5 Things You Need to Know About Water Polo

1. Dive In

Water polo is similar to soccer, lacrosse and other team sports. Six field players and a goalie are in the pool for each team during game play. Although there are specific positions, water polo players continuously shift positions as game play demands, with the exception of the goalie. Teams with left-handed players have the distinct advantage of being able to shoot the ball from both sides of the pool.

2. Polo Positions

Water polo teams typically play in two different formations. Less experienced teams tend to play with three offensive players in front of three defensive players, while advanced teams play with five players in an arc formation with the center forward playing in the center of the arc. In the arc formation, the five perimeter players constantly rotate, requiring them to be in excellent shape. The center forward typically organizes the perimeter players because he or she can view the entire pool. The center forward stays near the opposing team's goal and fires off close-range shots at every scoring opportunity. Defensively, teams either mark individual players or defend a specified area of the pool.

3. The Skills of a Water Polo Goalie

Playing goalie in water polo is arguably the most challenging position in the sport. The goalie has to defend a 30-square-foot goal by jumping and lunging, often without being able to touch the bottom of the pool. A goalie must be able to tread water without losing track of the ball and the team's defenders. The goalie is responsible for organizing the team's defense. Unlike field players, the goalie is allowed to touch the ball with both hands, hit the ball with a clenched fist and touch the bottom of the pool, as long as he or she remains within 5 meters of the goal.

4. Swim to Start

The team with the fastest swimmers likely gain possession of the ball at the start of game play. The start of play, called the swim-off, consists of the players from both teams lining up on their individual goal lines. The referee drops the ball at the midpoint of the pool, and the field players must swim to it once the referee blows the whistle. The team that reaches the ball first goes on offense. Players advance the ball by passing to their teammates or pushing the ball as they swim. A player is called offsides if he or she is in the opposing team's two-meter line without the ball.

5. Make a Goal

The ball must completely pass the between the goal posts and under the cross bar to be considered a goal. If the ball bounces off the posts, it's considered to be a live ball and play continues. If the offense plays the ball out of the pool, the opposing team receives possession. If the defense is the last to touch the ball, the offense receives a corner throw.