Goalkeeper (water polo)
In water polo, the goalkeeper occupies a position as the last line of defense between the opponent's offence and their own team's goal, which is 2.8 m2 (30 sq ft).
[note 1] The goalkeeper position is unique; they possess certain privileges and are subject to different restrictions than those of field players.
[4] A change occurred in the game and the role of the goalkeeper in the 1880s, when the Scottish reduced the size of the scoring area by placing rugby posts, spaced about 10 feet apart, at each end of the pool.
At the same time, the rules were changed to allow goalkeepers to stand on the pool deck and leap onto the head of an opposing player who approached the goal.
To prevent the serious injuries that resulted from this method of goalkeeping, the rules were revised again to require the goalie to remain in the water.
In the 1940s, Hungary introduced a new technique called the eggbeater kick that enables goalkeepers to maintain a stable balance in the water.
The goalkeeper can also be temporarily ejected from the game for twenty seconds if they make an ordinary foul within the goalie's 6 m (20 ft) area(for example, by splashing).
[11] Below is a table showing the major differences of rules and regulations for water polo goalkeepers between the latest changes made by the FINA.
[31] At a penalty shootout, the goalkeeper's job is critical and will largely determine the outcome of the match.
[2][40] Before the eggbeater kick, goalkeepers would use breaststroke which meant that they could not stay up for very long and players found it easier to score.
[25] By using the eggbeater kick, goalkeepers can raise their bodies high enough in the water to be able to block shots at the goal for longer periods of time.
This can be used conjunctively with sculling, in which the goalkeeper keeps their hands closed (with the fingers together) and moves them forwards and backwards.
[45] The lob shot is where a field player attempts to put the ball over where the goalkeeper's hands can reach.
