I freaking love this sport. Being in the water with your friends is great and all, but add that to mostly unfriendly competition: it’s amazing. Do be warned though, this sport is not for the faint of heart. You have to be prepared to get down and dirty, but if you enjoy being in the water and winning, this is the sport for you.

Originally created in Scotland, this sport began as a demonstration of strength and skill. With its fast paced game and enthusiastic crowd, this sport became a crowd pleaser at country fairs throughout Great Britain. Men’s water polo was even among the first introduced to the Olympics in the year 1900. But, who really wants to know the history of a sport: let’s get into the fun stuff.

There are two teams of 7 players on the field (in the pool) at any given time. This game has 4 quarters where they try to score on the other team’s cage. Think like soccer, two teams trying to score. Each team has 6 field players, a goalkeeper, and subs. The field players swim up and down the pool throughout the game, playing both offense (scoring) and defense (stopping the other team from scoring). Both teams also have a center, or a set, who is the main offensive player. They are up against the center defender, the main defensive player. As the game progresses, the field players switch positions and apply strategies to get the advantage. The team with the most goals in the end wins!

This is a terrific sport for teamwork. Because there are so few players in the game at a time, they must communicate. Furthermore, you can’t shoot the ball if you don’t have the ball, so your teammates have to pass the ball around to get the best opportunity. 

Joining this water polo was one of the best decisions of my life. I have made some of my closest friends through this sport and feel like I finally found people who get me. I really recommend this sport for people who don’t feel like they fit in and just want to have fun.

Also, if you have unresolved anger issues, join water polo. It’s a great, healthy way to let out your anger by kicking people in the stomach.