Fundamentals of Water Polo

It’s helpful to understand the basics of the game, and what to expect, before your child jumps into the pool for the first time.

Team

A water polo team must have a minimum of seven players, which consists of six field players and one goalie. Each team is also allowed a certain number of bench players, as rosters can have a maximum of 13, 15, or 20 competitors, depending on the competition.

A team can substitute after a goal, between quarters, when one of its players is ejected, by a player leaving the field of play at the re-entry point nearest their own goal line, or during play between the goal line and centerline by the players touching hands before substituting.

Score

Each team tries to throw the ball into the net of their opponents, each goal is worth one point. A goal counts only when the ball goes completely across the goal line and into the goal.