Did you know that water polo was originally patterned after polo played on land with barrels floating in the water replacing the horses? Water polo began in England in the 1860's and 1870's when swimming became a popular recreation. Various land games were moved to the water including polo. In original versions of water polo, the goaltender stood on the side of the pool ready to dive on any opponent ready to score. In 1877, Scotland tamed the sport by adding goalposts.
“American style” water polo of the late 19 th century was perhaps the roughest game ever played. Holding and sinking were legal as well as the ‘jujitsu toe hold' and the ‘back strangle hold.' In fact, the main attraction of this version of the sport was the violence and mayhem. It wasn't until 1914 that American water polo rules met international water polo standards.
Water polo was the first team sport to be added to the Modern Olympic Games. Water polo was added to the Olympic program for the second Modern Olympic Games held in Paris , France in 1900.
The object of water pole is to get the ball into the enclosed goals at opposite ends of the pool. This can be accomplished by using the head, feet, or hand. Only one hand may be used at a time to advance the ball, which must be carried on the surface of the water. Each team consists of seven players with one player being the goalie. Two referees pace the side of the pool calling fouls. The game is divided into quarters that are 7 minutes in length. If there is a tie, there are two overtime periods of 3 minutes each. If a tie still remains after the overtime periods, teams participate in a penalty shoot-out.
A 143-pound person can burn approximately 279 calories playing a recreational game of water polo for 30 minutes.
Always consult a physician before beginning any new type of exercise.
For more information on water polo, go to www.usawaterpolo.org