Welcome to Flippa Ball 2026!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Flippa Ball is a modified version of water polo. It’s played in a shallow pool by primary school-aged players (years 3-6 / ages approximately seven to ten). It was developed in the early 1980s so younger children could experience water polo in an environment more suited to their size, strength, and abilities.

Canterbury Water Polo is thrilled to partner with NZWP to bring you Flippa Ball! With this exciting change, we’re moving to Wharenui Pool, allowing us to accommodate all grades.

Register Here!

Session Overview

Each session will feature two teams and run for 40 minutes, consisting of 20 minutes of Flippa Ball skill development followed by a 20-minute game.

The skill session is to be run by your coaches, balls and goals will be provided and supervised by CWP.

A dedicated referee and pool controller will be present for all sessions to ensure smooth operation.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to participate, assist during the sessions, and learn more about Flippa Ball.

Sunday Skills & Games!

WHATS INVOLVED

Learn new skills and play a game of Flippa Ball

LOCATION

Wharenui Swimming Pool & Sports Centre

73 Elizabeth Street, Riccarton, Christchurch

TIME

Sundays 10:00am - 2:00pm 

DATES

TERM 1

15th, 22nd Feburary

1st, 8th 15th & 22nd March

TERM 2

3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th May

7th, 14th, 21st & 28th June

TERM 3

2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th August

TERM 4

18th October

1st, 8th & 22nd & 29th November

6th December

Flippa Ball Pricing

Team 1 Registations - $600

Term 2 Registrations- $800

Term 3 Registrations -$800

Term 4 Registrations - $700

Individual Registrations require payment on registration - $70+ stripe fee per player and is non refundable. 

WPNZ Welcome Pack

Flippa Ball Contacts

League Coordinator

Tallulah Goldworthy

Email: flippaball@canterburywaterpolo.org.nz​​​​


CWP Competitions Manager

Casie Bowry

Email: competitons@canterburywaterpolo.org.nz

Phone: 021 0284 3496

The Basic Rules

YOUR MISSION - To score more goals than the other team.

One hand only - The goalkeeper can use two hands, but everyone else must use one hand to catch and throw the ball.

No contact - Players can’t make contact with another player.

Ball above water - Players can’t take the ball underwater.

Swim don’t walk - Players can’t walk with the ball, they must swim with it (this is called dribbling),

Two-metre area - Attacking players can’t enter or remain in the two-metre area unless they follow the ball.

Golden Rules for Parents

  • Fun with friends comes first.
  • Be patient with their progress.
  • It’s their time, let them shine.
  • Applaud effort over outcome.
  • The more sports they play the better.
  • Sport teaches life skills.
  • The mind matters the most.
  • Be a good sport too.
  • Be aware of burnout and most importantly, love watching them play!


The Fundamentals!

What’s taught in Flippa Ball?

Flippa Ball is a structured programme delivered by trained coaches with expertise in working with younger children. The five fundamental skills you’ll learn are:

1. How to catch and throw the ball.

2. How to shoot.

3. Body positions for catching, throwing and shooting.

4. Essentials of positional play.

5. Fitness.

How is it different to Water Polo?

Flippa Ball is modified so you can learn with equipment that suits your age and stage. Learning with modified equipment promotes success, skill acquisition, and confidence which all add up to a fun experience!

A few changes are:

  • Smaller balls - size 2 is recommended for years 3 and 4 and size 3 for years 5 and 6.
  • Smaller goals - in line with the arm span of the goalkeeper.
  • Smaller and shallower pool - players should be able to touch the boom of the pool.
  • More player rotation - happens at least each half so you can try out all the positions.
  • Shorter game times - two halves of ten minutes.
  • No timeouts, possession, or shot clocks!


What are the Benefits?

What are the benefits of Flippa Ball?

Flippa Ball will get you physically active - great for your body and your mind! You’ll learn:

• Teamwork and how everyone has different strengths

• Ball skills like passing and catching (very helpful for lots of other sports)

• Water confidence so you feel safe

• A fun aquatic experience that might make you want to try other water sports

What role do parents have?

As a Flippa Ball parent, you play an important role in the amount of fun that your child and their teammates have. Children stay physically active for longer if they are having fun with friends. Most kids (and adults) play sport for fun and to socialise - competition and results are often secondary.