Water polo is a competitive team sport played in water between two teams of six players plus a goalie. The object is to score more goals than the opposing team by throwing the ball into their net. It requires a high level of intensity, physical strain, and versatility from players who must be able to play all positions. Statistics from a university men's water polo team demonstrate the competitive nature of the sport through the number of goals scored and fouls committed per season.

1. Water Polo: The Only True Competitive Sport

3. The Basics A 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).

4. The Basics In 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.

5. Number of Goals Per Season Based on the statistics of the McMaster men’s and women’s varsity teams

6. Versatility Due 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.

7. 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

8. Number of Offensive Ejections Per Season Based on the McMaster men’s varsity water polo team statistics