Water Polo: The Only True Competitive Sport

An Introduction to Water PoloWater polo is a team sport similar to sports like

soccer and football. The game is played between two teams, each consisting of six field players and a goalie. The object of the game is to score more points than the opposing team in order to win. Points are scored by throwing the

ball into the opponent’s net. Water polo is known for it’s vicious and overly competitive nature, but is often mistaken as nothing more

than a wrestling match.

The BasicsA water polo team is composed of

six field players; a point (center forward), two drivers (forwards), two defenders and a hole. The hole player sits in front of the opponents net when their team

has possession of the ball, giving them a good scoring opportunity.

The hole player is usually guarded by the opposing point

play (or hole-check).

The BasicsIn order for players to work well together as a team, they must understand the game, be aware of scoring opportunities and communicate with one another.

Only by working together and

communicating can the players

truly become a good team.

Number of Goals Per Season

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

2004 2005 2006 2007

Men's GoalsScoredMen's GoalsAgainstWomen's GoalsScoredWomen's GoalsAgainst

Based on the statistics of the McMaster men’s and women’s varsity teams

VersatilityDue to the high intensity

and the unpredictability of water polo, each player

must be able to play all the different positions and be versatile to change within

the game. By being flexible, each player can guard every position and

defend their net more efficiently and effectively.

The level of competition, intensity

and physical strain that is encompassed in the game of water polo

make it one of the most intense and

competitive sports in the world.

Competitive Nature

Number of Offensive Ejections Per Season

61

8765

61

2004

2005

2006

2007

Based on the McMaster men’s varsity water polo team statistics

SourcesSlide 1: http://www.flickr.com/photos/localandbitter/380310180/

Slide 3: http://www.snapshots.net/archive/00107-daily-cartoons-water-polo.aspx

Slide 4: http://www.coloradowaterpolo.com/about_water_polo

Slide 5 - statistics http://www.athrec.mcmaster.ca/athletics/teams/waterpolo/mwpolo_stats.htm

Slide 6: PowerPoint Clip Art

Slide 7: http://www.waterpolo.imsports.duke.edu/

Slide 8 - statistics http://www.athrec.mcmaster.ca/athletics/teams/waterpolo/mwpolo_stats.htm

Slide 9: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mjlearmouth/373930960/in/photostream/

Slide 10: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mjlearmouth/373930956/in/photostream/