Things You'll Need:
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Helmet
- Life vest
- Water polo ball
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Step 1
Get a kayak and 1 paddle and enough participants with their own kayaks to make 2 teams. A team may have only 3 or 4 players and as many as 5 each. 2 referees are also needed, but they stay out of the water. Delegate a goalie for each team. Helmets and life vests are necessary for safety.
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Step 2
Find a place to play. Canoe polo is usually played in a pool, but can also be played outdoors in an area marked off with floating rope markers. Set up goals on each end of the pool or playing area. Each goal is 3.28 feet high by 4.92 feet wide. The bottom of the goal will be 6.56 feet from the water and have netting.
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Step 3
Delegate enough time to play the game. 20 minutes is all that is needed for an entire game, with two 10-minute halves. Goals are switched after halftime.
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Step 4
Start the game by lining each team up against their goal line. A referee will blow a whistle and toss the ball into the center. One person from each team will attempt to gain control of the ball. This is called the charge. Think of it as similar to a jump ball in basketball.
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Step 5
Use a water polo ball for playing canoe polo. The ball is passed from player to player by hand or by paddle. A player can have his hands on the ball for only 5 seconds, but he can dribble by tossing it sideways or ahead of himself in the water. Anyone with possession of the ball can be tackled, or pushed, on the back or shoulder. Paddling while holding the ball is not allowed.
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Step 6
Attempt to make a goal. The team with the most goals wins.
