Water polo is an exciting and physically demanding sport that takes place in the water. At the heart of this fast – paced game is the water polo ball. Understanding what this ball looks like is not only interesting but also crucial for players, coaches, and fans of the sport.
Physical Appearance of a Water Polo Ball
Color
The most common and distinctive color of a water polo ball is bright yellow. This color was chosen for a very practical reason – visibility. In the often – chaotic environment of a water polo match, with players splashing around and the water moving constantly, a bright yellow ball is easy for players to spot. Whether it’s in the middle of a crowded scrum near the goal or being passed across the pool, the yellow color stands out against the blue of the pool water. This makes it easier for players to keep track of the ball’s location, which is essential for making quick decisions during the game.
In recent years, there have been some variations in the color design of water polo balls. Some balls now feature a colored middle stripe. The available stripe colors include blue, green, red, black, or yellow. This stripe is flanked by the normal yellow sections of the ball. The addition of the colored stripe is not just for aesthetic purposes. It can help teams differentiate their balls, especially in situations where multiple balls might be in use during practice or in a tournament setting. For example, in a large – scale water polo event with many teams, the colored stripe can make it easier for a team to quickly identify their own ball.
Shape
A water polo ball is spherical in shape, similar to a traditional ball used in many other ball – based sports like soccer or basketball. Its spherical shape allows for smooth movement through the water. When the ball is thrown or passed, the round shape ensures that it travels in a relatively predictable trajectory. This is important for players to accurately judge where the ball will land or how it will bounce off the water’s surface.
The ball’s surface is designed to be somewhat textured. This texture is not overly rough but has enough grip to allow players to hold the ball firmly with one hand, even while treading water or in the midst of a physical battle with opponents. The texture helps prevent the ball from slipping out of a player’s hand, which could lead to turnovers in the game.
Size and Weight of the Water Polo Ball
Standard Sizes
Water polo balls come in different standard sizes to accommodate different age groups and genders.
Size 5: This is the size used for men’s water polo. The circumference of a size 5 water polo ball should be not less than 0.68 metres and not more than 0.71 metres. This size is large enough to be easily visible and manageable for adult male players. The relatively large size also allows for a good grip, which is important considering the strength and force with which men play the game.
Size 4: This size is used for women’s water polo and for compact (age 14 & under boys) water polo. The circumference of a size 4 ball is not less than 0.65 metres and not more than 0.67 metres. The slightly smaller size for women is designed to better suit their hand sizes and playing styles. It still maintains the necessary visibility and grip requirements for the game.
Smaller Sizes: There are also size 3 balls for intermediate (age 14 & under girls and 12 & under boys), size 2 balls for junior (age 12 & under girls and 10 & under co – ed), and size 1 splashballs for age 8 and under boys and girls. These smaller sizes are proportionally designed to be more suitable for younger players, taking into account their smaller hand sizes and developing motor skills.
Weight
Regardless of the size, the weight of a water polo ball typically ranges from 400 – 450 grams (14 – 16 ounces). This weight is carefully calibrated to ensure that the ball is neither too light nor too heavy. A ball that is too light might be easily affected by the water’s current or the splashing of players, making it difficult to control. On the other hand, a ball that is too heavy would be cumbersome for players to handle, especially when they need to throw or pass it quickly.
Material and Construction of the Water Polo Ball
Outer Cover
The outer cover of a water polo ball is made of a special rubber fabric. This material is highly durable and resistant to the harsh aquatic environment. It can withstand constant contact with water, chlorine (if the pool is chlorinated), and the rough handling of players. The rubber fabric is also water – resistant, which is crucial. If the ball were to absorb water, it would become heavier, lose its shape, and be difficult to play with. The water – resistant property ensures that the ball maintains its integrity and performance characteristics throughout the game.
The outer cover is also designed to have a certain level of flexibility. This flexibility allows the ball to deform slightly when it is squeezed or hit, which helps it absorb the impact and then quickly return to its original shape. It also contributes to the ball’s ability to bounce off the water surface or the pool walls in a predictable manner.
Inner Bladder
Inside the water polo ball is an inflatable bladder. This bladder is what gives the ball its shape and firmness. The bladder is inflated to a specific pressure. For men’s water polo balls (size 5), the inflation pressure is typically 90 – 97 kPa (kilopascals) gauge pressure (7.5 – 8.5 psi). For women’s water polo balls (size 4), the inflation pressure is 83 – 90 kPa (12 – 13 psi). The proper inflation of the bladder is essential for the ball’s performance. If the ball is under – inflated, it will be soft and difficult to throw accurately. If it is over – inflated, it may be too hard and could potentially cause injury to players if it hits them.
The Evolution of the Water Polo Ball
Early Days
The modern water polo game originated in the late 19th century. Initially, it was a form of rugby – style football played in rivers in England and Scotland. The early water polo balls were small, about 3 to 4 inches in size, and were made of rubber imported from colonial plantations in India. This “water rugby” soon evolved into what we now know as water polo, and the ball also underwent changes.
The original small rubber ball was replaced by a football (soccer ball) as the game developed. The soccer – style ball allowed for better passing and the ability to swim above water while holding the ball. However, leather footballs had a major drawback. When they got wet, they absorbed water, becoming extremely heavy, slippery, and difficult to control. This made the game challenging in terms of ball handling.
Development of the Modern Ball
In 1936, a significant development occurred. James R. (“Jimmy”) Smith, a California water polo coach and author of several books on water polo mechanics, developed a new ball. His design consisted of an inflatable bladder and a rubber fabric cover. This new construction greatly improved the performance of the water polo ball. The inflatable bladder allowed for consistent inflation, ensuring a more stable and predictable ball. The rubber fabric cover was more water – resistant than leather, preventing the ball from becoming overly heavy when wet.
The original color of this new ball was red. However, by 1948, the color was changed to yellow. Yellow was chosen because it provided better visibility for players in the water. In 1956, this yellow – colored ball with the inflatable bladder and rubber fabric cover became the official ball for FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation, the international governing body of water sports) and for the Olympics.
Recent Changes
In 2005, FINA allowed a change to the standard water polo ball used in official games. This change permitted the addition of a colored middle stripe to the ball. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the National Federation of State High School Associations also followed suit in 2006, allowing the use of these colored balls in their sanctioned games. This change was not only about aesthetics but also had practical implications, as mentioned earlier, in terms of ball identification.
Conclusion
The water polo ball is a key element in the exciting sport of water polo. Its bright yellow color, spherical shape, specific size and weight, and unique material construction all contribute to the gameplay. The evolution of the water polo ball from the early days of water rugby to the modern, high – performance ball we see today is a testament to the sport’s development. Whether you’re a player looking to improve your game, a coach strategizing for a match, or a fan wanting to understand the sport better, knowing what a water polo ball looks like and how it functions is fundamental. So, the next time you watch a water polo game, take a closer look at the ball and appreciate all the design and engineering that goes into making this essential piece of equipment for one of the most thrilling water – based team sports.
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