Official Water Polo Rules

Last Updated on June 25, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Water polo is a thrilling and dynamic team sport played in a pool, where two teams of seven players each compete to score goals by throwing a ball into the opposing team’s net. The game combines elements of swimming, ball handling, and teamwork, as players constantly tread water while trying to outmaneuver their opponents. With intense action and a strategic focus on positioning and passing, water polo is both physically demanding and highly competitive, making it a favorite in both recreational and professional settings.

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Objective

The objective of water polo is simple: score more goals than the opposing team by the end of the match. Teams must employ both offensive and defensive strategies to outplay their opponents and claim victory.

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Teams

Team Composition:

Each team consists of 7 players in the water: 6 field players and 1 goalkeeper. Substitute players are also allowed, rotating in during stoppages in play.

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Game Setup

Pool Dimensions:

For men’s games, the pool is typically 20 meters wide and 30 meters long, while it’s slightly smaller for women. The water depth must be at least 1.8 meters.

Goals:

Each goal is 3 meters wide and 90 centimeters high, positioned at each end of the pool.

Ball:

The ball used in water polo is waterproof and appropriately sized and weighted for the players’ age group and gender.

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Gameplay

Duration:

The game is divided into four periods of 8 minutes of actual playtime, with 2-minute breaks between the first and second periods, and the third and fourth periods. Half-time lasts 5 minutes.

Start of Play:

Each period begins with a swim-off, where players race to the center of the pool to gain possession of the ball.

Advancing the Ball:

Players advance the ball by swimming with it, passing it to teammates, or throwing it towards the goal. A player may only handle the ball with one hand, except for the goalkeeper within the 5-meter area, where both hands are allowed.

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Scoring:

A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar. Each goal counts as one point.

Shot Clock:

Teams have 30 seconds to take a shot at the goal. If they fail to do so, possession is given to the opposing team.

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Fouls

Ordinary Fouls: These result in a free throw for the fouled team. Common examples include impeding an opponent or touching the ball with two hands.

Major Fouls: Result in a 20-second exclusion for the offending player. These include holding or sinking an opponent.

Penalty Fouls: When a major foul occurs within the 5-meter area, preventing a probable goal, the fouled team is awarded a penalty shot.

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Free Throws:

Awarded for ordinary fouls. The player takes the throw from the spot of the foul or further back.

Exclusion Fouls:

Exclusion fouls result in a 20-second penalty, during which the player must exit the game and can only re-enter once their penalty time is up or a goal is scored.

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Substitutions

Substitutions can happen during stoppages or after a goal is scored. Players must enter and exit through the designated substitution area.

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Positions

• Goalkeeper: Defends the goal and can use both hands within the 5-meter area.
• Center Forward: Positioned near the opponent’s goal and is typically the main offensive player.
• Center Back: Defends against the opposing center forward.
• Wings: Positioned on the sides and responsible for attacking and setting up plays.
• Drivers: Swim quickly to create opportunities and often switch positions with wings and center players.

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Strategies

Offensive Play:

Quick passes and constant movement are key to creating scoring opportunities. The center forward is often used to draw defenders and create space.

Defensive Play:

Teams may use zone defense or man-to-man defense to prevent the opposition from scoring. Communication is key for goalkeepers to organize the defense.

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Winning the Game

The team with the most goals at the end of four periods wins. In the case of a tie, overtime or a penalty shootout may be used to determine the winner.

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Additional Rules

Timeouts:

Each team is allowed two one-minute timeouts during the game.

Restarting Play:

After a goal, play restarts with a free throw from the center of the pool.

Goalkeeper Restrictions:

Goalkeepers are restricted from crossing the half-distance line during the game.

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Conclusion

Water polo is a fast-paced, physically demanding game requiring strategy, teamwork, and endurance. Players who understand the rules can excel, and the game remains an exciting challenge for participants at any level.