When a player commits a major (exclusion) foul, they are sent out of play for 20 seconds or until a goal is scored, leaving their team a player short. The attacking team then has a 'power play' (man-up, or 6-on-5) advantage. Power-play conversion is one of the most important statistics in water polo — elite teams convert well over 50% of their man-up opportunities by moving the ball quickly around a set formation to create an open shot before the excluded player returns. Defending the man-down situation effectively is equally crucial.
Key points
- 6-on-5 advantage after an exclusion foul
- Excluded player out 20s or until a goal
- Elite power-play conversion exceeds 50%
- One of the most important team statistics
Try the tool
Put this into practice with our free calculator.
Open the Water Polo Shot Efficiency Calculator →