The game consists of swimming (with and without the ball), egg beatering (to position a player upright in the water), and throwing, catching, and shooting the ball using a single hand. Each team consists of 6 field players and a goalkeeper. Except for the goalkeeper, players participate in both offensive and defensive roles. The 6 field players are not typically assigned a specific position, except for the 2-meter man, who is usually positioned directly in front of the opponent's goal.
The game is thought to have originated in Scotland in the late 19th century as a sort of "water rugby". William Wilson is thought to have developed the game during a similar period. The game thus developed with the formation of the London Water Polo League and has since expanded, becoming widely popular in various places around the world, notably mainland Europe, the United States of America, China, Canada and Australia.