Water Polo Equipment

Water polo is a team-based sport that is played in a pool and requires the ability to swim to play. Water polo is played by swimming, passing of the game ball, and scoring goals by sending the ball past the goalie of the opposing team. There are six players on each team in waterpolo, and one goal keeper per team, making a total of seven players in play at a given time. There are a maximum of six substitutes per game and the winner of the game is the team that scores the most goals on the opposing player’s side. Waterpolo has similar characteristics of sports that are played on land, such as soccer and hockey. It is currently the oldest team sport still played in the Olympics.

Water Polo Equipment and Water Polo Gear:
Water polo is a sport that requires very little equipment. Aside from the actual pool and goals on either side of the pool, the only water polo equipment required are the ball, swim cap, swimwear, and mouth guard.

Water Polo Ball:
The most essential piece of water polo gear, the ball is made out of waterproof material and is designed to float on top of water. The surface of the ball is equipped with a special texture to allow it to be easily gripped by players, which is especially important because of the fact that water polo is played in a pool.

Balls are generally yellow so that they are easily seen and it weights about 14-16 ounces while being under 5-7 PSI of pressure. The size of the ball can also differ between men’s, women’s and junior water polo leagues. Men’s water polo equipment standards require it to be 28 inches in circumference and women’s 26.5 inches in circumference.

A water polo gear rule changed the coloration of the ball in official games. The ball now has a blue, green, red, or black stripe to accompany the standard yellow color. The colored balls then began to be used in NCAA and NFHS sanctioned games. Currently, water polo gear rules state that the additional color is required to be black. This new color benefits players because it makes it easier to keep track of the ball that is in play. It also helps players learn proper rotation techniques to put on the ball during play.

Caps:
Another piece of water polo equipment is the swimming cap which are designed to protect players’ heads and ears. It is also a way for players and spectators to identify each swimmer on the team. The cap on goals is a different color then a normal position player.

Swimwear:
Male water polo players generally water polo equipment wear in the form of Speedos. Female players are required to wear a one-piece swimsuit without straps that are on normal swimsuits. Most female one-piece swimwear have zipper-backs.

Mouth guard:
An important piece of water polo equipment is the mouth guard, which is designed to protect a player’s teeth from the great deal of contact involved in the sport.

Water Polo Suits

Water polo is a team-based sport that is played in a pool and requires the ability to swim to play. Waterpolo is played by swimming, passing of the game ball, and scoring goals by sending the ball past the goalie of the opposing team. There are six players on each team in waterpolo, and one goal keeper per team, making a total of seven players in play at a given time. There are a maximum of six substitutes per game and the winner of the game is the team that scores the most goals on the opposing player’s side. Waterpolo has similar characteristics of sports that are played on land, such as soccer and hockey. It is currently the oldest team sport still played in the Olympics.

Equipment in Water Polo:
Water polo, by nature, is a sport that requires a very little amount of equipment to be used by players. Essentially, water polo requires a large and deep enough pool to accommodate a game and goals on either side. Equipment players use consists of a water polo ball, a swim cap to protect players heads and ears and as a means of identifying players, a mouth guard to protect players’ teeth in close contact situations, and water polo suits that meet water polo standards and guidelines.

Men’s Water Polo Suits:
Men in water polo wear swim briefs, or better known as Speedo’s. This type of swimwear has a V-shape in the front and a solid back that provide a form-fitting coverage. They briefs are worn usually below the waist and are secured by a thin band at the upper thighs and the waist is secured by an elastic band. Men’s water polo suits are generally made out of a combination of nylon and spandex composite. Water polo suits generally last longer if they are made of polyester. The reason why swim briefs are used for men’s water polo suits is because they minimize water’s drag on players.

Women’s Water Polo Suits:
Women in water polo wear a one-piece swimsuit as water polo suits. These special water polo suits usually do not have straps as normal swimsuits have, but rather they have a zipper back for added security. The suits are skintight and cover the torso of a woman. The water polo suits used in competitive games are generally designed to minimize friction and drag when female water polo players are swimming up and down the playing area.

Water Polo Caps:
In addition to the water polo suits worn by players, they also wear water caps, also designed to minimize drag in the water and to protect the head and ears of the players. Finally, they are also worn and designed so that players and spectator can easily identify players as belonging to a certain team.