Water polo is a team sport that shares some similarities with soccer and basketball but is most similar to pool-based handball and at times rugby. Water polo involves swimming, treading water and passing the ball while being defended by opponents, and scoring by throwing the ball into a goal defended by the goalkeeper. Tournament teams consist of six field players, one goalkeeper and up to six substitutes (including a reserve goalkeeper) but on Wednesday Club Nights teams consist of five field players plus a goalkeeper. Playing Water Polo requires players to be competent swimmers and to be relatively fit, as both Senior and Junior games are played in an “all deep” pool (2m or deeper).
Mini polo is a version of Water Polo developed by New Zealand Water Polo that is geared towards younger players. Mini polo is a fun way to get kids active and confident in the water while playing in teams and making friends. It teaches kids the coordination to be able to pass, catch and shoot the ball, and encourages kids to learn and practice their swimming skills.