Objective

The objective of water polo is to score more goals than the opposing team by the end of the match.

Teams

1. Team Composition:

   • Each team consists of 7 players in the water at a time: 6 field players and 1 goalkeeper.

   • Teams may have substitute players who can rotate in and out during stoppages in play.
     

Game Setup

1. Pool Dimensions:

   • The pool is typically 20 meters wide and 30 meters long for men, slightly smaller for women.

   • The water depth must be at least 1.8 meters.

2. Goals:

   • Goals are 3 meters wide and 90 centimeters high, located at each end of the pool.

3. Ball:

   • The ball is waterproof, with a size and weight appropriate for the players’ age group and gender.
     

Gameplay

1. Duration:

   • The game is divided into four periods, each lasting 8 minutes of actual playtime.

   • There is a 2-minute break between the first and second periods, and the third and fourth periods. Half-time lasts 5 minutes.

2. 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.

3. Advancing the Ball:

   • Players advance the ball by swimming with it, passing it to teammates, or throwing it towards the goal.

   • Players can only handle the ball with one hand, except for the goalkeeper who can use both hands within the 5-meter area.

4. Scoring:

   • A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and beneath the crossbar.

   • Each goal is worth one point.

5. 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.

6. Fouls:

   • Ordinary Fouls: Result in a free throw for the fouled team. Common ordinary fouls include impeding an opponent, touching the ball with two hands, and taking too long to shoot.

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

   • Penalty Fouls: Occur when a major foul is committed within the 5-meter area, preventing a probable goal. A penalty shot is awarded.

7. Free Throws:

   • Awarded for ordinary fouls. The player must take the free throw from the spot of the foul or further back.

8. Exclusion Fouls:

   • Players excluded for 20 seconds must swim to the exclusion area and can only re-enter after the time elapses or a goal is scored.

9. Substitutions:

   • Substitutions can be made during stoppages in play or after a goal is scored. Players must enter and exit from the designated substitution area.
     

Positions

1. Goalkeeper: Defends the goal, allowed to touch the ball with both hands within the 5-meter area.

2. Center Forward: Positioned near the opponent’s goal, often the main offensive player.

3. Center Back: Defends against the opposing center forward.

4. Wings: Positioned on the sides, responsible for attacking and setting up plays.

5. Drivers: Swim quickly to create opportunities, often switching positions with wings and center.
   

Strategies

1. Offensive Play:

   • Use quick passes and movement to create scoring opportunities.

   • Utilize the center forward to draw defenders and create space.

2. Defensive Play:

   • Employ zone defense or man-to-man defense to prevent scoring.

   • Goalkeepers should communicate with defenders to organize the defense effectively.
     

Winning the Game

The team with the most goals at the end of four periods wins the game. If the game is tied, it may go into overtime or a penalty shootout, depending on the competition rules.

Additional Rules

1. Timeouts:

   • Each team is allowed two timeouts per game, each lasting one minute.

2. Restarting Play:

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

3. Goalkeeper Restrictions:

   • Goalkeepers cannot cross the half-distance line.