Diving into Water Polo

 Introduction

Water polo was born as an aquatic version of rugby in England in the 1870s. The early versions of the game were brutal contests that permitted almost any tactic in the stopping of an opponent, including blows, kicks, and grappling maneuvers. Water polo is a team sport. It is played in a pool with a depth of 12feet deep. Its played in a 4quarter match between two teams. There are two goals in opposite sides of the pool. The objectives is to throw ball into the opponents goals to score a goal. The team with the most goal at the end of 4quarters win. In this game, players are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool and have to tread water the whole time. Water polo players use a leg movement called ‘egg-beater’ to stay afloat throughout a game. Players can move the ball by throwing it to a teammate or swimming with the ball in front of them. They can only hold the ball with one hand, except the goalkeeper who can use both hands within their 5-meter area. The match starts with a swim-off where the ball is dropped by the referee from the side of the pool or released in the middle of the pitch with the players lined up along their own goal lines. The first team to reach the ball has the first possession of the game. Water polo teams consist of 13 players. Each team is allowed to have seven in the water at one time – six ‘field’ players and one goalkeeper. Except for the goalkeeper, players move continuously around the pool during a game. Most teams structure their outfield players with one center back in the middle of the pool about 7-meters away from goal, one center forward who is in the middle of the pool 2-meters from the goal, two drivers who are on either side of the center back and two wingers who flank the center forward. Players can be substituted in and out of the game at any time either on the side of the pool near your team substitute area, or in the exclusion ‘box’ .Water polo has a reputation as one of the toughest, most physically demanding team sports in the World. It is a game that combines the tactical elements and the physicality of such diverse sports as swimming, soccer, basketball, ice hockey, and rugby. Water polo has the distinction of being the first team sport included in the Olympic Games, played for the first time in 1900 as a men’s sport; women’s water polo was added to the Olympics in 2000. Water polo has the distinction of being the first team sport included in the Olympic Games, played for the first time in 1900 as a men’s sport; women’s water polo was added to the Olympics in 2000.

Brief History of Water Polo-

The Game was developed by William Wilson,1888.The rules of Water polo were originally developed in the mid-nineteenth century in Great Britain. William Wilson was a British journalist, swimming instructor, and a coach. William was also author of The swimming Instructor, one of the earliest books in swimming.  The game of Water polo was first played in the United States .It featured the old rugby  style of play which looked like American football in the water. his sport, which demands the superiority of fitness and swimming skills can be dated back to 19th century when its origin took place in England and Scotland. Earlier days swimming and water racing competitions were dominating everywhere. Soon after getting popularity, it was introduced for the first time in Olympics in the year 1900. William Wilson, from Great Britain is the maker of the rules of water polo. In Arlington bath club, he was the first bath master. Arlington is the place where first aquatic football competition was organished in the late 1800’s. The balls used at that time were made up of Indian rubber. In earlier days, water polo was known as water rugby. At that time, the players were allowed to use their physical strength upon their opponents to collect the ball and the goalie’s position was outside the playing area. He had the right to exercise his power by jumping on anybody who tried to place the ball on the deck. Water polo was born as an aquatic version of rugby in England in the 1870s. The International Swimming Federation controls water polo. For the last two years, the women’s and men’s FINA water polo tournaments have been won by the United States (US) as well as Serbia, respectively. The FINA water polo tournament was last played in Bergamo, Italy.

Benefits of water polo-

Benefits in term of  Mind:

Social:

People can greatly improve their social skills by participating in team sports. Success in water polo requires a strong sense of teamwork and communication.

Addressing issues:

Playing water polo is also excellent for problem solving development, which is another advantage. You’ll discover how to play with an additional player and how to penetrate defenses. Playing water polo requires quick thinking to identify the ideal situation as soon as possible.

Water Polo Rules: