Back to Basics

In general, water polo is a simple game. Two teams of seven in the pool at one time each attempting to push, pass or carry the ball over their opponent's goal line. However, for those people who wish to develop their skills to an advanced stage they need to concentrate on many facets of the game and these include the following:

	Swimming for Water Polo: Although basic swimming skills can be an advantage when learning the game, it is vital to learn the specific swimming movements required during a game. Sudden stopping and starting and changes of possession, rolling, turning and treading water are all necessary to allow the player to achieve the mobility to be in the right place at the right time.
	Ball Handling: Catching, passing and shooting the ball, especially under pressure from your opponents, are absolute pre-requisites for the top class player and are made possible by the development of the legs.
	Tactical Knowledge: It becomes necessary as you advance to understand and interpret game situations as well as following instructions given by your coach. Refereeing decisions often require instant reactions and you must also be able to adjust to your opponent's tactics.
	Extra Player Knowledge: The 6 on 5 attack and defence has become much more important as more than half the goals scored at international levels are from the extra man situation. All players must become proficient at the different positions and systems.
	Getting Stronger: Although it is essentially a non-contact sport, it does require a lot of strength, particularly under water. All parts of the body can perform better in the water if the muscles have been strengthened either by training in the pool or in the gym. Stronger legs assist with all facets of play, stronger stomach and back muscles assist with shooting while stronger forearm muscles can help with one on one defence.
	Mental Requirements: The psychology of sport is becoming more and more important in the game. Keen players need to set goals in order to motivate themselves throughout a long session. Players also need to learn how to relax especially before a big match. These skills are just as important to learn as the others listed above.

Considering then the demands of the sport, there are three main categories of importance which we will expand on:.

1. Technique 2. Tactics 3. Conditioning

A player may have all the skills and techniques but if they do not understand tactics, or have little conditioning, then they will be found wanting.
Similarly, they can have all the necessary conditioning, but if they can't catch or pass, then they will struggle at top level.
Therefore, for players to have a chance to make it at top level, they must work equally on the three aspects of the sport.

Interesting Water Polo Facts and Information

	How many players are in the field, from each team, at one time?
	There are 6 players from each team in the feild at the one time. So 12 players all up. BUT Did you know that the goalie is not counted as part of the field. If you included the goalie there would actually be 14 pplayers.
	Each of the 6 players has their own postition but the 6th position has actually got 2 names. What are they?
	Postition 6 can be called 'whole' or 'set'. Set = Roughly equates to the postition 'centre; in basket ball.
	How are points scored?
	To score a point you need to throw the ball into the netted goal.
	Is there a 'shot clock' used in water polo?
	Yes. There is a 35 second shot clock used
	Does Water Polo use their own ball?
	Yes. Water Polo has their very own purposely designed ball. It is about the same rough size as a soccer ball or a volley ball.