Last updated: 3 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
The hole set (also called the centre forward, pit or 2-metre player) positions directly in front of the opposing goal, back to the net, in the most contested area of the pool. As the focal point of the attack, the hole set receives feeds, draws fouls (creating power-play opportunities), and either scores from close range or distributes to teammates. It is the most physically punishing position, involving constant wrestling with the centre back. A dominant hole set is the cornerstone of most water polo attacking systems.
- Centre forward, back to goal
- Focal point of the attack
- Draws fouls, scores close, distributes
- Most physically contested position
In practice
A hole set swimming workout (a fixed total time or 'hole' within which a swimmer must complete a set distance, with any remaining time becoming rest) rewards faster swimmers with more recovery between repeats, since the interval is fixed but swim time varies by ability — this makes it a popular training format for swimmers of different speeds training together in the same lane.
FAQ
How does a hole set differ from a standard interval set?
A standard interval set assigns a fixed time per rep with the same nominal rest for everyone; a hole set fixes the total time 'hole' and lets faster swimmers earn proportionally more rest, which adapts naturally to a mixed-ability lane.
Why do coaches use hole sets for squads with mixed abilities?
It allows swimmers of different speeds to train the same overall set structure together, with the format automatically giving faster swimmers more recovery rather than requiring separate sets for each ability level.