Water polo, known as the «aquatic chess,» is a team sport that has captivated players and fans with its unique combination of skill, endurance, and strategy. Emerged in late 19th century England, it has become one of the most challenging and thrilling sports in the aquatic realm. At first glance, it may appear to be an aquatic version of handball, but as we delve into its rules and dynamics, we discover a fascinating sport that requires both physical and mental prowess.
In this article, we will delve into what water polo is, its historical origins, and how it is played in modern times.
How to Play Water Polo
Water Polo is an aquatic sport played in a pool, with two teams of seven players each (six field players and one goalkeeper). The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team. Here are the key points of how water polo is played:
Basic Rules
Water polo has a set of rules that govern the game, ensuring fairness and safety. Here are the most important basic rules of water polo, divided into different sections.
Fouls in Water Polo
Sanctions in Water Polo
In this sport, there are several sanctions implemented during the game, and it is crucial to understand them to comprehend the flow of the game. Here are the different sanctions in water polo:
How long does possession last in water polo?
In water polo, possession is limited by a shot clock of 30 seconds. This means that a team has a maximum of 30 seconds to take a shot on the opposing goal and create a scoring opportunity. If they fail to do so, a change of possession occurs, and the other team gets their turn to attack.
It is worth noting that when an exclusion occurs against the opposing team, the shot clock is reduced to 20 seconds.
This rule encourages a more dynamic game and prevents intentional time-wasting, forcing teams to make quick decisions and execute plays swiftly.
History of Water Polo
This aquatic sport has its origins in the late 19th century in England, where it developed as an aquatic variant of rugby. The creation of this sport is attributed to William Wilson, a British swimmer and politician. Wilson introduced water polo in 1870 as a recreational activity for swimmers in the city of London.
Initially, water polo was played with rudimentary rules, and the objective was to take the ball to the opposite end of the pool and touch the wall to score a goal. As it gained popularity, more structured rules were established, and in 1885, the English Water Polo Association was formed to regulate and promote the sport.
Water polo quickly spread to other European countries, and in 1900, it was included for the first time in the Paris Olympic Games as an exhibition sport. Its growth continued, and in 1928, the International Amateur Swimming Federation (now known as the International Swimming Federation, FINA) was founded, becoming the governing body for water polo and other aquatic sports.
Throughout its history, water polo has evolved both in rules and popularity. It has been an integral part of the Olympic Games since 1900 (except for the 1904 Games), and teams from around the world have participated in international competitions.