Rules of water polo
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Water Polo Rules: Everything You Need to Know About the Sport
Water polo is one of the most exciting and demanding aquatic sports, where strategy, physical endurance, and technical skill combine to create an impressive spectacle. This sport, played in a pool, involves two teams fighting to score goals by throwing a water polo ball into the opposing goal. Although it may seem simple, water polo is a sport full of specific rules and positions that must be thoroughly understood in order to play effectively.
In this blog, we will explore the rules of water polo , water polo positions , the role of water polo players , and much more, emphasizing key elements such as the water polo buoy , the strategies associated with water polo positions , and the work that the Spanish Water Polo Federation does to promote the sport in Spain.
What is Water Polo?
Water polo is a team sport played in a swimming pool. The goal is to score more goals than the opposing team by throwing a water polo ball into the opponent's goal. Players, who must swim for the entire duration of the match, use techniques such as passing, shooting, and defending to achieve their goal. It is a very dynamic sport that combines soccer and basketball, but played underwater.
The Basic Rules of Water Polo
The rules of water polo are essential to maintaining a clean and organized game. Below are some of the most important rules:
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1. Duration of the Match
The water polo match is divided into four quarters, each lasting eight minutes in international matches. However, the time may vary depending on the age group. Between each quarter, there is a two-minute break for players to hydrate and reorganize their strategies. At the end of the match, if the score is tied, a penalty shootout is held to determine the winner.
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Quarter time : 8 minutes each.
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Half time : 2 minutes between quarters.
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Extra time : If the match ends tied after four quarters, extra time (in some competitions) or a penalty shootout is played.
2. Composition of the Teams
Each team consists of seven players , one of whom is the goalkeeper . The other players are divided between defenders and attackers, with specific roles explained in the water polo positions .
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Goalkeeper : The only player who can touch the ball with both hands and with his feet above water. His job is to prevent the opposing team from scoring goals.
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Outfield Players : The other 6 players are split between attack and defense, moving through the water to pass the ball and create scoring opportunities, or defending their own goal.
3. The Water Polo Ball
The water polo ball is a rubber ball designed to be easily controlled with one hand while swimming. Its size and weight are regulated by the federations, and it must be yellow for easy visibility.
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Size : The ball must have a diameter between 0.68 and 0.71 meters for men's competitions.
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Weight : The weight of the ball must be between 400 and 450 grams for men's matches.
The ball is used to pass between players, create plays, and shoot at goal to score goals.
4. The Faults
In water polo , there are two main types of fouls: technical fouls and personal fouls .
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Technical Fouls : These are minor infractions and usually result in a change of ball possession. For example, if a player doesn't follow the rules while swimming or doesn't pass the ball in the proper time, it is considered a technical foul. The opposing team will receive the ball, but will not be awarded a penalty.
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Personal Fouls : These are more serious infractions and are committed when a player acts in a dangerous or violent manner. They can result in a player being temporarily suspended, known as a two-minute suspension , or, in serious cases, a permanent expulsion from the match.
Some of the most common personal fouls are:
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Grabbing, holding, or hitting a player .
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Push off the pool walls to gain an advantage.
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Commit a foul inside the goalkeeper's area .
5. The Goal
The objective of water polo is to score more goals than the opposing team. To achieve this, a player must throw the water polo ball toward the opposing team's goal. The ball must completely enter the goal line for the goal to count.
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Valid goal : A goal is scored when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar.
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Fouls inside the penalty area : Players may not enter the opposing goalkeeper's penalty area unless they are shooting the ball. If they do, a free kick or penalty is awarded to the opposing team.
6. Exclusions and Sanctions
The most serious fouls are penalized with a temporary suspension , meaning the offending player must leave the water and remain out for two minutes . During this time, that player's team is at a numerical disadvantage. If a player commits a very serious foul or receives three suspensions (at different times during the match), they may be permanently expelled from the match.
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Temporary exclusion : 2 minutes out of the water for a serious personal foul.
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Permanent exclusion : Expulsion of the player for a very serious offense.
7. The Use of Physical Force
Although water polo is a physical sport, the use of excessive or dangerous force is prohibited. Hitting, striking, or grabbing opponents in a way that endangers their safety is prohibited. It's common to see wrestling in the water, especially in the buoy position in water polo , but referees are vigilant in sanctioning any unnecessary violence.
8. Timeouts
Each team has the right to call a timeout during the match to reorganize. A timeout lasts one minute and is generally called to give tactical instructions or catch their breath.
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Time-out : Can only be requested by the coach, and only at certain times during the match.
9. Penalty Kicks
In the event of a tie at the end of the four quarters, the teams must face each other in a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Each team takes five penalty kicks, alternating between the two, and the team that scores the most goals wins. If the tie persists, additional kicks are taken until one team scores more goals than the other.
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Penalty shot : The penalty is taken from 5 meters from the goal.
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Penalty kick duration : Each team takes a total of 5 penalties (5 per team). In the event of a tie, penalties continue to be taken until one team wins.
10. The Role of the Referee
The referee is responsible for enforcing the rules of water polo during the match. Referees oversee the game to ensure all rules are followed, from checking for fouls to ensuring that timing and plays are executed correctly. In important matches, such as the Olympic Games or international competitions, two referees are often used to effectively monitor the entire game.
Rules 2025: the important thing, straight to the point
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Possession: up to 28s per attack.
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Restart/Second Possession: 18 s in specific situations (rebounds, certain fouls, etc.).
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Exclusions: In many competitions, they are limited to 18 seconds (others remain at 20 seconds; check your rules).
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Zones: The key reference is 6 m (replaced 5 m in the previous update).
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Playing field: practical unification around 25 × 20 m (the official specification indicates 25.60 × 20.0 m for main events).
Training tip that works for me: Plan your attack with two moments in mind: create a clear chance before the 18th second and have a variant ready if you reach the final stretch of the clock.
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Positions in Water Polo
Positions in water polo are divided primarily between field players (who are the attacking and defensive players) and the goalkeeper , who plays a fundamental role in protecting the goal. Field players are assigned according to their role, which can be offensive or defensive, or a combination of both.
1. The Goalkeeper (Water Polo Goalkeeper)
The goalkeeper is the most crucial player in the defensive field. He's the only player who can touch the ball with both hands and is responsible for preventing the opposing team from scoring goals. To be a good water polo goalkeeper, it's essential to have quick reflexes, good swimming ability, and great vision.
Responsibilities:
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Prevent the opposing team from scoring goals.
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Defend your goal by making blocks and saves with your arms, legs, and body.
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Control the ball when it enters your area and distribute it to your teammates, either with a long pass or a shot.
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Actively participate in your team's defense by organizing and directing defenders.
Characteristics : Must have great agility, endurance and be able to handle pressure situations.
2. The Buoy Player (Water Polo Buoy)
The buoy in water polo is one of the most characteristic and crucial positions in offensive play. The buoy player is positioned near the opponent's goal, in a central or slightly lateral area, and their main objective is to receive the ball and try to score goals.
The water polo buoy player faces a defender from the opposing team, and their ability to gain position is key. In some cases, the buoy player may be the target of fouls from the opposing defender, who tries to prevent the ball from reaching them.
Responsibilities:
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Receiving passes inside the area or near the opponent's goal.
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Make quick movements to break away from the defender and get into a good position for the shot.
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Create attacking plays when receiving the ball and organize the offensive game.
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Developing a constant fight with the defender who marks him, which requires great physical strength.
Characteristics : Physical strength, aggressiveness, and team skills. The water polo buoy must be able to stay afloat in a constant pressure position.
3. Center Players (Centers in Water Polo)
Center players are among the most important on a water polo team, as they are responsible for leading the offense, controlling the ball, and creating scoring opportunities, but they also have a key defensive role. The center is typically located in the central area, closest to the opposing team's goal, but also has the flexibility to move around the field.
Responsibilities:
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Carry the ball on offense and look for a pass to the buoy or a teammate.
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Establish offensive plays in the center of the field.
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Assist in the team's defense, especially on counterattacks.
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Taking shots on goal when you have the opportunity.
Characteristics : He needs to be a balanced player between defense and attack, with good technical skills to handle the ball, as well as physical strength to win positions.
4. Side Players (Wingers or Full Backs in Water Polo)
The wingers are positioned on the sides of the pool, usually in the areas furthest from the opponent 's goal. Their main task is to open up the field to create space in the central positions, facilitate long passes, and assist in attack.
Responsibilities:
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Develop plays on the sides of the pool, creating passing opportunities.
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Take shots from the side when they have the opportunity.
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Collaborate in the defense by covering the positions of the opposing team's wingers.
Characteristics : Speed, agility, and vision are essential for a full-back . He must be able to remain calm and precise in both attack and defense.
5. The Two Meter Player (2m in Water Polo)
The two-meter tall player stands near the buoy , but outside the penalty area. This player plays a very important role, especially in quick attacks and in numerical superiority plays. Although his role is more defensive than offensive, he must also be prepared to contribute to the attack if the play allows it.
Responsibilities:
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Defend positions near the buoy .
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Maintain good cover to prevent the opposing team from getting too close to the goal.
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Participate in counterattacks or in the transition from defense to attack.
Characteristics : This player must be extremely physically strong to compete with opposing players in positions close to the water.
6. The Transition Player (Defensive Players in Water Polo)
Defensive players , or transition players, are responsible for quickly switching from defense to offense. Their role is crucial during counterattacks , as they are the first to attempt to disrupt the opposing team's play. This player is responsible for intercepting passes or blocking opposing players' plays, while also being prepared to quickly throw in the offense.
Responsibilities:
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Actively defend opposing players, seeking to prevent them from scoring goals.
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Interrupt passes and counter perimeter shots.
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Initiate a counterattack or quickly pass the ball to attacking players.
Characteristics : They need to be fast, strong, and have great physical endurance. The ability to adapt quickly to situations is essential for success in this position.
7. The Combined Player (Technical and Versatile)
On some teams, especially those with versatile players, some athletes play a combination of roles. This means they have the ability to adapt between defensive and offensive positions depending on the team's needs at the time of the game.
Responsibilities:
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Cover both defensive and offensive roles depending on the situation.
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Be flexible and able to adapt to different tactics during the match.
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Contribute to playmaking and support the defense when necessary.
Characteristics : Great versatility, adaptability and tactical understanding of the game.
The Role of the Spanish Water Polo Federation
The Spanish Water Polo Federation (RFEP) is the body responsible for regulating and promoting this sport in Spain. It is responsible for organizing national competitions, training coaches and players, and representing Spain in international competitions. The Spanish Water Polo Federation also plays an important role in developing future champions, conducting training camps, training sessions, and development programs.
One of the key areas the Federation is working on is promoting women's water polo and equal opportunities for female water polo players. The RFEP is also committed to developing grassroots programs for children and youth, ensuring that talent in this sport continues to flourish at all ages.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long does a match last?
Four periods with short breaks; if the tournament requires a winner, it can be decided by penalties.
What is the possession in 2025?
The general rule is 28 seconds per offense; the restart/second possession is 18 seconds in specific situations. Consult your league's rules.
How long does an exclusion last?
In many competitions, it's 18 seconds ; in others, it remains at 20 seconds . Check before playing.
What are the dimensions of the field?
In practice, the working area is around 25 × 20 m ; for large events , 25.60 × 20.0 m is specified.
What about the 6m line?
It's the key reference for free throws and shots; it replaced the old 5m line and determines several shooting situations.
How many players make up the squad?
Up to 14 players (12 outfield players and 2 goalkeepers) in major competitions; check your tournament's regulations.