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About Water Polo
 Water polo is a team sport, which can be best described as a combination of swimming and soccer. In fact, water polo is often designated for off-season training for soccer players.
A team consists of six field players and one goalkeeper. The goal of the game resembles that of soccer: to score as many goals as possible, each goal being worth one point.
The pool is usually a 25m pool, of varying width, with deep water. The water polo ball is similar size to a soccer ball, but is usually bright yellow, and made of waterproof nylon. There is a goal at each end, 3 metres wide, guarded by one player on each team (the goalkeeper). The goalkeeper is the only player who can touch the ball with both hands at any time.
The game is divided into four periods varying from 5 to 8 minutes in length. The game clock is stopped when the ball is not 'in play' - e.g. between a foul being committed and the free throw being taken, and between a goal being scored and the re-start. This causes the average quarter to last around 12 minutes in 'real time'. A team may not have possession of the ball for longer than 30 seconds without shooting for the goal or an opponent being ejected - after this time, possession passes to the other team. However if a team shoots the ball within the alloted 30 seconds, and regains control of the ball, the shot clock is reset to 30 seconds.
 Players can move the ball by throwing it to a teammate or swimming while pushing the ball in front of them. Players are not permitted to push the ball underwater when being tackled, or push or hold an opposition player unless that player is holding the ball. Fouls are very common, and result in a free throw which one cannot shoot to the goal unless they are beyond the "5 metre" line. Water polo players tend to need remarkable stamina due to the considerable amount of holding and pushing that occurs during the game, both that which is unseen/ignored by the referees (usually underwater) and that which is allowed. Water polo is one of the most physically demanding of all sports.
As in hockey, players will be sent out for short periods of time for committing more serious fouls. In water polo, a player caught committing an 'ejection' foul, is sent to the corner for 20 seconds, until the next goal, or until his team regains possession, whichever comes first. This type of foul is normally called an ejection or a kickout. If the foul is a non-sportsmanlike act, however, the player is ejected for the remainder of the game with substitution. This type of foul is often called a 'roll' because the referee signals the foul by "rolling" his hands around one another. If a player commits a foul with intention to harm, the player is ejected from the game without substitution. The player's team plays one man down for the rest of the game. This type of foul is called a 'brutality' and is signaled by the referee by crossing the arms in the form of an X.
During a 'man-up' situation resulting from an "ejection", the attacking team can expect to score, by adopting a 4-2 or 3-3 formation, and moving the goalkeeper out of position. A player that has been 'kicked out' three times must sit out the whole match (with substitution), much like the six personal fouls in Basketball. |
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Basic Skills Used in Water Polo:
 Swimming: Since water polo is a team water sport, swimming is most commonly a skill which is acquired before playing this sport. It is a key element, as the game requires players to swim up and down the pool often.
In order to join the Triggerfish, you do not need to have a strong swimming background, however you will want to be able to swim two lengths of the pool without stopping. Your endurance will develop from there, over time.
 Ball handling skills: As all field players are only allowed to touch the ball with one hand at a time, they develop good ball control and comfort with the ball in their hand.
You will develop good ball handling skills with practice, patience, and coaching.
Treading water: The most common form of treading water is referred to in North America as the "eggbeater," named because the movement of the legs resembles the motion of the kitchen utensil of the same name. The advantage of the eggbeater is that it allows the player to maintain a constant position to the water level (as opposed to the scissor kick, which results in the player bobbing up and down.) Also, by kicking faster for a brief period the player can get high out of the water (as high as their suit—below their waistline) for a block, pass, or shot. It is an important skill for polo players to develop, because it is used frequently throughout the game.
If you have experience with eggbeater from swim lessons or lifeguard training, this is an advantage when joining the Triggerfish. However, if this is a new skill for you, we will be sure to teach it to you, and it will strengthen with practice.
Remember: Our team accommodates players of all abilities. Most of us had never played water polo before joining, and a large number of us had limited swimming background. We look forward to helping you learn our exciting sport!
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