What happens after the whistle for a foul in water polo?
I · Intermediate · Throws, referees and reviews · 7 of 11The fouled team takes a free throw from where the ball is, with no delay. The ball is in play the moment it leaves the thrower's hand, and the thrower may pass, dribble on or, from outside 6 metres, shoot. The defender who fouled must back off at least one metre before raising an arm.
How it works
- Where: "at the location of the ball". After a defender's foul with the ball inside the goal area, on the 2 metre line opposite the ball.
- Who: the player nearest the ball. In a counterattack the second closest may take it, so that the leading player keeps their advantage.
- How: so that the other players can see "the ball visibly leaving the hand". The thrower may then carry or dribble the ball before passing or shooting.
- No delay: a player who is plainly best placed to take the throw and does not is called for an ordinary foul.
- The defender: the player who fouled "shall move away not less than 1 metre from the player taking the free throw before raising an arm to block a pass or shot". Failing to do so is an exclusion foul for interference.
- Shooting: from a free throw outside 6 metres the player may shoot at once, or put the ball into play and then shoot.
- Ball out at the side: a free throw goes against the team that last touched it. If a defending field player blocks a shot out over the side, the defending team gets the throw.
The glossary has the free throw, the ordinary foul and the counterattack.
Tricky cases
Does the thrower have to pass to a team-mate?
No. After the ball has visibly left the hand, the thrower may carry or dribble it themselves.
Can a defender knock the ball away before the throw is taken?
No. Trying to play the ball before it has left the thrower's hand is interference, an exclusion foul. Throwing the ball away to stop a free throw being taken can be a penalty foul.
A foul is given inside 6 metres. Can the thrower shoot?
No, not straight away. They may put the ball into play, swim outside 6 metres and then shoot.
A free throw is given outside 6 metres and a defender pushes the ball inside the line to stop a direct shot. What is the call?
A penalty foul. The rules name that act as one taken to prevent a probable goal.
Why the rule exists
The free throw is taken on the spot and at once so that a foul does not stop an attack for long. The one metre of space gives the thrower a fair look at a pass, and the limit on shooting from close range protects the goalkeeper.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules | As above | WP 11.1 to 11.4 |
| Goal throws and corner throws | Taken in the same manner as a free throw | WP 12.2; WP 13.2 |
| Shooting | Rules for a direct shot | WP 7.2 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Six: Water Polo Rules (in force as from 1 January 2025), Articles 11.1 to 11.4, 7.2, 9.5 and 10.10. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).