July 2021 Polo Players' Edition- Arena Positions

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 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 players. However, if the ball goes all the way through, there will be situations where the No. 1 will turn back to follow the flow of the play out of the back of the throw-in.

A good No. 1 is capable of getting the ball in the throw-in or getting in a good position to receive a pass. The idea is to get an advantage on the opposing No. 3 when on attack and be able to hit accurately to goal from either side of the horse. When on defense, mark the opposing No. 3. Other times, the No. 1 may break for a pass or simply mark the closest opponent.

A great No. 1 possesses a very strong skill set, yet it is common to see the least experienced member of the team placed in the No. 1 position. Sometimes you may be told to just stay with a single opponent and sometimes you may be told to just stay up on the offensive end of the field and allow your No. 2 and No. 3 to work harder to get the ball to you.

Foul shot strategy is another article altogether. It is best to communicate with your teammates prior to the game to find out how you are going to line up for the various foul shots. There are format requirements as to where you are allowed to be based on what number foul is called, as well as various team strategies developed within the confines of the required format.

No. 2 Position

The No. 2 is a pivot position assigned to defend the opposing No. 2.

The No. 2 freely transitions with both the No. 1 and No. 3 teammates, balancing both the offensive and defensive efforts as needed. This requires the No. 2 to possess the skills of all three positions. The No. 2 is often the more experienced player on the team and could even be compared to the quarterback position in football.

The No. 2 has to be fully skilled in both ball handling and powerful passing shots. The No. 2 usually lines up right behind the No. 1 in the throw-in, but will also turn back with the ball if the No. 3 teammate is lining up out at an angle as is often done.

No. 3 Position

The No. 3 position is the back assigned to defend the opposing No. 1.

The back is responsible for keeping the “back door” shut. A good No. 3 is quick to get advantage on the opposing No. 1 and is able to execute strong angled back shots to teammates, remembering that a well-placed pass to a teammate is generally more effective than just hitting a big ball. However, the ability to hit a big shot when appropriate is certainly a plus. It is an added benefit for the No. 3 to be comfortable with turning the ball in the appropriate play situations.

The No. 3 is normally very good at riding off and anticipating offensive drives being mounted by the opponents. Sometimes the most experienced player will take the No. 3 position, as he feels more comfortable having both teammates in front of him in the throw-in.

If the No. 3 is not very experienced, the focus should be more on properly marking the opponent and trying to negate the efforts of the opposing No. 1. Some No. 3s line up outside of the throw-in at a bit of an angle to either go forward or turn back if the ball goes through the bowl-in. If the opposing No. 3 moves in closer to the throw-in, you probably should as well.

Sometimes people think defensive players need to be bigger framed. Regardless of size, a stronger rider who knows how to use the horse properly has the advantage.

I had the gift of playing in a number of “Legend’s Cups” in the arena with all six players rated 9 goals. It was a whole different level of play to have that much talent in one arena. Balanced teams at whatever level are fun to be a part of as long as you are competitive with your opponents. A free rotating style where each player slips in and out of each of the three positions is a lot of fun.

Arena is a little more like a pinball machine when you compare it to grass polo. There are numerous changes of directions and possession that all happen so quickly. You have to have cat-like reflexes to react to the many changes of lines and angles caused by the ball rebounding off the boards. Placement and accuracy are so much more important in the arena. But quickness may be the single greatest component right after horsemanship.

Great arena players can back the ball as well as turn the ball. They can make long passes as well as possess a high level of finesse and quickness in handling the ball in dribbling situations. They are as comfortable hitting the ball off the bounce or out of the air as they are from a teed-up spot hit. They can hit a well angled back shot as well as make accurate shots on goal.

Great arena players are comfortable in any position and are aware of the field layout and positioning of teammates and opponents. They understand the flow of the arena, can anticipate the developing play and place themselves in a position of advantage while others are still responding to the previous play.

To play a position well, understand all the positions. In the arena, it is imperative to easily interchange between all three positions with your teammates. Somebody is forward, someone is carrying the ball, and the back door is covered is the general rule. If all three players take on an awareness of all three of those roles and are quick to fill in the holes, the opponent is going to have a difficult time defeating that team.

Riding in the arena is more about RPMs and a rider’s ability to keep a horse on the bit, collected, ready to change direction and accelerate in an instant.

Tom Goodspeed achieved a 9-goal arena handicap. He can be reached at polotom@usapolo.com.