Water polo is played by two teams of 7 players in a pool. Players must swim and tread water while passing the ball and trying to score into a floating goal.

The sport combines swimming, strength and teamwork, making it one of the most physically demanding sports.

Why Water Polo Is So Popular

Water polo is a unique and challenging sport.

Full-Body Workout

Players are constantly swimming and treading water, making it extremely physically demanding.

Fast-Paced Action

The game involves quick passing, shooting and transitions between attack and defence.

Team-Based Strategy

Success depends on coordination, positioning and teamwork.

Olympic Sport

Water polo is played at the highest level in international competitions.

Unique Gameplay

Playing in water adds a completely different challenge compared to land sports.

Water Polo FAQ

What is water polo?

Water polo is a team sport played in a pool where players score goals by throwing a ball into a net.

How many players are in water polo?

Each team has 7 players in the water.

Can players touch the bottom?

Field players cannot use their legs to touch the floor during play. Goalkeepers have an exception in their own defensive six-metre area.

How long is a water polo game?

Games are played in four quarters.

How do you score in water polo?

By throwing the ball into the opponent’s goal.

Key terms

Shot clock: The clock that limits a team’s attacking possession.
Exclusion: A temporary removal from play for an exclusion foul, under the applicable restart conditions.
Penalty throw: A direct attempt at goal awarded for a penalty foul.

Keep learning: Water Polo guide · Scoring explained

These additions do not mark the existing overview or linked guides as fully fact-checked. Rules can differ by competition, age group and format.

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