What happens when a young Spanish water polo player leaves Barcelona to combine elite sport and academics in the United States?

In Episode #145 of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Max Casabella shares his journey from growing up in Mataró near Barcelona to playing college water polo at UC Berkeley – where he won three NCAA titles in his first three seasons.

Max talks about discovering water polo as a child, the influence of his older brother Xavi and the moment when the sport became more than just a hobby.

We also discuss his decision to move to the United States, adapting to college life and the differences between the American and European water polo systems.

🎙️ A conversation about opportunities, development, education and taking the chance to leave your comfort zone.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Jack Kocur, we dive deeper into coaching, player development and the mental side of modern water polo.

Jack shares lessons from three Olympic Games, explains why young players need international experience and a growth mindset, and discusses why cognitive awareness can be just as important as physical skills.

We also explore his coaching philosophy, the importance of connecting with athletes before directing them, and why young coaches should stop trying to be somebody else.

Die internationale Wasserball-Saison läuft – und für die deutschen Clubs wird es ernst.

Spandau 04 verpasst nach einem dramatischen Qualifikationswochenende die Champions League und spielt nun im Euro Cup weiter. Gleichzeitig stehen die Gegner von Waspo 98 Hannover in der Champions-League-Gruppenphase fest.

Außerdem schauen wir auf den Trainerwechsel bei der SG Neukölln sowie die bevorstehenden internationalen Aufgaben von ASC Duisburg, White Sharks Hannover und den Frauen von Spandau 04.

Waterpolo Weekly #009 – dein kompaktes Wochenupdate aus der Welt des Wasserballs.

What makes a great water polo player – physical ability, technical skills or the ability to see the game before it happens?

In Episode #143 of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Jack Kocur shares his approach to developing the next generation of water polo players.

The longtime Team USA coach talks about Water Polo IQ, mental development and why young athletes can benefit from playing other sports. He explains what water polo can learn from football, basketball, hockey and the Spanish style of play – and why spatial awareness and understanding contact are essential skills.

Jack also takes us through his own journey: from baseball and water polo in Southern California to Pepperdine’s historic 1997 NCAA Championship, playing in Spain and Greece, and ultimately reaching the Olympic stage as a coach.

A conversation about coaching, development, the underdog mentality and finding different ways to succeed in water polo.

Spandau 04 startet in die Champions-League-Qualifikation. Dazu: Ferencváros gewinnt erneut den ungarischen Pokal, Crvena Zvezda steht vor massiven strukturellen Problemen und die ersten Paarungen im DSV-Pokal stehen fest. Im Fokus: Wo steht der deutsche Clubwasserball im europäischen Vergleich?

Greek water polo star and national team center forward Konstantinos Kakaris reflects on Greece’s historic first senior gold medal, the painful defeats that shaped the team and the mindset required to perform under pressure.

He also talks about his move to Ferencváros, different European water polo cultures, and why timing, discipline and emotional control are essential for every center forward.

Die neue Saison rückt näher – und der Blick geht wieder stärker Richtung Bundesliga und europäischer Club-Wasserball.

In Waterpolo Weekly #007 starten wir in Deutschland mit einer interessanten Personalie beim SVV Plauen, wo Gergö Kovac als neuer Cheftrainer übernimmt und der Verein verstärkt auf die Entwicklung eigener Nachwuchsspieler setzen möchte.

Danach schauen wir auf die ersten internationalen Aufgaben deutscher Clubs: Spandau 04 muss in die Champions-League-Qualifikation, Waspo 98 Hannover ist bereits für die Gruppenphase gesetzt und im Euro Cup warten auf den ASC Duisburg und die White Sharks Hannover anspruchsvolle Gruppen. Auch die Frauen von Spandau 04 sind international gefordert.

Außerdem ziehen wir ein erstes Fazit zum 4x4-Wasserball nach dem Premierenturnier in Dubrovnik. Die USA gewinnen bei den Frauen, Spanien bei den Männern – aber entscheidender ist die Frage: Hat dieses neue Format das Potenzial, neue Menschen für den Wasserball zu erreichen?

Zum Schluss gibt es die wichtigsten Termine der kommenden Wochen kompakt im Überblick.

What does it take to become an elite center forward in modern water polo?

In this episode of the Waterpolo Expert Talk, Greek international Konstantinos Kakaris shares insights into his development from a young swimmer who found swimming “boring” to becoming one of Europe’s established center forwards.

We talk about the evolution of the center position, how the new water polo rules are changing the game and why Kakaris believes leg strength is responsible for 70–80 percent of a center’s game.

He also explains why giving your best every single day is about much more than physical development – it creates the mindset needed for an elite career.

Finally, we look at his journey beyond Greece and how playing abroad, adapting to different coaches and teammates, and constantly stepping outside his comfort zone helped him grow as both a player and a person.

Die Clubsaison rückt näher: In Deutschland steht die Bundesliga-Tagung in Duisburg bevor, international werfen die European Aquatics Supercups ihre Schatten voraus – und in Dubrovnik läuft erstmals die World Aquatics Water Polo 4x4 Open Championship.

In Waterpolo Weekly #006 geht es um die wichtigsten Termine der kommenden Wochen und vor allem um die Frage: Kann 4x4 dem Wasserball neue Möglichkeiten eröffnen?

Why does team culture matter more than individual talent – and what can setbacks teach a young World Champion?

In Part 2 of my conversation with Unai Lema, we talk about his journey with Spain's junior national teams, the emotions of becoming a U20 World Champion, and the mentality that helped his team come back in difficult moments.

Unai also speaks openly about disappointment, including missing out on a national team selection, and explains why he chose to use that setback as motivation to improve.

Looking ahead to his move to ASC Duisburg, we discuss the German Water Polo Bundesliga, his ambitions to compete in the Euro Cup, adapting to a new country and why German water polo is becoming increasingly interesting for Spanish players.

We also take a broader look at the sport itself: Why does water polo still struggle for recognition – even in a successful water polo nation like Spain?