Water polo can best be described as contact soccer in a pool. Athletes swim, pass and tackle in their attempts to throw the inflated rubber ball over the opponent's goal line.
Each team consists of a goalkeeper and six field players with six substitutes.
Entrusted with the same duties as their soccer and hockey counterparts, goalkeepers defend the area in front of their goal. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to punch the ball with the fist or touch the ball with both hands.
The hole-set, or 2-meter man, plays a position much like the center in basketball. Hole players position themselves directly in front of the opponent's goal and look to turn and shoot from close range. The 2-meter men are usually the team's top scorers and draw close attention from rival defenders. Drivers are the fastest swimmers and use their skills in darting moves toward the goal. Defenders closely guard the opposing hole-man and drivers to prevent them from scoring.
Water polo matches consist of four 7-minute periods with 2 minute intervals between periods to change ends of the pool. Players advance the ball with quick passes, by dribbling (moving the ball along the surface of the water with the waves created by swimming strokes), or by carrying the ball in one hand while swimming. Passing is an essential skill as players quickly move the ball around the goal area looking for an open shot. As in basketball, teams must attempt a shot at the goal within 35 seconds or lose possession of the ball. Goals are worth one point and 10 to 12 goal games are typical in Olympic play. If the score is tied at the end of the match, a tie is recorded in the standings for preliminary play. In quarterfinal, semifinal and final round matches, a winner must be declared. If there is a tie at the end of regulation, teams play two three-minute overtime periods. If the score is still tied after overtime, "sudden death" play occurs where the first team to score a goal is declared the winner.
Play is extremely physical, and the top players are among the world's best-con-ditioned athletes. Strength, endurance and excellent swimming skills are requirements for top water polo players. Passing, shooting and defending, players remain afloat using a technique known as the eggbeater an alternating, breaststroke kick enabling players to lift themselves vertically out of the water while constantly treading water. Players in control of the ball are open to ferocious tackles, however defenders may not interfere with a player who does not have possession of the ball. Because of the physical nature of the game, players wear two swim suits in case one should accidentally get ripped off during play. Players also wear caps which allow for player identification as well as protection for the head and ears.
Fouls are very common in water polo. Following a foul, the referee displays either a red or blue flag to indicate which team receives possession of the ball.
Ordinary fouls such as failing to shoot within 35 seconds, punching the ball with a clenched fist or holding the ball underwater result in a free throw a free pass awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the foul.
Major fouls result in a free throw and expulsion from the pool for the offending player. Exclusion lasts for 20 seconds of game time or until a goal is scored whichever comes first. Major fouls include interfering with a player who doesn't have possession of the ball, kicking or striking an opponent, splashing water in an opponent's face, holding and sinking. Persistent fouls or acts of brutality against opponents results in expulsion from the entire game without substitution.
Penalty fouls include pulling down the goal or any foul committed by a defender within the 4-meter area but for which a goal would probably have resulted. Opposing teams receive a penalty shot from the 4-meter line with only the goalkeeper between the penalty taker and the goal.
This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for
the Olympic Games Sports Publication Department. Written by Howard
Thomas.
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