Water Polo

Matches consist of four eight-minute quarters. Other than the goalkeeper, players may only hold the ball with one hand. Possession lasts 30 seconds; if the team does not attempt a shot within that time, possession passes to the opposition and the shot clock is reset.

Water polo is an intensely physical sport; contact is permitted with players possessing the ball. Strength, endurance, power and strategy are therefore essential.

OLYMPIC HISTORY

Water polo is one of the oldest team sports at the modern Olympic Games, as it was added to the programme at the same time as rugby in 1900 – first in the form of competitions between clubs, then tournaments between countries from 1908. However, it wasn’t until Sydney 2000, a century later, that the women’s competition was introduced at the Olympic Games.