by Zach F

Created on: June 05, 2009   Last Updated: March 15, 2011

Several skills, talents, and natural abilities contribute to a strong water polo player. Some are obvious, some are not. Below is a summary of the key attributes needed to be successful in this challenging sport.

Lower body strength is probably the number one factor. Water polo players usually play a game which consists of either six or seven minute quarters. Throughout this time, players are (for the most part), not allowed to touch the bottom or sides of the pool. This adds up, for a key player, to either 24 minutes or 28 minutes of swimming, and, more often, treading water. In addition to the difficulty of treading water for this long, players use their legs to kick themselves up, out of the water, allowing a more full and free range of motion for their arms while shooting and passing, as well as blocking opponents' shots and passes.

Upper body strength is also important. The game is played in a regular 25 yard (or meter) pool. There is a 35 second shot clock. This, combined with skilled defenders, does not always allow for an offensive player to get all of the way across the pool. This calls for long passes and shots, the difficulty of which is only increased by being in water. A player with strong arms is a huge asset to any water polo team. The approach stroke (freestyle with the head above water) is also very physically demanding.

Physical toughness is also important. As mentioned already, the game can get very exhausting. Moreover, it is very physical. Players with a low tolerance for pain will be too distracted to be focusing on the game. Also, a player with the ball, or about to receive a shot can get quite roughed up. They need to be tough enough to physically resist the attempts of the other team to throw them off.

Contrary to popular belief, quick swimming is not the most important skill in water polo. Being a strong swimmer, however, is important. As mentioned before, a player must be able to swim the approach stroke, as well as tread water effectively. They also must be able to maneuver quickly in the water. Also, any time the ball is in the air for a while, players prefer to swim backstroke, so they can watch the path of the ball. Water being splashed in a player’s eyes is a constant. Players need to be able to continue swimming with chlorine in their faces. Moreover, because of the physical intensity and roughness of the game, it is a safety imperative that players be comfortable in the water. And, although not number one, speed is a

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