One player each is needed for centre-forward and backward position while two players each are needed as wing players and drivers. Players having the overall knowledge of offensive and defensive attacks on these all positions are called as utility players.

General rules of water polo

• Water polo players in possession of the ball can pass the ball forwards, sideways or backwards.
• Water polo players must tread water and are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool – with the exception of the goalkeeper.

A penalty foul is awarded when a player commits any kind of a foul in the penalty area (inside the 5m line) that, in the opinion of the referee, prevented a probable goal. This is most commonly awarded in situations where the attacker turns or gets inside the defenders and is fouled from behind.

around 6.5ft
Water polo is one of the longest running sports at the games and the men’s competition has been part of the Olympics since 1900, with the women’s tournament only starting at Sydney 2000. The sport is played in a pool that is two-metres, around 6.5ft, deep and a player’s feet must not touch the bottom.

Q: Can you touch the ground to stand up? A: Nope! The dimensions of a water polo pool are not fixed and can vary between 20×10 and 30×20 meters with varying depths. Most regulation water polo pools are at least 6 feet deep.

The colander-style plastic ear coverings have small holes in them, their design helps to reduce the amount of water entering the ear cavity, while allowing players to hear each other during a game. Like swimmers, some water polo players also choose to wear a cap under their fabric hats to protect their hair.

General rules of water polo Water polo players in possession of the ball can pass the ball forwards, sideways or backwards. Water polo players must tread water and are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool – with the exception of the goalkeeper.

A game of water polo consists of the players swimming to move about the pool, treading water (often using the eggbeater kick technique), passing the ball and shooting at goal. Teamwork, tactical thinking and game awareness are also highly important aspects in a game of water polo.

Water polo is now popular in many countries around the world, notably Europe (particularly in Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Russia, Italy, Greece and Spain), the United States, Canada and Australia.

Like all team sports, Water Polo has certain playing positions for which individuals must be trained. By title, these positions are: Goalkeeper; Defensive Specialist; Driver; and Two-Meter Specialist.