Water polo is a sport played in the water, with swimming, passing, and shooting a ball into the opposing teams’ goal.
Each team typically consists of seven players: six field players and one goalkeeper.
Basic rules include: no touching the bottom of the pool, no holding onto the goals or other players, and no dunking or pushing the ball under the water. Other rules govern fouls, ball handling, and game play.
Equipment includes swimsuits, caps (with ear guards), water polo balls, goals and possibly fins for conditioning drills.
A standard water polo game consists of four quarters, each lasting typically seven or eight minutes, depending on the level of play and competition rules.
Water polo requires swimming proficiency, ball handling skills, passing, shooting, and awareness.
Benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, strength, coordination, teamwork, and social interaction. It also offers a unique opportunity to participate in a challenging and rewarding team sport.