JUL 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 AUG 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Water Polo

Paris Aquatics Centre (Preliminaries), La Défense Arena (Final phase)


OBJECTIVE
Physically intense sport. Two teams of seven players hold and pass ball with one hand only, shooting at opposing goal – contact permitted with players in possession


EGGBEATER KICK
Fundamental technique for treading water and retaining buoyancy

Alternating circular movements of legs produce upward force that keeps swimmer afloat in vertical position

One leg in power phase, while other leg recovers

Faster motion enables greater propulsive force – keeping swimmer higher

Wide base: Balanced position with parallel hips and flat feet creates force


Team in possession has 30 seconds to score or ball passes to opposition


Pool: 2m deep
 
Coloured buoys mark playing area

Centre mark

Game duration: 4 x 8-min periods

5m area
Penalty shot for fouls inside area

Goal line

Floating goal 3m wide, 0.9m high

Substitution area

2m area: Attacking player must have ball to enter

20m
30m (men) 
25m (women)


Maggie Steffens (USA) 
Three-time gold medallist


Source: IOC
Pictures: Getty
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