Andrew Pace
Water polo is a team water sport that combines swimming, soccer, and basketball elements. Two teams of seven players each compete to score goals by throwing the ball into the opponent's net. The game has four eight-minute periods, for a total playing time of 32 minutes. Water polo balls are available in two sizes: size 5 for men and size 4 for women. The circumference of a size 5 ball is 26.78–27.95 (68–71 cm), while a size 4 ball has a circumference of 25.98–26.37 (66–67 cm). On the other hand, a basketball used in the NBA has a circumference of 29.5 inches (75 cm). Thus, a water polo ball is smaller than a basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sport | Water polo and canoe polo |
| Colour | Bright yellow with black lines |
| Circumference | 0.65-0.71 metres |
| Diameter | 8.5-8.9 inches |
| Weight | 400-450 grams |
| Pressure | 90-97 kPa |
| Texture | Grippy |
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What You'll Learn
Water polo ball specifications
Water polo balls are used in water polo and canoe polo. They are usually bright yellow in colour, with black lines, and are designed to be gripped easily with one hand despite their large size. The balls are made with a rubber fabric cover and an inflatable bladder, which improves performance.
There are different sizes of water polo balls, with size 5 being the biggest, used for men's games. Its circumference is between 0.68 and 0.71 metres, and it weighs between 400 and 450 grams (14-16 ounces). The size 4 ball is used for women's games and boys aged 14 and under. Its circumference is between 0.65 and 0.67 metres, and it has the same weight as the size 5 ball but is inflated to a lower pressure.
There are also smaller balls for younger players, including size 3 for intermediate players (girls aged 14 and under and boys aged 12 and under), size 2 for juniors (girls aged 12 and under and co-ed teams aged 10 and under), and size 1 for splashball (boys and girls aged 8 and under).
The colour of the ball has varied over time, with red being used initially, and yellow being adopted in 1948 for better visibility. In 2005, FINA allowed a change to the standard ball, permitting a coloured middle stripe with yellow flanking stripes. In 2006, the NCAA and National Federation of State High School Associations Rules Committees announced a rule change allowing coloured panels in sanctioned games.
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Basketball specifications
Basketball sizes vary according to age, gender, and level of play. Youth basketballs are lighter to allow players to develop their skills and to ensure the ball is proportional to the player. As players get older, they use bigger basketballs. The weight of the basketball also increases with size.
The professional NBA basketball is 29.5 inches (74.9 cm) in circumference with a diameter of 9.43–9.51 inches (24–24.2 cm). The pressure is between 7.5–8.5 PSI and the weight must not exceed 22 ounces.
Proper inflation is crucial for maintaining the balance between playability and safety. Sports equipment, including basketballs, undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets safety and performance standards. This includes laboratory and field tests to assess durability, impact resistance, and functionality under various conditions.
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History of the water polo ball
The game of water polo was first played in the United States in 1888, featuring an old rugby style of play that looked like American football in the water. This "water rugby" came to be called "water polo" based on the English pronunciation of the Balti word for ball, "pulu". The original ball was a small 3 to 4-inch ball constructed of rubber imported from colonial plantations in India. This ball soon gave way to a football (soccer ball), which allowed for passing and swimming above water with the ball. However, the leather football absorbed water and became heavy, slippery, and difficult to control when wet.
In 1936, James R. ("Jimmy") Smith, a California water polo coach and author of several books on water polo mechanics, developed a ball with an inflatable bladder and a rubber fabric cover, which improved performance. This new ball was red, but by 1948, yellow was adopted for better visibility by players. It became the official FINA and Olympic ball in 1956.
Today, the water polo ball is similar in size to a soccer ball but is constructed of air-tight nylon. The men's water polo ball, or Size 5, has a circumference of 0.68-0.71 metres and weighs 400-450 grams. The women's water polo ball, or Size 4, has a circumference of 0.65-0.67 metres and the same weight as the men's ball, inflated to 83–90 kPa (12.0–13.1 psi).
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Water polo rules
Water polo is an aggressive sport with a high frequency of fouls. The rules of water polo govern the play, procedure, equipment, and officiating of the game. While the rules are similar worldwide, regional variations exist. The following paragraphs outline some of the key rules of water polo:
Game Format
A standard water polo match consists of two teams with seven players each (six field players and one goalkeeper). The game is divided into four periods, with the length depending on the level of play. There are no ties in international water polo, and games proceed to a shootout if necessary. Collegiate-level matches have two straight 3-minute periods, followed by multiple 3-minute golden goal overtime periods if needed. A two-minute break is observed after each period, including overtime, and there is a 5-minute halftime intermission. The average quarter lasts around 12 minutes in real time.
Playing Area
The playing area for water polo is typically a pool of water resembling a soccer or hockey court, with two goal posts at each end. The pool should ideally be 30 meters long, 20 meters wide, and have deep water throughout. However, most pools have one deep-end goal and one shallow-end goal, measuring 25 meters long by the width of the pool. Markings on the side of the pool indicate the 2-meter and 5-meter lines, which are important for gameplay and foul identification.
Ball Specifications
The water polo ball is usually yellow with black lines or coloured panels, although other colours are now used. The size and weight of the ball vary depending on the category of players. For men's water polo (Size 5), the ball's circumference is between 0.68 and 0.71 meters, and it weighs between 400 and 450 grams. The women's and age 14 and under boys' category (Size 4) use a slightly smaller ball with a circumference of 0.65 to 0.67 meters and the same weight range as the Size 5 ball.
Fouls and Gameplay
Water polo has specific rules regarding fouls and gameplay. For example, if a foul occurs outside the 6-meter line, the player may shoot, pass, or continue swimming with the ball. A goal is scored when the ball completely passes between the goal posts and is underneath the crossbar. Additionally, the ball is not allowed to go underwater when tackled. If the defending player takes the ball underwater within the 5-meter area, it can result in a serious foul. There is no offside rule in water polo, so defenders can position themselves near the opposition's goal.
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Water polo ball manufacturers
A water polo ball is typically larger than a basketball. Its circumference is between 0.65 and 0.71 metres, and it weighs between 400 and 450 grams. The ball is inflated to a pressure of 83 to 97 kPa (kilopascals) or 7.5 to 8.5 psi.
Water polo balls are designed to be easy to grip, even when wet, to facilitate one-handed play. They are also brightly coloured, usually yellow, to improve visibility during games.
Water polo balls are manufactured by companies such as Mikasa Sports, Turbo, and KAP7. Mikasa Sports is the manufacturer of the coloured balls used in NCAA and NFHS-sanctioned games. Turbo is the official and exclusive distributor of KAP7 in Europe and other countries. KAP7 water polo balls are considered to have the best quality, grip, and durability globally.
Water polo balls have evolved over time. Initially, a small rubber ball was used, which was replaced by a leather football that absorbed water and became heavy and slippery. In 1936, a California water polo coach named James R. Smith developed a ball with an inflatable bladder and a rubber fabric cover, improving performance. This ball was red, but by 1948, yellow was adopted for better visibility. Today, water polo balls come in various sizes, catering to different age groups and genders.
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Frequently asked questions
A water polo ball is smaller than a basketball. The circumference of a size 5 water polo ball, used by men, is 26.78”-27.95” (68-71 cm) and weighs between 14-16 oz (400-450 g). A basketball, on the other hand, has a circumference of 29.5 inches (75 cm) and weighs 22 ounces (623.69 g).
The modern water polo ball was developed in 1936 by California water polo coach James R. Smith. It is made with an inflatable bladder and a rubber fabric cover. Water polo balls are distinguished by their yellow colour with black lines, though coloured balls have been introduced in recent years.
The sport of water polo originated in the late 19th century as a form of rugby football played in rivers in England and Scotland, with a small ball made of rubber imported from colonial India. The game came to be called "water rugby", and later "water polo", based on the English pronunciation of the Balti word for ball, "pulu".
