How many players are on a water polo team?
A water polo team has seven players in the water at a time: six field players and one goalkeeper. Teams can have up to 13 or more players on the roster, with substitutes.
Water polo is played in a deep pool, so players cannot touch the bottom. They must tread water throughout the game, using a powerful kicking technique called the eggbeater. Players pass and shoot the ball with one hand, while the goalkeeper can use both hands. The aim is to throw the ball into the opponent's goal.
A game is divided into four quarters of eight minutes of playing time each. Teams have a limited time, called the shot clock, to attempt a shot. Players can be excluded for 20 seconds for major fouls, giving the other team a power play.
History
Water polo began in Britain in the 1800s as a form of rugby in water. It was one of the first team sports added to the modern Olympics, in 1900. Women's water polo joined the Olympics in 2000. Hungary is the most successful men's water polo nation.
Did You Know?
Water polo players can swim several kilometers during a single match while wrestling and treading water.