Introduction
Water polo is a team water sport which can be best described as a combination of swimming, rugby and wrestling. The playing team consists of six field players and one goalkeeper with a maximum of six substitutes. The winner of the game is the team that scores more goals. Players swim the equivalence of up to 5km in a single game. In order to score, players throw the ball into the opponent's goal which floats on the water. Apart from the goalkeeper who is allowed to touch the bottom of the pool in the goalkeeper's area, players cannot touch the bottom of the pool in any active part of the game. Each game is played over four eight-minute periods.
Pool
The distance between goal lines is 20m−30m for men and 20m−25m for women. The width of the playing area for all games is 10m−20m. The minimum water depth is 1.8m.Regardless of its size, each water polo pool is marked with several important lines:
- white cones — goal line and halfway
- red cones — 2m lines
- yellow cones — 5m lines
- Sides of the field of play are marked red from goal line to 2m, yellow from 2m to 5m and green from 5m to halfway. A red mark is placed 2m from each end to denote the re-entry area.
Equipment
- Ball: A water polo ball is made of waterproof material to allow it to float on the water. The cover has a special texture so it won't slip from the hands of a player. The size of the ball is different for between men, women and junior.
- Caps: A water polo cap is used to protect the players' heads and ears and to identify them. Home team field players wear numbered white caps, and visiting team field players wear numbered dark colored or black caps. Both starting goalkeepers wear (quartered) red caps, numbered "1" (substitute goalies caps are numbered either "13" for FINA international play or "15" for NCAA play) Caps are fitted with ear protectors.
- Goals: Two goals are needed in order to play water polo. Both can either be put on the side of the pool or in the pool.
- Swimwear: Male water polo players often wear swim briefs or Speedo's. Some players prefer to wear 2 briefs for more security during play. Female players must wear a one-piece swimsuit. Most of these suits do not have straps as normal suits, but are zipper-backed.
- Mouthguard: The using of a mouthguard is recommended due to the extreme amount of contact involved with water polo.