Water polo combines the speed of swimming with the strength of wrestling and strategy of soccer and basketball.  Among the oldest Olympic team sports for men and the newest for women, Olympic water water polo players are said to be the best-conditioned athletes on the planet.

Like soccer, the offense starts with a counter-attack or fast break and players advance the ball by passing or dribbling.  Half-court offense and defense share many aspects of basketball.  Players “pick & roll” to the goal and try to work the ball to their center position who must overpower the opposing player after wrestling for position.  Defenses often switch between man-to-man and zone depending on the strength of their goalie.

Physical contact is the norm and minor fouls occur frequently keeping the referee busy.  Major fouls for over-aggressive play result in a 20 second ejection.  Like hockey, there is a “power play” while the 6 offensive players try and score on the 5 remaining defenders.

Many swimmers & swim coaches credit water polo training for enhancing strength and quickness.   Although youth water polo is just reaching North Carolina, it’s very popular elsewhere and there are many opportunities to compete at the collegiate level and into adulthood.