A demanding team sport played in deep water where players swim, pass, and shoot a ball into the opposing goal.
Origin and rules
Water polo originated in 19th-century Britain and Scotland as an aquatic form of rugby. Two teams of seven, including a goalkeeper, tread water in a deep pool, passing a ball with one hand and shooting at a floating goal.
How it plays
Matches are played in four quarters of eight minutes. Players may not touch the bottom of the pool and must keep moving. Major fouls send a player to the box for 20 seconds. Goals score one point each.
Competition
The World Aquatics Championships and the Olympic tournament headline international play. Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Spain, Italy, and the United States dominate the sport. Water polo has been on the Olympic programme since 1900.
Find more sports by letter
Water Polo starts with W and ends with O. Browse other sports along the same letter.
Sports that contain a letter from "Water Polo":