Water polo is a challenging team sport played in a deep swimming pool. Two teams try to score goals by throwing a ball into a net. It requires players to swim and tread water for the whole match. You will hear terms like eggbeater and cap number during a game. These words describe a swimming stroke or how to identify players. Additionally, the sport involves a lot of physical contact under the water surface. We explain the common fouls and referee signals in plain English. Our guide uses short sentences to make the rules very clear. Water polo is an exciting test of endurance and team strategy. Therefore, understanding the lingo helps you follow every play in the pool. Dive into our simple guide to water polo terms today. Enjoy the match.
In water polo, a Pick is another name for a Screen. It is a tactical move where an offensive player blocks a defender to help a teammate get open. While “screen” is the official term, many players and coaches use “pick” interchangeably to describe the act of “picking off” a defender. How to Execute a […]
A Penalty Throw (also called a “5-meter”) is the most direct scoring opportunity in water polo. The referee awards it when a defender commits a major foul that prevents a probable goal. Here is how it works and why it happens: How the Throw is Taken When does a Referee call a Penalty? A referee
In water polo, a Screen (also called a “pick”) is a strategic move where an offensive player uses their body to block a defender’s path. This maneuver creates open space for a teammate to shoot, drive toward the goal, or receive a pass. Think of it like a “human shield” that temporarily traps a defender.
In water polo, a Red Card is the ultimate penalty. When a referee pulls out the red card, it signifies that a player or coach has committed a severe violation and must leave the game immediately. Here is a breakdown of what happens when a red card is issued: 1. Immediate Ejection The individual receiving
In water polo, a “Man Down” situation (also called a penalty kill or exclusion) happens when a player commits a major foul and the referee sends them to the “ejection box” for 20 seconds. During this time, the penalized team must play with only five field players plus a goalie, while the opposing team has
In water polo, a wet pass occurs when a player throws the ball so that it lands directly on the water’s surface rather than in a teammate’s hands. While it might sound like a mistake, players use wet passes strategically to set up specific plays. Here is how they work and why they matter: How
