polo basics

p olo basics

hook

Polo is a fast-paced sport played on a field that spans the same surface area as nine football fields. Playtime is divided into 7½ minute chukkers, and after each goal, the teams switch ends to equalize game conditions. The players and their horses are exhilarating to watch, but it is even better when you can follow the plays of the game. This guide introduces the terms you will need to speak the language of polo.

terms divot stomp: Spectator participation! During half time, spectators are invited onto the field to replace pieces of turf dug up by the horses during play, so that the ball travels smoothly down the field.

flagman: the designated person standing at each end behind the goal posts who flags each successful goal “in” by waving the flag up high or “out” by waving the flag below the waist.

foul: any infraction of the USPA rules, ranging from dangerous riding to interrupting the line of the ball.

handicap (also, goal rating): a player’s handicap is a rating between -2 (or C) and 10. A rating committee decides the handicap of each player based on playing ability, horsemanship, team play, horses, and knowledge of the game. The handicap of a team is the sum total rating of all of its players, and the final score of a match is adjusted according to discrepancies in the two teams’ handicaps.

hook: a defensive technique in which a player uses his or her mallet to interfere with an opponent’s swing. knock-in: when a team in an offensive drive hits the ball across the opponent’s back line, the defending team resumes play with a free hit from their back line.

line of the ball: Once a ball is hit, the player who is closest to the ball with the lesser angle has the right of way. Opposing players cannot cross the line too closely to the player who has the right of way, nor can they approach the “on line” player at too sharp an angle, or they risk a foul and subsequent penalty.

near-side: the left-hand side of the horse, where players mount.

neck shot: the player uses the flexibility of the bamboo mallet shaft to hit the ball under the horse’s neck.

off-side: the right-hand side of the horse.

ride-off

uMPire

out of bounds: whenever the ball is outside of the outer perimeter of the field. The ball returns to play when the Umpire bowls the ball in from near to where it exited.

penalty: a free hit is awarded when a foul is committed. Each infraction of the rules of play is given a rating between one and nine by the umpire, with the severity of the infraction determining the level of penalty awarded, and the placement and conditions of the free hit.

player positions: Player positions are represented by the numbers on their polo jerseys (from one to four). The Number One player primarily assumes an offensive position on the field and is responsible for neutralizing the opposing team’s Number Four player (their primary defense). The Number Two is the mover and the shaker, a transition player who backs up the Number One player, and aggressively seeks to move the ball upfield. The Number Three player is the quarterback, who focuses on game strategy, field advantage and moving the ball. This player is often the highest rated player on the team. Finally, player Number Four is primarily responsible for guarding the goal, and preventing the opposing team from scoring.

polo pony: thoroughbreds, or part thoroughbred and part quarter horse, selected for their agility, speed, endurance, and intelligence.

referee (also, third Man): if the two Umpires on the field disagree on a call, the Referee on the sidelines has the final say.

ride-off (also, bump): a defensive move in which two ponies make contact and press against each other to prevent the opposite player from taking a shot or to drive the player off the line of the ball.

tailgaiting: a great polo pastime where you drive your vehicle to the edge of the field and break out lawn chairs, cold drinks, and delicious snacks to enhance your polo-watching experience.

umpire: two mounted officials are on the field ensuring safety and enforcing rules.

usPa: The United States Polo Association is the governing body of polo in North America. Originally founded in 1890, the USPA is responsible for sanctioning polo clubs and tournaments, managing and publishing rules and handicap ratings, and organizing, promoting, and supporting polo across North America.

neCk shot

near-side shot