Waterpolo Offense

Waterpolo is a team sport that involves players swimming, dribbling and passing a small rubber ball around a pool. It is similar to football, but with a more streamlined style.

The game was first played in England and Scotland in the 1850s as a variant of rugby football called ‘water rugby’. The game became a popular spectator sport and was named the first Olympic team sport in 1900.
Game rules

Waterpolo is a team sport that is played like soccer and basketball but with the physicality and endurance of wrestling or football. Teams compete in four eight-minute periods, with a two minute break between quarters.

When a team gains possession of the ball, it has 35 seconds to score a point or shoot the ball through the goal. If they fail to do so within this time, they are awarded the ball to the opposition.

Defense is critical to a good water polo game, as players are constantly moving up and down the pool in an attempt to steal the ball or defend against an attack. This can be a tiring and frustrating part of the game, but can also be an excellent way to get into the flow of the game and build up a strong offense.
Scoring

Waterpolo is a team sport in which players compete for points by throwing the ball into the opposing teams goal. It combines the best features of soccer, basketball and hockey.

The scoring system is unique and requires players to be highly trained athletes. They must be able to swim fast and be a well-rounded team player.

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball crosses the goal line, even if the ball is tipped off or in the goalkeeper's hands. Unlike football (soccer), there are no offside rules in water polo, so a defending player can 'hang around' the opponent's goal.
Offense

The offense, or the passing, shooting and scoring of the ball, is one of the most important aspects of water polo. Offense is a game of positioning and strategy, and every player on the team must be ready to play their best in order for the team to be successful.

There are several offensive positions, including a center, two wings and two drivers. Players in each of these positions must be skilled in passing, shooting and running the ball.
Defense

The goal of the defense is to prevent an offensive player from scoring or stealing the ball. This can be done through a variety of tactics, including man-to-man, in zones, or dropback defenses.

A defensive player will also guard players on the perimeter, or those who have the potential to drive or pass. Keeping track of this player's movements and knowing when to foul is essential for a successful defense.

Water polo is a full-contact sport, which means that players are in contact with each other almost the entire game. In addition, minor fouls occur frequently, keeping the referee busy. Major fouls result in a 20-second ejection.
Fouls

Water polo is a game where physical contact is common as players maneuver for position in front of the goal. The referee indicates fouls by blowing a whistle and holding up a flag mounted on a short pole.

Fouls are typically broken down into two categories: ordinary fouls and major fouls. The former are minor breaches of the rules that are punished with a free throw to the opposing team.

Fouls that result in a major foul, or personal fouls, are more serious and must be dealt with by the referee. These include hitting an opponent with the intention of injuring them, or kicking another player. Once a player commits three major fouls, they must be replaced from the field of play and cannot return to the game.
Referees

Water polo referees have ultimate power over decisions relating to the game and should be impartial, firm, and controlled. This means avoiding anything which could compromise their impartiality, such as gifting or favors, special treatment, employment, or a relationship with the team.

During play, the referees signal fouls (minor and major) by blowing the whistle one time, and then point their arms towards the area where the foul occurred, and blowing their whistle again. They then indicate the cap number of the player who committed the foul and show it with their fingers to the desk.