Viral Scoop
general | June 29, 2026

What does a water polo ball look like?

A water polo ball is a ball used in water polo and canoe polo, usually characterized by a bright yellow color and ease of grip ability, so as to allow it to be held with one hand despite its large size.

What kind of ball is used in water polo?

The most popular ball, is the Mikasa wave W6000W. It has been approved as The Official Game ball for all Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA)events.

What is the difference between a volleyball and a water polo ball?

Water polo balls bear an uncanny resemblance to volleyballs due to their shape. However, the texture and size of water polo balls are very different, and they are designed specifically for use in pools, unlike volleyballs which are made for courts.

What does a polo ball look like?

The indoor and arena polo ball is leather-covered and inflated, and is about 41⁄2 inches (11 cm) in diameter. It must be not less than 12.5 inches (32 cm) or more than 15 inches (38 cm) in circumference. The weight must be not less than 170 grams (6.0 oz) or more than 182 grams (6.4 oz).

Is the water polo ball soft?

The men's water polo ball is inflated to 90 to 97 kPa (13 to 14 psi) gauge pressure whereas the women's balls are inflated to 83 to 90 kPa (12 to 13 psi). The balls are made from waterproof material that floats on the water.

39 related questions found

Why is water polo ball yellow?

("Jimmy") Smith, California water polo coach and author of several books on water polo mechanics, developed a ball made with an inflatable bladder and a rubber fabric cover, which improved performance. The new ball was red, but by 1948 yellow was adopted for better visibility by players.

Is water polo ball textured?

The mass of a Size 5 Water Polo Ball is between 14-16 oz (400-450 g) with a pressure of 13-14 psi (90-97 kPa). A Water Polo Ball is the ball used to play Water polo and Canoe polo. A Water Polo Ball is distinguished by its yellow color. It is easy to hold a Water Polo Ball with one hand due to its textured surface.

What color is a polo ball?

Polo Balls are typically white in color. Polo Balls have a diameter between 3”-3.5” (7.6-8.9 cm) and circumferences from of 9.42”-11” (23.93-27.94 cm). The mass of a Polo Ball is between 3.5-4.5 oz (99-130 g).

How do they grip a water polo ball?

Pick Up the Ball

Picking the ball up from the top encourages gripping the ball with just the fingertips. This is not the ideal way to hold the ball. 2. During games, a defender can press down on your hand, pushing the ball underwater.

How big is a water polo ball?

Water polo balls come in sizes 2, 3, 4 and 5. They are suitable for the following: Size 5 – is used for the men's game. The ball rules state the ball's circumference shall be between 680mm and 710mm, with a ball pressure 12 – 13 psi.

Do water polo players touch the bottom of the pool?

Players are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool and have to tread water the whole time. Water polo players use a movement called eggbeater which is more efficient than the normal action of treading water. Players can move the ball by throwing it to a teammate or swimming while pushing the ball in front of them.

How many periods are in a water polo game?

Under FINA rules, a water polo match is divided into quarters. Each of the four periods is eight minutes long but because the clock is stopped when the ball is not 'in play', in real life the average quarter lasts around 12 minutes.

Can you go underwater in water polo?

Players can move the ball by throwing it to a teammate or swimming with the ball in front of them. Players are not permitted to push the ball underwater in order to keep it from an opponent, or push or hold an opposing player unless that player is holding the ball.

Can you kick the ball in water polo?

Players jostle each other the water in order to get control of the ball. Pushes and kicks, while not strictly legal in all situations, are common. However, the physicality of the game is controlled by the referees. Kicking off of other players as well as holding or pushing them under water is against the rules.

Can water polo goalies touch the bottom of the pool?

Rules. Inside the 6 m (20 ft) area, the goalkeeper is the only person on the team permitted to touch the ball with two hands, touch the bottom of the pool and punch the ball with a clenched fist. Although the goalkeeper may not advance beyond the half-way line, they may attempt shots at the other goal.

How heavy is a water polo ball in pounds?

Learn about the equipment used in water polo at the Olympic Games. Ball: The ball used in water polo weighs between 400-450g (less than a pound) and measures about 0.68m to 0.71m across (26 to 28 inches) for men and 0.65m to 0.67m (25 to 26 inches) across for women.

What is polo ball called?

Fiberglass polo balls, commonly known as Argentinean balls, have dealt a deadly blow to the bamboo polo ball industry. , Share. ULTIMATELY IT'S ABOUT HITTING THE BALL, AND IT'S ABOUT BALL HUGGING THE GOAL. A ball sport- played on horses- commonly called Polo.

What is the hardest position in water polo?

Often thought of as the toughest position, the goalkeeper in water polo is the last line of defense and undoubtedly a crucial role within any team.

How deep is the water polo pool in the Olympics?

Water polo is one of the longest running sports at the games and the men's competition has been part of the Olympics since 1900, with the women's tournament only starting at Sydney 2000. The sport is played in a pool that is two-metres, around 6.5ft, deep and a player's feet must not touch the bottom.

Why do water polo players wear caps?

The water polo cap comes with protective coverings that go over a player's ear and protects them from injury in the event that there is contact to the head. The caps also have a player's number printed on them.

Is water polo the hardest sport?

1. Water Polo: 44 Points. Often overlooked in discussions, this Olympic sport is officially the toughest sport in the world. Similar to the land-based handball that was not too far from the list itself, water polo is played, well, in water.

Is it a water polo game or match?

Water polo is a competitive team sport played in water between two teams of seven players each. The game consists of four quarters in which the two teams attempt to score goals by throwing the ball into the opposing team's goal. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins the match.

How do you play water polo at home?

Play in a rectangular pool with two goals on opposite ends.

The object of water polo is identical to soccer -- put the ball into the opposing team's goals to score, and the team with more goals wins.