The five-second possession rule
Ball and possession · Rule 10.20
Once you gain possession, release the ball within five seconds by passing it or making a throw that travels at least one metre.
How it works
A player with the ball in hand, reachable on the water, or balanced on a paddle has possession. They must pass it or make one throw travelling at least one metre horizontally within five seconds. Certain losses of possession reset the count. Simply balancing the ball on the paddle does not avoid the possession clock.
In a game
You collect the ball from the water: pass to a teammate promptly instead of holding it while deciding where to go.
Remember
Possession includes a ball in your hand, within hand’s reach on the water, or balanced on your paddle.