Editing Water polo (section)

===Goalkeeper===
{{Main|Goalkeeper (water polo)}}
[[File:Water polo-2.jpg|thumb|Goalkeeper blocking a shot|alt=]]

The [[Goalkeeper (water polo)|goalkeeper]] has the main role in blocking shots against the goal as well as guiding and informing their defense of imposing threats and gaps in the defense. The goalkeeper usually begins the offensive play by passing the ball across the pool to an attacker. It is not unusual for a goalkeeper to make an assisting pass to a goal on a break away.

The goalkeeper is given several privileges above those of the other players, but only within the five-meter area in front of their own goal:<ref name=Snyder>Snyder, p. 108</ref>
* The ability to punch the ball with a clenched fist,
* The ability to touch the ball with two hands.

In general, a foul that would cause an ejection of a field player might bring on a five-metre shot on the goalkeeper.<ref name="Snyder" /> Also, if a goalkeeper pushes the ball under water, the action will not be punished with a turnover like with field players, but with a penalty shot.