Everything you need to know about water polo: rules, duration, positions, and more (2025)

Water polo is a spectacular aquatic sport, full of excitement, strategy, and intensity. If you're passionate about this sport or just starting out, this article will provide you with all the information you need: from the history of water polo to the rules updated in 2025 , including match lengths and playing positions .

History of Water Polo

Before talking about the rules or how to play, it's interesting to know a little about the origins of water polo . This sport originated in England in the late 19th century, as an aquatic version of rugby. Early games were very physical, and even though there was no solid ground, the goal was still to get the ball to the edge of the pool.

As time passed, the game became more refined and formalized. In 1900, water polo was included in the first modern Olympic Games , and it has since grown to become an Olympic sport for both men and women. Today, water polo is one of the most complex sports, combining aquatic skills, strategy, and physical endurance.

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Water Polo Rules (Updated 2025)

The rules of water polo are essential for an organized, fair, and safe game. Since 2025, some of these rules have evolved to improve the flow of the game and ensure player safety.

Duration of the Water Polo Match

A water polo match consists of four quarters of eight minutes each. The actual playing time may be longer, as the clock stops during pauses, such as fouls, timeouts, or suspensions.

How long does an Olympic water polo match last?

Olympic water polo follows the same structure regarding match length : four 8-minute quarters . If the match ends tied after 32 minutes of regulation time, two 3-minute overtime periods are played. If the tie persists, the match is decided by penalty shootouts .

How long does a women's water polo match last?

The length of a women's water polo match is the same as that of the men's in official competitions such as the Olympic Games . There are four quarters of eight minutes each , and in the event of a tie, the same rules apply for overtime and penalties. Despite the same length, the style of play is somewhat faster in women's competitions, due to the agility and dynamism of the game.

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How many halves are in a water polo match?

A water polo match is divided into four halves , or quarters , each lasting eight minutes . This structure allows teams to organize and rest between each quarter, which helps them fine-tune strategies and maintain physical performance.

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Basic rules of water polo

Water polo has a set of clear and strict rules that ensure fair play. Some of the most notable rules are:

1. No standing on the bottom of the pool : Players must stay afloat at all times, which increases the physical difficulty of the sport. However, in shallower areas of the pool, players may briefly stand .
2. The goalkeeper has special rights. While inside his own goal area, he may use both hands to defend the goal. Outfield players, on the other hand, may only use one hand to handle the ball.
3. Fouls and Expulsions : If a player commits a serious foul, he may be temporarily excluded , which leaves his team shorthanded for 20 seconds . Fouls include holding an opposing player or committing violent fouls.
4. Possession Time : After recovering the ball, the team has 30 seconds to take a shot on goal. If they don't do so within this time, the ball goes to the opposing team.
5. Positions and Roles : Positions in water polo are key to understanding how the game is organized. Each player has a specific role, whether defender , attacker , floater , or goalkeeper .
6. Exclusion for serious fouls : If a player commits a serious foul, such as preventing a clear goal-scoring opportunity, he may be excluded for 20 seconds .

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Do you touch the ground in water polo?

One of the most notable features of water polo is that the ground is not touched during the match. Players must stay afloat at all times, making this sport a true test of physical endurance and aquatic skills.

Do they have footing in water polo?

Although standing is generally not permitted, in some shallower areas of the pool, such as the shallower sections, players are allowed to stand briefly. However, this is not common in areas where the game is more competitive.

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How is water polo played?

Water polo is a team sport played in a pool at least 2 meters deep . The goal is to score goals against the opponent's goal using a water polo ball. Teams consist of 6 field players and a goalkeeper. Players must:

• Swim quickly from one side of the pool to the other.
• Passing the ball between teammates to create offensive plays.
• Actively defend your goal.
• Shoot at goal while trying to evade opposing defenders.

Strategy is key, as each team must organize efficiently to attack and defend, while also taking into account the physical strain of swimming throughout the match.

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Positions in water polo

In water polo , each player has a specific position that plays a fundamental role in the team's performance. The main positions in water polo are:

• Goalkeeper : His primary mission is to defend the goal. He has the freedom to use both hands inside his own penalty area to prevent goals.
• Buoy : This player positions himself near the opponent's goal to try to receive the ball and score goals. The buoy is essential in attack and has great physical presence.
• Defenders : They play close to their own goal and are responsible for preventing attackers from reaching their goal zone.
• Attackers : They are responsible for generating offensive plays, passing the ball and looking to open spaces to shoot at the opponent's goal.