North Jersey Water Polo

YOUTH WATER POLO BENEFITS:

* Children playing water polo and splashball are in better physical condition and healthier than most other athletes due to the difficulty of exercising in water, typically burning over 1,000 calories/hr.
* Due to the low impact nature of being surrounded in water, injuries as significantly less common than most sports.
* Research has found that water polo and splash ball youths, especially girls, are more likely to have a positive body image, higher self-esteem and eat more healthily.
* Kids involved in water polo are less likely to experiment with drugs or ci******es because of the impact these activities have upon their performance.
* Physical activities are proven to relieve stress and reduce depression.
* Statistics show that sports like water polo improve academic success.
* Water polo and sports in general help develop teamwork and leadership skills as research by the American Physical Therapy Association has found.
* Motor skills, strategic thinking, and even math skills are learned by playing sports like water polo. Students develop strategic thinking as they figure out the best ways to move as a unit to score a goal.
* Children who exercise are more likely to continue the practice into adulthood.

Health benefits of water polo:


Water polo is a demanding physical sport that can strengthen the cardiovascular system and increase stamina and core strength. During a game or practice, athletes do not touch the bottom or sides of the pool, so the body is continuously in motion. Additionally, the agility and quick movements required during water polo can improve a player's flexibility and muscular length.

Endurance
Players swim the equivalent of 4 miles per game without touching the bottom or sides of the pool. Water polo improves cardiovascular health; and players of this sport burn as much as 700 calories per hour

Strength
Athletes use all muscle groups to keep the body above water while facing their opponent. Arm and leg muscles are strengthened and toned through swimming, passing and eggbeater motions. Core strength is increased through passing, shooting, and changing direction in the water.

Injury Prevention
The water around the body acts as a cushion on the joints and muscles and helps in softening the strain placed on the body while also strengthening the muscles around the spine, helping protect from injury.

Participation
Water polo can be a lifelong sport. It is less stressful on the joints and muscles of older athletes than the more high-impact, non-aquatic sports like jogging. With the proper safeguards in place, water polo is a great exercise regimen for anyone.
http://www.usawaterpolo.org/members/health-benefits.html

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