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.

Session Overview

Each session will feature two teams and run for approximately 35 minutes, consisting of a 15-minute Flippa Ball skills warm-up, followed by a 20-minute game.

The 15-minute skills session will be led by Canterbury Water Polo coaches, with support from parents, teachers, and volunteers who are keen to get involved. Canterbury Water Polo will provide all equipment, including balls and goals.

A dedicated referee and pool controller will be present throughout each session to ensure the programme runs smoothly.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to participate, assist with the skills activities, manage substitutions during the game, and learn more about Flippa Ball. This provides a great opportunity to build confidence in supporting their teams while creating a fun, positive, and engaging environment for all players.

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 11:30-1:30pm


Flippa Ball Contacts

Flippa Ball and Lead

Casie Bowry

Email: competitons@canterburywaterpolo.org.nz

Phone: 021 0284 3496

WPNZ Welcome Pack

Dates​​​​​​​

15th, 22nd Feburary

1st, 8th 15th & 22nd March


Registraion Fee 

Team - $600

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


Dates

10th, 17th & 24th May

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


Registration Fee

Team - $700

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


Dates

9th, 16th, 23rd & August

6th, 13th 20th September 


Registration Fee 

Team - $600

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



Dates

18th October

1st, & 22nd & 29th November

6th & 13th  December


Registration Fee 

Team - $600

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

The Basic Rules

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


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.