ABOUT THE GAME

Basic skills needed for a Water Polo Player

Swimming: As water polo is a team water sport, swimming is most commonly a skill which is acquired before playing this sport. It is a key element as it is needed to swim back and forth across the pool often.

Ball handling skills: As all out-field players are only allowed to touch the ball with one hand at a time, they must develop good ball control.

Treading water: The most common form of water treading is referred to in the United States as the "egg-beater," named because the movement of the legs resembles the motion of an egg beater. The advantage of the egg-beater is that it allows the player to maintain a constant horizontal position in the pool (as opposed to the scissor kick, which results in the player bobbing up and down.) Also, by kicking faster for a brief period the player can get high out of the water (as high as their suit—below their waistline) for a block, pass, or shot.

Some of the best ever include Spain's Manuel Estiarte, who played in a record six Olympics and led in scoring for four of them. Another major figure in the sport is Tamas Farago.