What is the depth of the pool for water polo?

Water polo is a popular game for two teams of players. The venue is usually a swimming pool. Water polo is one of the Olympic sports. Therefore, there are clear rules and a number of requirements for players and an artificial reservoir. Particular attention is paid to the depth of the pool for water polo.

Excursion to the history

Ball games in the water have existed since ancient times. Initially, it was just a fun game, and eventually turned into a sport. The word "polo" came to Europe from the East. They called the ball game. Then there was the so-called "horse polo" - a team game in which participants must, riding on horseback, drive the ball into the opponents' goal. The essence of water polo remained the same. The similarity is in the presence of a ball, two teams and a goal. The difference is that in the role of the field is a pool filled with water.

In 1876 W. Wilson prepared the first rules of the game. They stipulated the size of the reservoir, the number of players, possible methods of keeping the ball. Since then, the rules have changed more than once, but the game has only become more interesting.

About the rules

One team of players consists of 13 people, but not all are left on the field - only seven. The time of the game is clearly regulated. It is divided into four periods, each of which lasts 7-8 minutes. But the duration may increase due to frequent violations of the rules.

At the gate there are goalkeepers all the time, they can be distinguished by red caps. Players periodically replace each other, in order and need six "spare". The time for keeping the ball by each team should not be more than 30 seconds. Like in other similar sports games, there are free throws and disposal.

Field and equipment requirements

Beginners and everyone wishing to engage in this sport initially wonder: how much is the depth of the pool in water polo? Of course, there are no strict requirements for the amateur game. It is suitable for any water. In professional sports, the depth of the pool for water polo should strictly be at least 1.8 m (or 6 feet). Most often this figure is 2.2 m, which is more than 7 feet. In this case, a special role does not play, there are women's teams or men's teams.

For a breather during the game, a person may need to feel the bottom underfoot. For this purpose, in some buildings a special step is set at one end. The height of the pool from it is about 1.5 m. The player can stand for a while and relax.

In terms of size for the pool there are no specific requirements, they can be as 20 to 10 m, and 30 to 20. The ball for the game choose bright colors, usually yellow. Its diameter is about 70 cm. The gate is installed from two sides of the field and their dimensions must be strictly 3 × 0.9 m. Even the requirements for the weight of the ball are determined - not more than 450 g, in order to reduce the probability of injuries to participants.

Depth of the basin for water polo

For the children's version of the competition, it is permissible to simplify the rules somewhat. In water polo, usually older teens play. But to begin to train can be very small players. Therefore, the size and depth of the pool for water polo is set depending on the age and growth of a particular group of children. Most often for this purpose use artificial water reservoirs, the bottom of which is located "hill". On the one hand, the depth is less by a few tens of centimeters, on the other hand it can be up to 1.8 m.

There is another reason why there are no clear requirements for the parameters of the pool for children. This structure is often used for universal purposes. Young athletes can not only play water polo there, but also practice jumping, diving or doing water gymnastics.

Distinctive features of the beach game

There is also a variety such as beach water polo. Professional sportsmen can also participate in it. In different countries of the world there are championships on mini water polo. The rules for this game have their own distinctive features.

The main changes are related to the duration of the stages. There is no strict limitation of the playing time. Dimensions of the field are almost halved. There are differences in the parameters of the gate. The number of players is 4 or 5 people.

The depth of the pool for playing water polo is different from the standard used in artificial swimming pools. Its maximum number is not established, the minimum is 1.8 m. Specific features may be buildings used for beach or children's play. Therefore, in one word, what depth of the pool in water polo is impossible.