Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Water Polo

A game of intense teamwork and endurance, water polo is similar to handball in terms of scoring and strategy, yet it combines elements of swimming, football and basketball. As the name suggests, it is played in the water, requiring players to possess exceptional swimming skills, as well as proficiency in throwing, catching, and passing. Water polo is played between two teams.

Water polo dates back to the 19th century when its origin took place in Great Britain, specifically England and Scotland. The first games of water polo were significant in shaping the sport’s development and establishing its foundational rules. Early water polo matches were characterized by brute strength and a very physical style of play.

In the 1880s, a larger ball, similar to a soccer ball, was introduced, altering the game’s dynamics. During the early days, players were allowed to play the ball with two hands, but as the sport evolved, the rules were changed to restrict ball contact to one hand.

Water polo was introduced as the first Olympic team sport in 1900.

The aim of water polo

The main objective of water polo is to score goals by throwing the ball into the opponent’s net. As in football, the team that scores the most goals wins the match. Players and goalkeepers use different coloured caps to differentiate themselves from each other.

A standard water polo game consists of four quarters, each with eight minutes of game time. However, because the clock is stopped for infringements, the real-time duration of each quarter is typically around twelve minutes. Most teams have seven players in the water at a time, following standard team composition.

Water polo equipment and playing area

As played in the water, the equipment needed is similar to that required for swimming, whilst other equipment is similar to that used in football.

• Swimsuit − Male players wear swimming briefs or tight-length trunks, while female players wear one-piece swimsuits. Swimsuits are tight-fitting because suit-grabbing fouls are common in water polo.
• Cap − Caps are used to differentiate opposing teams and to denote who is the goalkeeper. More than that they perform a protective purpose, protecting the ear and head during aggressive tackles.
• Mouth Guard − Mouth guards are used to protect the players face from massive impact, especially whilst diving underwater.
• Ball − The ball is waterproof and floats on water, with an additional grip, allowing players to quickly collect it during play.
• Goalpost − The goalposts float on water and are located at both ends of the pool, marking where each team aims to score.

Water polo pools vary between 30 by 20 metres and 20 by 10 metres, with a minimum water depth or 1.8 metres. Players are not permitted to touch the pool floor or sides when the ball is in play.

The team’s structure is designed to maximize use of the playing area and equipment.

Playing positions and the seven players in water polo

There are seven players on each team, consisting of a goalkeeper and six outfield players. The outfield player positions are:

• Centre forward
• Centre back
• Wing players (x 2)
• Drivers (x 2)

Wing players act in conjunction with the centre-forward and are responsible for offensive play, while drivers, positioned alongside the centre-back, operate defensively within games. An outfield player can cover up to two miles in a game, highlighting the physical demands of the sport.

When a player commits a major foul, they will be ejected from the pool by the referee for four minutes, resulting in their team playing with only six players instead of seven.

In water polo, substitutions are permitted for the following situations:

• Before and after goals have been scored
• During a timeout
• Before the start of each quarter
• If a player receives an injury

Each team can have a maximum of six substitutes available for rotation during the game.

Women’s water polo has seen significant growth and is now included at all levels, including the Olympics and major international competitions.

Scoring in water polo

Goals can be scored with any part of a player’s body except for a clenched fist (only goalkeepers can use clenched fists). Scoring a goal and trying to beat the goalkeeper from long distance is very hard to achieve. Hence, players always try to make a close shot with precise placement, rather than a powerful one. Defenders often commit fouls or use physical play to prevent a player shooting for goal.

Only those with quick throws opt for power techniques, and even then, they prefer bounce shots, where the ball is shot in one direction but bouncing on the water causes the ball to change course. Players can also lob the ball using a spinning technique that curves the ball in the air.

Players can move the ball from one player to another but keeping the ball underwater is not permitted in any instance. Players are only allowed to hold the ball with one hand, except for the goalkeeper, who may use both hands.

Teams must manage ball possession carefully due to the 30-second shot clock rule, which requires them to attempt a shot or attack within that time or lose possession to the opposing team.

In water polo, there are two ways of passing the ball:

• Dry passing
• Wet passing

When players pass the ball without it touching the water, then it is known as a dry pass. The aim is to use speed to move the ball to a player on the same team without being slowed down by touching the water.

Alternatively, the wet pass technique is used to deliberately land the ball on the water, with the aim that an offensive player will collect and ultimately score a goal from this type of pass.

Major fouls and other fouls in water polo

Water polo is a very aggressive game, and with that comes many fouls committed by players as they tackle (more like wrestle) other players. The egg-beater kick is the normal action for treading water in water polo, allowing players to maintain position and balance during play.

Common fouls include:

• Holding onto the side of the pool
• Kicking an opponent
• Pushing opponents
• Using opponents to push off
• Striking the ball with a clenched fist
• Holding an opponent’s head underwater
• Keeping the ball below water when tackled
• Grabbing an opponent’s shoulders

Typically, defenders commit fouls to interrupt an attacking play by the opposing team. Unless a severe foul occurs, the match continues uninterrupted.

If a player is physically aggressive, then they are ejected from the pool for a period or kicked out of the game altogether if a severe foul is committed. A major foul includes sinking (dunking) a player, which results in a temporary exclusion to penalise such actions and maintain fair play.

Governing rules and competitions

Water polo is the first team sport to be included in the modern Olympic Games, making its debut in 1906. Today, it remains a premier Olympic sport, renowned for its blend of speed, strength, and remarkable stamina. The sport combines the endurance of swimming with the tactical play of soccer and the physicality of rugby, creating a fast-paced game that challenges even the fittest athletes.

Each country’s national governing body oversees the development and enforcement of water polo rules at the local and national levels. At the same time, international competitions—including the Olympic Games and World Championships—are governed by World Aquatics rules. These regulations ensure that every water polo match is played with fairness and consistency, whether at the junior games, high schools, or the world’s biggest stages.

A standard water polo team consists of seven players in the pool at any one time: six outfield players and one goalkeeper. Outfield players are constantly in motion, using advanced ball handling skills and treading water for the whole match—often covering up to two miles during actual play. The center forward (or centre forward) is a pivotal position, responsible for creating scoring opportunities and battling defenders near the opponent’s goal line.

Gameplay is divided into four quarters, each with eight minutes of actual play, although the average quarter lasts closer to twelve minutes due to stoppages. Teams must keep a close eye on the shot clock, which limits possession of the ball to 30 seconds before a shot must be taken. If a team fails to shoot in time, possession passes to the other team, keeping the pace relentless and ensuring such a fast game.

Fouls are a critical part of water polo’s strategy. A major foul—including sinking or holding an opponent underwater—results in a player being excluded from the pool for 20 seconds. If a player commits a major foul three times in one game, they are permanently excluded and cannot return. Minor fouls, on the other hand, lead to a free throw or direct shot for the opposing team, and a free pass is awarded to restart play.

The London Swimming Club played a key role in shaping the early rules of water polo, helping the sport evolve from its original rugby style roots to the modern, fast-paced soccer style game we see today. Water polo players are celebrated for their remarkable stamina, as they must tread water throughout the game and never touch the bottom of the pool or the pool deck during play.

Water polo is typically played in pools designed for the sport, but its popularity extends to high schools and junior games worldwide. Whether you play water polo or watch as a fan, the sport’s rich history, demanding physical requirements, and thrilling game wins make every water polo match an unforgettable experience. With its unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and teamwork, water polo continues to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of players around the globe.

How to bet on water polo: know the game

With this guide to water polo, you should have enough to get started watching this aggressive and physically demanding water-based game. Due to its demanding nature, betting on water polo can provide unexpected shocks that bettors can capitalise on.

Water polo betting, while still a niche market, is growing in popularity thanks to the sport’s fast pace, high scores, and international appeal—particularly during the Olympics, World Championships, and top European league competitions.

Popular water polo betting markets include:

• Match winner – Back the team you expect to win outright.
• Over/under total goals – Predict whether the combined score will be higher or lower than a set number.
• Handicap betting – Level the playing field by giving one team a virtual advantage or disadvantage.
• Correct score – Predict the final score of the game.
• First team to score – A quick, dynamic market that rewards fast analysis.
• Winning margin – Bet on how many goals will separate the teams at full time.

Smart bettors consider:

• Team form and recent results – Especially in international tournaments and domestic leagues.
• Goalkeeper strength – Elite goalkeepers can turn matches.
• Match context – Is it a group stage, knockout round or high-stakes final?
• Tactical styles – Teams may favour fast counter-attacks or slow, possession-based builds.
• Foul frequency and exclusions – A team that regularly plays short-handed can be a liability.

If you’re new to betting on water polo, start by tracking a few matches, observing patterns, and following expert betting tipsters who specialise in niche or Olympic sports. For more experienced bettors, consider using arbitrage betting software to identify discrepancies in odds between sportsbooks and lock in value.

Water polo may not yet rival football in mainstream appeal, but for informed fans and bettors, it offers a unique mix of strategy, skill, and unpredictable drama.