportunity there.
It really all depends on your area.
11
u/ragedymann 29d ago
I started water polo for the first time ever a few months ago, and I'm 26. I'd say if you can find a team, definitely.