Strokes On the Water

Water polo was introduced to the U.S. in 1888 by English swimming instructor John Robinson, who organized a team at the Boston Athletic Assn. Teams consist of six field players and a goalie. Players try to advance the ball by passing it or swimming with it--dribbling--until close enough to take a shot at the opponents’ goal. The physically grueling game demands that players constantly swim or tread water. They may swim up to two miles during a game.

Pool Parlance

The field of play is demarcated by five significant lines

Goal line: Any ball going past is out of bounds and awarded to the team that did not last touch it

2-yard line: Offensive players may not pass unless preceded by the ball

4-yard line: Mark for penalty throw (shot at goal) if offensive player is fouled while controlling the ball inside the line

7-meter line: Player fouled beyond this line may shoot directly at goal; inside the line, two players must touch ball before shot on goal

Half-tank line: Where ball is dropped to begin play and where teams line up after a goal is scored

Length: 75 feet

Width: 45 feet

Depth: At least 6.5 feet

Goal line

Half-tank line

Warm Water: Games are played in water that varies in temperature from 78 to 82 degrees

The Target

Width: 10 feet (between posts)

Height: 3 feet (above water)

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Hole Set (two-meter man)

Much like a basketball center; basic strategy involves getting the ball to the hole set; operates on or near opponent’s 2-meter line; most physically difficult position to play

Goalie

Defends the goal and helps direct the defense from his central view of the pool

Rotation

When a driver heads toward the goal, other players rotate to fill the open position and maintain a balanced offense

Driver

Generally the fastest swimmers, who drive (swim) toward the goal trying to get an open shot

Point

May serve as a driver and often guards the opponent’s two-meter man on defense

Referee

One on each side of the pool; they have equal power to call fouls and may call them in any part of the pool

Foul Call: Referee points to where foul was committed and direction ball will be put into play

Foul Play

Aside from technical misconduct, such as striking the ball with two hands, fouls consist of three types. Some examples:

Ordinary Foul

Impeding the movement of a player who is not holding the ball, such as swimming over the legs of an opponent to slow his movement. Results in a free pass.

Major Foul

Sinking an opponent who does not have the ball. Results in a 20-second exclusion, giving one team a 6-5 advantage in players.

Brutality

Intentionally striking an opponent with malicious intent may earn a brutality call. Results in player being ejected from remainder of game (with no substitution allowed) and the next game

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The Ball

Waterproof and made of yellow rubber for visibility

Circumference: 27-28 inches

Weight: 15-17 ounces

Inflation: 13-14 pounds per square inch

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Time Elements

* Game is four quarters

* Each quarter has seven minutes of playing time

* Two minutes between periods allows teams to change ends

* Offensive team must take a shot within 35 seconds or lose the ball

* Overtime begins after a five-minute break

* Overtime consists of two three-minute periods with a one-minute interval

Water Polo Championships

Orange County teams will compete in Divisions I, II and VI of the CIF Southern Section Championships. Venues through the semifinals will vary.

Orange County Schools

Division I: Canyon, Capistrano Valley, Corona del Mar, Dana Hills, El Toro, Foothill, Newport Harbor, San Clemente, Santa Ana Valley and Villa Park

Division II: Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, El Dorado, Esperanza, Garden Grove, Katella, Laguna Beach, La Habra, Los Alamitos, Los Amigos, Marina, Pacifica, Saddleback, Servite, Tustin, Troy and University

Division VI: Brea Olinda, Magnolia and Western

Schedule Details

First round: Division I, today; Divisions II and VI, Friday

Quarterfinals: Division I, Tuesday; Divisions II and VI, Wednesday

Semifinals: Saturday, Nov. 21

Finals: Wednesday, Nov.25, at Belmont Plaza Pool, Long Beach

* Division I: 8 p.m.

* Division II: 3:30 p.m.

* Division VI: 5:00 p.m.

Admission: $3-$6

Information: For times and locations of first round, quarter- and semifinal rounds, call your local school; tournament information updated on the CIF Web site at https://www.cifss.org

O.C. Star

Newport Harbor High is one of three Orange County league winners competing in the championship’s Division I level. Newport will be led by Gary Conwell, who figured in 84 of the Sailors’ goals this season:

Gary Conwell

* 46 goals

* 38 assists

* 39 steals

Sources: El Toro High coach Don Stoll, Corona del Mar High coach John Vargas, Times reports

Graphic reporting by TOM REINKEN and LOIS HOOKER/Los Angeles Times