This week I want to do a little advertising of the Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water Polo Club. You will have to excuse the various forms of bias throughout this article, for I am the President of the club therefore I will tend to showcase to all those reading how wonderful our team is and most importantly why you should join!
For those of you unfamiliar with the sport of Water Polo, it is very similar to the sport hockey, only the ice has melted. Water Polo takes place in the pool-hence the word “water” in the name-I know, you just had a “Well-duh” moment, right? However, you would be surprised at how many people think the sport involves horses due to the use of the word “polo”, a rather alarming amount if you ask me. The game is a heavily contact sport, which includes but is not limited to pulling, kicking, and a plethora of bruising- I hope I am not scaring you away. While Water Polo does involve a little bit of rough housing- it’s by far the most fun to play and is rather rewarding when it comes to physical activity. The game consists of treading water for extended periods of time and constant back and forth swimming. Needless to say, the constant activity makes way for the best work out of your life. Any and every water polo player will not hesitate in telling you that there is not a single muscle they don’t use playing and even practicing for that matter.The sport consists of two goals, one on each side of the pool, and two teams composed of seven players. At the beginning of the period, each team lines up against the wall. Once the whistle is blown, both teams make a mad dash for the center of the pool. It is the first in the line-up, who is referred to as the sprinter, sole job to get to the ball before the other team does. Whoever becomes in possession of the ball first is now offense for the period- and as I am sure you could have guessed, declares the other team as defense. It is everyone’s job on the team to make accurate and smart one handed passes, when an opening is spotted a shot is taken. Each team has a goalie, whose job is to- yes, you guessed it right-defend the goal! Among the six members playing offensively is what is called a “set”. The “set” is the player who primarily resides in the center, and is obligated to make the most shots. The “set” is also the most heavily covered by defense, because it is very public knowledge that the “set” position is intended for perfect five meter goal shooting. Water polo does have ejection rules, each play and ejection up to the ref’s discretion and a rule of three or more ejection results in removal from the game. Water polo also has automatic turnovers of the ball to the opposing team. The basic of these turnovers is catching the ball with two hands. Another, is running out of time on your pass- if the shot clock buzzes and the ball is still in your possession-it now belongs to the other team. As the periods go on the same line up and mad dash for the ball occurs, and the team with the most points by the end of the fourth period are declared the winners.
Florida Gulf Coast Water Polo meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30-8:00 at the FGCU Aquatics center. Even if you have never played, can barely tread water, and have no idea whether or not we have an Olympic team- I strongly encourage you to come out and join us! We are a fun, loving team who have great laughs and play the hell out of the sport we are all so passionate about. Come out and join us!! Wings up, Eagles!
