How Many Players on a Water Polo Team? Full Breakdown

By Sarah Miller · June 2, 2040

In a water polo match, each team has 7 players in the water: 1 goalkeeper and 6 field players. Teams may have up to 13 players total on their roster, including substitutes, but only 7 are allowed in the pool at any time.

Understanding Water Polo Team Composition

Water polo is a dynamic aquatic team sport that combines swimming, passing, shooting, and strategy. One of the most common questions for newcomers is: how many players are on a water polo team? The answer depends on whether you're referring to players actively playing or the full team roster.

Players in the Pool During Gameplay

Each team fields 7 players in the water during active play.
This includes 1 goalkeeper and 6 outfield (field) players.
All players must swim continuously, tread water using the eggbeater kick, and move the ball toward the opponent's goal.
Players are not allowed to touch the bottom or sides of the pool during play.

Total Roster Size and Substitutions

A full water polo team can have up to 13 players on its bench.
This includes 6 substitutes who can enter the game at any stoppage.
Substitutions are unlimited and typically occur during breaks or after goals.
The goalkeeper may be substituted as needed, though specialized skills make them less frequently rotated.

Regulations by Governing Bodies

Different organizations govern water polo at various levels, and while team size is largely standardized, minor variations exist depending on age group or competition level.

FINA (World Aquatics) Rules

Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), now known as World Aquatics, sets the international standard:

7 players per team in the water.
Maximum of 13 players per team on the roster.
Teams may use up to 6 substitutes per game.
Minimum of 5 players required to start or continue a match.

NCAA and High School Regulations

In the United States, collegiate and high school water polo follow similar rules:

NCAA men’s and women’s water polo allows 13-player rosters.
High school teams (NFHS) typically follow FINA guidelines with local adaptations.
Youth leagues may reduce on-field players to 5 or 6 for younger age groups.

Positions and Roles in Water Polo

Each of the 7 players on the team has a specific role. Understanding these positions helps clarify how the team functions strategically.

Goalkeeper

Only player allowed to use both hands within the 5-meter area.
Responsible for blocking shots and initiating counterattacks.
Must have strong reflexes and excellent eggbeater technique.

Field Players

Center Forward (Hole Set): Positioned near the opponent's goal; primary offensive target.
Wings: Play on either side of the pool; involved in drives and perimeter shooting.
Drivers: Fast swimmers who create space and take shots.
Point and Flat: Support offense from the perimeter and facilitate ball movement.

Competition Level	Players in Water	Total Roster Size	Substitutes Allowed	Minimum to Start
FINA / World Aquatics	7	13	6	5
NCAA (College)	7	13	6	5
NFHS (High School)	7	13	6	5
Youth (Ages 12–14)	5–6	8–10	3–4	4
Masters (Adult Recreational)	7	10–12	3–5	5

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table above shows that elite and collegiate water polo maintain consistent standards across global and U.S. competitions, with 7 players in the water and 13 on the roster. Youth leagues adapt team sizes to accommodate skill and stamina development, while Masters leagues offer flexibility for recreational play. This consistency ensures smooth transitions for athletes moving through competitive levels.