Vesipallo

Water polo is a fast-paced and versatile team sport played in the water. It combines swimming skills, ball handling, game sense and teamwork. 
Water polo activities are offered in junior teams, water polo school and an adult recreational group.
The athlete’s pathway also enables a flexible transition from one sport to another without changing clubs – in addition to water polo, there are swimming schools as well as recreational and competitive level activities in swimming and artistic swimming.

More information:
erno.leskinen@uita.fi

The synergy between water polo and swimming

Water polo and swimming complement each other extremely well. Both sports develop the same basic abilities, but from slightly different perspectives – together they create a strong foundation for all-round development in the water.

How water polo benefits a swimmer:

• improves endurance and strength through versatile training loads

• develops breath control in varying situations

• increases explosiveness, speed and ability to change direction

• strengthens the core and control of an upright position in the water

• brings variety to training and develops game sense

How swimming benefits a water polo player:

• develops efficient and economical movement in the water

• improves basic endurance and speed

• strengthens swimming technique that supports movement in game situations

• helps with recovery and endurance during a match

• creates a strong physical foundation for the demands of the sport

What is water polo?

The game is played between two teams, and the goal is to score by throwing the ball with one hand into the opponent’s goal. Water polo especially develops:

•⁠ ⁠endurance and strength

•⁠ ⁠speed in the water

•⁠ ⁠coordination and ball handling

•⁠ ⁠game reading and decision-making

•⁠ ⁠teamwork

Water polo is suitable for those who

•⁠ ⁠can swim fluently

•⁠ ⁠want to diversify their training

•⁠ ⁠are interested in team sports

•⁠ ⁠enjoy game-like activities

The basic idea of water polo

•⁠ ⁠Each team has 6 field players and a goalkeeper in the water at the same time

•⁠ ⁠The ball is moved by throwing and carrying it in the water

•⁠ ⁠Players are not allowed to touch the bottom during the game

•⁠ ⁠A goal is scored when the ball goes into the goal at the water’s surface

Key skills in water polo

1.⁠ ⁠Swimming skills and movement in the water

•⁠ ⁠Freestyle at different speeds