WATER POLO
Water polo is an established sport played throughout the world but it has a long history which began in England. The modern player must be exceptionally fit, strong and fast at swimming, even when not involved in play, s/he cannot touch the sides or floor of the pool and must ‘tread water'.

The aim of water polo is pretty simple - you have to score more goals than the other team. Squads are made up of 13 players with a maximum of seven in the pool at any one time. The goalkeeper, who guards a goal measuring three metres by 90cm, is the only player who is allowed to touch the bottom of the pool. In front of him the team consists of two sets of three players - three guards in defence and two wingers and a centre forward in attack.

The key to success is quick passing and dribbling as teams only have 35 seconds in which to shoot after they have gained possession. Holding or pulling people under water, grabbing, pushing, or swimming trunk yanking are very common!

To play water polo you need to be very fit, strong and fast at swimming.
Even when not involved in play, as you can't touch the sides or floor of the pool and must tread water. But there are enough players in a squad for every player to have a substitute to switch in for them whenever they want, as often as they like.

Hythe Aqua have Junior, Men and Ladies Teams and train at Hythe Pool:

Juniors Sundays 6.30pm
Seniors Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.00pm

Hythe Aqua has an excellent record of achievement with members being selected for County, Southern Region and National Teams. If you would like to have a go at water polo but your swimming is not up to the mark, then visit our Learn to Swim page.