Short History
The game of waterpolo started by using an inflated rubber ball that came from India known as a "pulu" (the single Indian word for all "balls"). Pronounced "polo" by the English, both the game and the ball became known as "water polo." The first the it was played players scored by planting the ball on the end of the pool with both hands. A favorite trick of the players was to place the five-to-nine inch rubber ball inside their swimming suit and dive under the murky water, they would then appear again as close to the goal as possible. The Game was similar to rugby, but was played in the water.
Skills Needed
Swimming Players need to be able to swim from end to end of a 30-meter pool non-stop many times during a game without touching the sides or bottom of the pool. The front crawl stroke is the most common method used in water polo because it enables players swim with the head out of water at all times to observe the field.
Treading Water Treading water allows players to maintain a constant position to the water level, while observing what is happening in the game.
Ball Handling Players are only allowed to touch the ball with one hand at a time, they must develop the ability to catch and throw the ball with either hand and also be able to catch a ball from any direction.
Gear
