1. Offensive Positions in Water Polo
There are six players and one goalie on each team in water polo. The field players rotate through several different positions during the game. During the game, the players arrange themselves in three-on-three formations, with two rows of three players staggered in the pool. In advanced teams, they often use the arc or umbrella layout. The center is located in the middle of the arc, where the stem would be. All other players stand in formation around them. The center offensive position is located closest to the other team's goal. This is usually the largest player. His role is to score.
2. Advancing the Ball
At the start of the water polo game, players line up on their own goal line. The referee throws the ball in and whoever gets it first is the attacker. After a goal, the ball goes to the other team. To move the ball from one end of the pool to another, there are two options. The offensive water polo player can throw the ball to another team mate, or swim, with the ball directly in front of them. This is dribbling.
3. Setting the Ball
There are two ways to set or pass the ball for the offense in water polo. A wet pass is where the ball thrown to the center forward lands in the water. The center then picks up the ball and attempts to score. The other option is a dry pass. In the dry pass, the ball stays out of the water during the toss and is caught directly in the hands of the center, who then attempts to score. The danger with this type of pass is a potential foul call if the ball goes directly in the net.
4. Man Up
If a player breaks the rules by getting in the way of a free throw, holds onto or sinks an attacker, or splashes water in the face of another player, the penalty is 20 seconds out the game. During this time, the other team is up one man. Smart teams use this time to their advantage, making a charge on the net to score a goal.
5. Get Net
When the ball passes between the goal posts and under the crossbar, one point is scored. The net in water polo has strict size dimensions and must be set up in the exact center of the pool. The polo associations provide detailed instructions on how the net must be set up and the rules for each game.
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