Water polo players and swimmers have a lot in common compared to other sports. They both require athletes to be able to get from one part of the pool to another as quickly and efficiently as they can, and water polo players' ability to tread water for long periods of time can benefit them when transitioning to swimming. Both also require a lot of endurance, and that skill translates between swimming and water polo. But, there are differences between the two as well, which can make the switch difficult if you are not prepared. 

1. Water polo doesn't involve walls beyond their use as a boundary to play within.
Swimming uses them constantly, and a swimmer's ability to turn in and out of them quickly (and legally) is often viewed as a crucial component of their speed in races. 

Learning how to turn, and getting comfortable with the movement may seem daunting, but it's important for athletes to remember that they get the chance to attempt a turn every single time they come to a wall in practice, and can do hundreds of them in a single session.

Related: 17 Swim Bag Must Haves

2. Your eye-hand coordination doesn't play a role in how good you are at swimming.
Unfortunately, no matter how good you are at throwing a ball fast and with good accuracy to your teammate, the only way to score in swimming is to beat the other person to the wall. 

So knowledge of good plays, and having quick reaction skills won't benefit you nearly as much as it may have in water polo, but your fast reactions can earn you a few tenths in your races if it can translate to quickness off the blocks.

3. Swimming is much more individual than water polo.
While you practice and compete with other swimmers, you score as an individual and work primarily by yourself while you swim. If hearing your coach and teammates cheering you on is motivating, that's great. But, if you tend to freak out under pressure, know that in swimming there can be a lot of pressure on just one individual.

Related: 5 Swimming Camps for Every Type of Swimmer

4.  Competitions are very different 
Both water polo and swimming practices are long, tiring, and cardio-heavy. In that sense, water polo players may be better prepared to handle a swimmer's training regime. Unfortunately, competitions don't share the same similarities. 

Swim meets are long and span multiple hours, but athletes will only compete for a few minutes at a time. While a water polo player has 32 minutes of play to give it their all, a sprint freestyler typically takes less than 30 seconds to start, and finish, one of their biggest events.

The types of fatigue experienced in competition are different, but both require grit in order to succeed, and giving your best effort will help you do well in both.

5.  Swimming is a no contact sport
Because there is no physical contact between competitors when swimming, aggressiveness won't be as beneficial in your transition as endurace will. Being tough and able to play physically may aid in your overall athletic abilities, but won't play the same role in your swimming career.

Transitioning from one sport to another is not easy, and it's important to remember that you may not be as good at swimming as you are at water polo right away, or you might be better! Knowing that some of your skills will not translate is important, so you can set realistic goals and expectations for yourself in the sport. With consistent practice, supportive coaching, and lots of hard work, water polo players can make exceptional swimmers!

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* Originally published on March 23, 2022, by Peyton Wright