INSTRUCTORS FORUM
Arena positions Indoor polo requires quickness, finesse and ball-handling By Tom Goodspeed
Position responsibilities in arena polo are naturally very different than in its outdoor counterpart (grass or field polo). The most obvious reason is the size of the two playing fields. Arena polo can be played in a covered indoor arena or in an (uncovered) outdoor arena. Outdoor arenas are far less expensive to build than an indoor arena, but don’t have the all-weather advantage of a covered arena. Regulation size of both versions are similar to a football field: 300-feet long by 150-feet wide with rounded corners. Some indoor arenas are smaller than regulation due to the building expense. Comparatively, a regulation grass field is nine-times that size (300 x 150 yards). The much smaller playing size of an arena compared to an outdoor field promotes quicker play and far more contact. I have had the gift of playing in some over-sized outdoor arenas and play is always much faster, but it is also harder on the horses. Interscholastic and Intercollegiate polo is played mostly in indoor arenas. Arenas are far more economical and generally easier on the horses, which is a great thing for most I/I programs with strings that usually consist of older and more experienced horses. The outdoor game is much faster, but the arena game is far quicker. Outdoors the ponies tend to gallop easily due to the herd instincts and the open field environment. In the confined arena, a horse is not as easily encouraged to go forward because everywhere they go is either to the boards or a bump. They are always heading to their next stop, so it becomes increasingly difficult to get them to go forward. This is the very reason why starting players is safer in the confines of the arena, however it also becomes the challenge of the arena as the player progresses. A good arena player has to have the ability to keep their horse engaged with their legs while making the play on the ball. It is not so easy to do and can become frustrating for less-skilled riders. Arena Positions The very nature of the arena presents a very different approach to positions. There are three positions in the arena vs. four in outdoor polo. Those familiar with arena polo will readily admit 14 POLO P L A Y E R S E D I T I O N
that three players on each team in the arena makes things feel a bit more crowded than grass polo. That is simply because they are. Most of us in the arena that have experienced two-on-two chukkers have a great deal more fun as it helps open up the play and generally speeds things up. However, three-on-three is regulation and allows for more participants, which is most always a good thing. Like grass polo, there are many variables to the responsibilities of each position. In higher-goal arena, and even balanced, experienced lower-goal teams, players will easily transition between all three positions during the game. Teammates will freely interchange responsibilities with each other. Theoretically, players could play each of the three positions, a third of each game. Those are always the most fun teams to be a part of in any level of arena. On a well-balanced team, players may have a number on their jerseys, but easily transition to any position based on the flow of the game. For example, the No. 3 may miss a back shot, but seeing the No. 2 teammate in position for the next shot, will turn up field for a pass, (putting the No. 3 in the No. 1 position) which may even set up a fast break. It is far more common for there to be a mix of ability levels on each team and that will impact individual player responsibilities. No. 1 Position No. 1 is an offensive attack position but defends the opposing No. 3. When choosing a No. 1, look for a player with a quick mallet, who is focused on creating offensive plays and is accurate with shots on goal. A less-skilled No. 1 may need to focus on marking the opponent and making an effort to stop the No. 3 from backing or turning the play. A good No. 1 is strong in the throw-in, capable of drawing the opponent toward the goal the No. 1 is attacking. Success in the throw-in comes more easily if you are a step forward and 10 degrees more angled than your opponent. Collect your horse and have it ready to go forward. The No. 1 is usually encouraged to go forward out of the throw-in and not turn back towards the other
