Are Water Polo Goalies Typically Tall?
Water polo is a physically demanding sport that requires a unique combination of strength, speed, and endurance. Water polo is played with six field players and a goalkeeper, who serves as the final line of defense against the opposing team’s offense and their own team’s goal.
One question that often arises when discussing water polo is whether goalies are typically tall. Yes they are, professional water polo goalies are not only tall but also big, with strong arms that can fire shots that reach 80 km/h from a relatively close distance of only 5 to 7 meters away from the goalkeeper. However, it is worth noting that height is not the only factor that determines a goalie’s effectiveness in water polo.
While height can certainly be an advantage, a goalkeeper’s ability to move quickly and effectively in the water is also crucial. In fact, in water polo, players can make up for height differences with their movement in the water. Therefore, it is important to consider a variety of factors when evaluating a water polo goalie’s performance, including their height, strength, and agility.
Height Requirements for Water Polo Goalies
Factors Affecting Goalie Height
Height plays a significant role in water polo goalkeeping. As per Wikipedia, the goal’s height is typically 90 cm (35 in), and its width is 3 m (9.8 ft). In pools with a depth of less than 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in), the goal’s height is 2.4 m (7 ft 10 in), which makes them 3.6 m2 (39 sq ft) in shallow water.
Furthermore, the height of the goalie can affect their ability to block shots and reach the ball. According to NCSA Sports, taller goalies have a larger wingspan, which gives them an advantage in blocking shots, stealing the ball, and swimming.
Average Height of Water Polo Goalies
While height is not the only factor that determines a goalie’s success, it is generally accepted that taller goalies have an advantage. Professional water polo players have strong arms and can fire shots that reach 80 km/h from a relatively close distance, only 5 to 7 meters away from the goalkeeper. Therefore, goalies need to be tall and big to be able to block these shots effectively.
According to Dorset Water Polo, the ideal height for a water polo goalie is between 6’3″ and 6’7″. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and there have been successful goalies who are shorter than this range.
Importance of Height for Water Polo Goalies
Height plays a crucial role in the game of water polo, especially for goalies. Being tall can provide numerous advantages for goalies, but being short can also pose some challenges. In this section, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of height for water polo goalies.
Advantages of Being Tall in Water Polo
One of the main advantages of being tall in water polo is having a greater reach. Goalies with long arms can cover more area of the goal, making it harder for the opposing team to score. Additionally, tall goalies have a higher vantage point, which allows them to see the entire pool and anticipate shots from a distance.
Another advantage of being tall is having a stronger presence in the goal. Tall goalies can intimidate the opposing team and make it harder for them to score due to their imposing size. This can also help with defending the goal against shots from close range, as tall goalies can use their height to block shots without having to move much.
Disadvantages of Being Short in Water Polo
On the other hand, being short can pose some challenges for water polo goalies. Short goalies may struggle to cover the entire goal due to their limited reach, which can make it easier for the opposing team to score.
Additionally, short goalies may have a harder time defending against shots from close range, as they may need to move more to block the shot.
Short goalies may also struggle with visibility. Since they have a lower vantage point, it can be harder for them to see the entire pool and anticipate shots from a distance. This can make it harder for them to position themselves correctly and defend the goal effectively.
| Advantages of Being Tall | Disadvantages of Being Short |
| Greater reach | Limited reach |
| Higher vantage point | Lower vantage point |
| Stronger presence in the goal | Harder time defending against close range shots |
Overall, height can play a significant role in the game of water polo, especially for goalies. While being tall can provide numerous advantages, being short can pose some challenges. It is important for goalies to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of height and adjust their gameplay accordingly.
Other Qualities of Successful Water Polo Goalies
Athleticism and Agility
Aside from height, successful water polo goalies possess a high level of athleticism and agility. They need to be able to move quickly and change direction in the water to block incoming shots. They also need to have excellent hand-eye coordination to catch and throw the ball accurately.
Goalies need to have strong leg muscles to tread water for extended periods of time and to jump out of the water to block high shots. They also need to have good upper body strength to throw the ball far and accurately.
Communication and Leadership
Water polo goalies are the only players who can see the entire pool from their position. This means that they need to be excellent communicators and leaders on the team. They need to be able to direct their teammates on where to go and what to do, and they need to be able to do it quickly and effectively.
Goalies need to be able to read the game and anticipate where the ball is going to go next. They need to be able to make split-second decisions and communicate them to their team.
Technical Skills
Successful water polo goalies have excellent technical skills. They need to be able to block incoming shots, catch and throw the ball accurately, and clear the ball quickly and effectively.
Goalies need to have good ball-handling skills and be able to pass the ball accurately to their teammates. They also need to be able to shoot the ball accurately when the opportunity arises.
In conclusion, while height is certainly an advantage for water polo goalies, it is not the only factor that contributes to their success. Successful goalies need to have a combination of athleticism, agility, communication and leadership skills, and technical abilities to excel in their position.
