Water polo, often called "water basketball," is an exciting team sport played in a pool. It combines swimming, passing, shooting, and strategy, making it both physically and mentally challenging. This guide explains the rules, techniques, common fouls, and other key aspects of water polo.
Game Objective
The goal is to score more goals than your opponent by throwing the ball into their net. Players swim, tread water, pass, shoot, and position themselves strategically.
Key Aspects:
- Teams: 13 players (7 in the pool, 6 substitutes).
- Game Duration: Four 8-minute quarters (32 minutes total).
- Clock: Runs continuously, stopping only for fouls, penalties, or out-of-bounds.
- Scoring: The whole ball must cross the goal line.
- Shot Clock: 30 seconds to shoot; otherwise, possession changes.
The Pool
The pool is divided into zones:
- Goal Line: White line; the ball must completely cross it for a goal.
- 2-Meter Line: Red line; attackers without the ball can't cross.
- 5-Meter Line: Yellow line; fouls here preventing a "probable goal" result in a penalty shot.
- Center Line: White line; divides the pool; goalies can't cross.
Player Roles
Water polo players are versatile, switching between offense and defense:
- Goalkeeper: Main defender, stays near the goal.
- Center Forward: Lead attacker, scores most points.
- Left/Right Wing: Hybrids, defend and create scoring chances.
- Left/Right Driver: Mainly offensive, help the center forward.
- Point: Versatile attacker, blocks, passes, scores, and defends.
Gameplay
- Start: Ball at the center, players in position.
- Passing: One hand only (except goalie within 6 meters of the goal).
- Scoring: Defenders can block but not impede movement.
- Fouls: Result in turnovers, ejections, or penalty throws. Examples:
- Touching the ball with two hands.
- Touching the bottom of the pool.
- Stalling the game.
- Holding or sinking an opponent.
- End of Game: Highest score wins; ties result in a shootout.
Water Polo Rules: In Detail
1. Ball Possession
- 30-Second Rule: Attacking team must shoot within 30 seconds.
- Shot Clock Reset: Reset for offense if the ball rebounds off the goal; reset for defense if the ball goes out of bounds.
- Possession Change: Failure to shoot in 30 seconds results in a turnover.
2. Fouls and Penalties
- Minor Fouls: Impeding a player without the ball (e.g., delaying a free throw).
- Penalty: Free throw.
- Major Fouls: More serious infractions (e.g., holding, sinking, or pulling back an opponent).
- Penalties:
- Exclusion for 20 Seconds: The fouled team plays with an extra player.
- Exclusion for 20 Seconds with Substitution: Player ejected, but team can substitute after 20 seconds.
- Brutality Foul: Player ejected for at least one game, team plays short for 4 minutes.
- Penalty Foul: Penalty throw awarded for fouls inside the 5-meter line that prevent a likely goal.
- Penalties:
- Conduct Fouls: Yellow and red cards for misconduct by players or coaches.
3. Officiating
- Referees: Make all decisions, signal fouls, goals, and penalties.
4. Other Rules
- Out of Bounds: Free throw to the team that didn't touch the ball last.
- Goal Throws: Awarded to the defending team when the ball goes out behind the goal line.
- Corner Throws: Awarded to the attacking team if the goalie touches the ball last before it goes out behind the goal line, or if a defender deliberately sends it out.
Strategies
- Offensive:
- Positioning (e.g., "3-3," "arc").
- Passing and dribbling.
- Man-up (5 on 6) strategies.
- Defensive:
- Positioning to block shots.
- Legal foul tactics.
- Goalkeeper:
- Positioning to reduce shooting angles.
- Blocking techniques.
Equipment
- Ball: Waterproof, textured for grip.
- Caps: Protect heads, indicate teams and players.
- Goals: Mounted or floating.
- Swimwear: Briefs/jammers for men, one-piece suits for women.
Variations
- Inner Tube Water Polo: Players float in inner tubes (except goalie).
- Surf Polo: Played on surfboards.
- Canoe/Kayak Polo: Played in canoes or kayaks.
- Flippa Ball: Simplified version for beginners.
Conclusion
Water polo requires athleticism, teamwork, and strategy. Understanding the rules and techniques is key to appreciating this exciting sport. This guide provides a starting point for exploring the world of water polo.