Introduction
Eggbeaters at the ready? No, you clown, not the things you’d use to make a cake. In water polo, the eggbeater is a way of staying afloat by treading water. A team game developed by the English during the 19th century as an aquatic version of rugby, water polo used to be played informally in rivers and lakes. This stopped once it became common for players to injure themselves on submerged shopping trolleys. Possibly. The version of the game that survives today is closer to handball: a fast, tough and demanding sport, it has featured on every Olympic programme since the Paris 1900 Games.
The basics
In order to be able to swim constantly from one end of the pool to the other, seeking possession of the ball, you need to be physically fit and, of course, a confident, proficient swimmer. Teams consist of six players plus a goalie and its a prerequisite that a) you can’t wear goggles – so get used to stinging eyes, and b) you have to wear a funny bonnet-like swimming cap which makes you look like Humpty Dumpty. Touching the bottom or sides of the pool is a foul. Most players use the aforementioned eggbeater kick (also used in synchronised swimming) rather than a scissor kick to tread water as it expends less energy and allows you to be more versatile in the water. The aim is simply to throw the ball into the goal and SCORE!
Excitingly, for those who prefer a less exhausting form of the game, there’s a version in which you float on an inner tube and play. Read all about it here.
Health benefits
This game is hard work and you have to be fit to take part in the first place – players can swim up to three miles during a match. You’ll get a muscular and cardiovascular workout and experience the joys of team playing.
Equipment, costs and practicalities
If you want to play water polo you’ll need to find a team by joining a club. Ask at your local leisure centre or swimming pool, or use a website like totallysporty.com (London-based sports clubs), or search for the nearest pool with a water polo club on swimming.org’s website. You could also try your local council’s website. For example, Leeds city council has a section on local aquatics clubs that includes water polo.
You’ll have to pay club fees but they should be able to provide you with equipment and cover pool fees. Normal silicone swimming caps cost from about £5, while if you want to order a customised batch for your team, complete with ear defenders, then you’re looking at shelling out a couple of hundred quid. Other than that you’ll need a cossie or some Speedos.
Trendiness rating: 6/10
The sport might be cooler if it took place at the local beach in California, rather than the local pool (and if all players looked like Baywatch actors).
Inside line
David Richards, British Swimming: “Water polo is an exciting and fast-paced game combining the skill and tactical elements of football with the aggression and physical contest of rugby. It’s been officially recognised as one of the toughest sports in the world. Both men and women can take part at any level from beginners to elite, and if you’re a student check out if your university has its own team. Anyone who wants to get involved should contact their local water polo club and attend a taster session or visit swimming.org/teamsports.”
Find out more
swimming.org – contact the ASA for regional clubs.
bwpl.org/ – the website for the British Water Polo League.
You may also like
Synchronised swimming, handball.
You might hate
Fencing, BMX.
Over to you
Do you play water polo? Help us build up this resource by sharing tips, videos, links to clubs and anything else that beginners might find useful.
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