Water polo is a sport that has various styles of play. In almost every type of game, each team consists of seven players including a goalie. Field players excluding both goalies are required to float in inner tubes to play water polo. Unlike traditional water polo, players don’t need to tread in water. They burn up less energy in this style of water polo. Players having little training can enjoy well because participants have to undertake the extreme training requisite for traditional water polo style.
Surf polo played on surfboats is another kind of water polo. This style was introduced in the 1930’s and 1940’s on the coasts of Waikiki in Hawaii. Canoe Polo, which is also known as kayak polo was originated and followed in the UK and now recognized simply as polo by its enthusiasts. This type of water polo needs paddling and ball handling. Field players’ fitness and speed is equally important as game tactics and positional play of athletes are used for success.
Few types of equipment are required to play water polo traditionally. Water proof manufactured balls made by a special texture to handle it with ease and to keep it floating above water are used. Caps are used in this game for team identification and to protect the heads and ears of the field players. Numbered caps in specific colours are worn by all water polo players. Visiting field players wear white caps; home team participants wear caps in dark colours or in black colours. Both goalies wear red coloured caps. These caps also contain adjacent ear protectors for players.
Two goals on both sides are either fixed or placed using floaters. Due to close contact in water polo play, mouth guard is recommended for face safety. Safety is as necessary in water polo as it is in any other sport. Players usually use swim briefs or Speedo’s in all kinds of water polo play. Some field players like to wear two swim briefs. It is mandatory for female field players to wear a one piece swim suit. These are straps less but zipper backed to prevent players from pulling each other while swimming.
Field players of water sport frequently face minor injuries in the game play. These injuries are not severe enough to provide medical aid abruptly. Eye irritation and sunburns are the general occurring injuries. Sunscreen can be applied to prevent from the sunburn; however some players often refuse to use sunscreen because the oily nature of sunscreen affects the players’ ability to appropriately grip the ball.
The Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) has banned the use of large amounts of sunscreen in official matches. Sunburn restricts the movement of players in water. On the other hand, eye irritation occurs due to the presence of large quantity of chlorine in swimming pools. Putting eye drops is a way to treat this injury but its prevention is almost impossible. Field players have to face minor cuts and stains while tackling and catching ball in this sport. Field player even face critical injuries due to close contact constraint of water polo.
Obligations for little padding have increased the chances of these injuries. Serious injuries usually affect face and head of the players. Shoulder muscles are regularly in motion during the entire game play as players have to swim and throw the ball. That’s the reason why shoulder injuries are more common among the field players. Close contact during taking control of the ball can lead to one head injuries to other player. Players stretch their body parts before and after practice to lower down the chances for muscular injuries. Goalies have to face and stop speedy balls coming in their direction. Therefore goalkeepers are also faced with frequent injuries. Precautionary measures are important before entering into the game of water polo.
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