What Is Waterpolo?

 

Waterpolo is a team sport in which a goal is scored by putting the ball into the opponent's net. It's a fast-paced game and requires quick reflexes, awareness, and fitness.

Water polo is played in a pool that has a standard 30m x 20m playing area and is at least 2 meters deep. Players tread water and swim for the entire game, making it one of the most physically demanding sports out there.

Game rules

Waterpolo is a competitive, full-contact team sport played in a swimming pool. It combines the rigor and fitness of swimming with ball-handling skills and strategy.

Teams consist of 13 players - seven field players and one goalkeeper. The game is a fast one and players need remarkable stamina to keep up with the constant moving around of the pool.

The playing area is 30m x 20m with a minimum depth of 2 metres. Three colored markers mark the course of play. Red markers indicate the 2-meter line, yellow markers the 5-meter line and a goal is located at either end of the pool.

Scoring

Water polo is a full-contact team sport that combines speed, strength and teamwork. Teams consist of 6 field players and a goalie.

A goal is scored when the entire water polo ball passes fully over the goal line, between the goal posts and underneath the crossbar. Even if the ball is tipped off of the goalie, it still counts as a goal if the whole ball crosses the goal line.

In international water polo the game is divided into four quarters, each lasting eight minutes and with a five minute break at half time. If the teams are tied then it goes to overtime and if still tied, it continues in a shootout.

Offense

Water polo is a sport that requires players to be versatile, and the positions they play can change based on what the game calls for. There are seven players in each team, consisting of six outfield players and a goalkeeper.

The center forward, wings and point are the most common offensive positions. The center forward is located closest to the opponents' goal, and is one of the most important players in the game.

Wings are players who play on the sides of the pool and should aim to set up a screen for the driver and other teammates when receiving or passing the ball.

The point player is positioned in the center of the triangle formation and should facilitate most of the passes and throws during an offense. The driver is a fast swimmer and should be the main leader of the offense along with the center.

Defense

Defending a water polo team is a major part of the game. It is a physically demanding sport that requires players to use their body, feet and arms effectively in order to make sure that their opponents cannot get the ball inside of the pool.

The defensive strategy used most often is a man-to-man defense, but there are many other strategies that a good defense can employ.

Using body position, defenders can control the direction of drives and picks. It is also important for defenders to be able to communicate with their teammates on the field so they can be sure to keep an eye out for open players.

Goalie

A goalie is a key part of any water polo team. They need to be able to react quickly when the ball is launched at them from all angles.

Goalies need to be able to regain their balance, make an outlet pass and block multiple shots on the cage at once. This requires a strong foundation and a commitment to training.

The best way to improve a goalie’s ability to react is by developing fast-twitch muscle fibers that can generate short bursts of energy. This can be done by practicing reaction drills or through dryland training.

A goalie also needs to be able to push the water with their legs before performing a powerful lunge. This can be done by practicing a walking spiderman exercise.