Water Polo is an interesting game that has multiple facets. Little do people know that Water Polo has been designed keeping in mind features of Football, Soccer, hockey and basketball. Needless to say, water polo can easily be counted amongst one of the most interesting and challenging game across the globe.

Basics about water Polo

The main objective of water Polo is to handle the polo ball by using head, hand or feet. As per rule, the polo ball needs to be leather coated one of about 27 to 28 inch in circumference. The ball needs to be manoeuvred to the two nets located on 2 sides of the pool. The two net goals need to be placed on two sides of the pool with about 19-30 yards of distance between them.

The game is played between two teams. Each team should comprise 7 players amongst whom 1 should be a goalie. As per rule, only 1 hand should be used in order to pass or advance the ball and not both hands. Using defensive measures are allowed to a certain permit. Like it is allowed to hold another player underwater as a defence technique. This technique is known as ducking.

History of Water Polo

This interesting game of Water Polo was originated in England way back in the late 18th century. With the passage of time, the sport gained importance in United States and now is considered as one of most played games. Earlier, Water polo was mainly played between competitive club teams. However, with the gain in popularity, many colleges in US also compete witch each other in this game. Water Polo collegiate championships are a common thing in today's time.

Importance of Water Polo

Water Polo has been so famous that since 1900 it has made a mark in men's Olympic event. A thousand years later in the year 2000, Water Polo was introduced as a women's event in Olympics.

Versions of Water Polo

Not only has United States of America adopted this game but also modified it in many ways. Soft ball or American water Polo is another well-known version of water polo. In this game the pool size is bigger and the ball is not coated with leather. Hard ball is also another famous modified version of water polo.

Facts about Water Polo

• Each team should have total 7 people

• The player cannot touch the sides or bottom of the pool where Water polo is being played

• Left wing, Whole Set, Right Wing, Left Flat, Point and Right Flat are a few of the positions in Water Polo

• The entire game of Water polo is divided into 4 quarters.

• Each set lasts about 4 to minutes depending on the league and capacity of the players.

Though Water Polo is known as the hardest game in the world, it is also one of the most played games.