Clubs & Learn to Play

Bridle
Series of leather strappings and bit that give the player steering and stopping control.
Clipped Mane
A closely clipped mane eliminates interference between the pony’s mane and the mallet shaft.
Riding Glove
Protects the player’s hands and creates better grip on the mallet.
Breastplate
Stops the saddle from slipping backwards.
Polo Martingale
Stops the pony from raising its head.
Riding Boots
Always coloured brown in polo. Attached to the knee pads for extra protection.
Mallets & Stick Head
Typically made of bamboo or plastic composite. Mallet shaft is flexible and can make a complete arc under the pony’s neck or tail when swung hard. The stick head is made of hardwood and angled to allow a full swing flush to the ground.
Bandages
Protective wrapping and safety boots protect the pony’s legs against contact with the ball.
Helmet
Hard surface, lined and strapped. The helmet protects the player from swinging mallets and balls travelling at speeds of nearly 100 mph.
Plaited Tails
Causes less obstruction to the mallet while executing backhand and tails shots.
Saddle & Blanket
Different from jumping saddles which have extra pads. Special polo saddles balance the weight of the rider.

Match Format

In South Africa, a match consists of 5 – 6 chukkas, each lasting seven minutes plus up to 30 seconds of overtime. A horn is blown at the end of seven minutes to signal to the players that 30 seconds remain in the chukka. During the 30 seconds, play continues until a team scores, the ball goes out of play, or a player commits a foul. During the breaks players are able to switch ponies. Unlike many other sports that change halves at set periods such as halftime, in polo, teams change field direction every time a goal is scored. Divot-stomping at half-time is a tradition that is not just for show. It is actually a very important crowd activity, as it genuinely restore the field for the players and ponies.

The Field & Play

Play takes place on a field of about 275m long by 150m wide. In theory, that is about the same size as six soccer fields. The goal posts, which collapse on severe impact, are set around 7.5m apart at either end. Polo can only be played using the right hand. This is because the rules of the game revolve around the same principle as driving along a highway. Namely, when a ball is hit, it creates an invisible line that players advancing from opposing sides cannot cross. If one advancing player were to approach using their left hand and the other with their right hand, a head-on collision would occur. Players use polo mallets which have long handles and wooden heads with a rubber grip.

Teams

There are four players on a team with each player assigned a distinctly different role according to their position. The Number 1 player is essentially a goal striker whose primary role is to score goals. The Number 2 player is also a forward, but plays harder, especially on defence. Number 3 is the pivotal player between offence and defence who tries to turn all plays to offence. They are usually the highest rated player on the team. The Number 4 player, known as the back, is essentially the most defensive player whose primary responsibility is to protect the goal area. There are always two umpires on horseback to referee the match with a 3rd referee to help settle disputes.

Handicaps

A polo handicap works the opposite way to a golf handicap in that all players are rated on a scale of -2 to 10 goals. A -2 indicates a beginner player, while a player rated at 10 goals has the highest handicap possible. Although the word ‘goal’ is often used after the rating, it bears no relation to the number of goals a player scores in a match, but to their overall playing ability. A player’s horsemanship, range of strokes, speed of play, team and game sense are the factors considered in determining their handicap. The team handicap is the sum of its players’ handicaps. The team with the lower handicap is awarded the difference in goals at the start of the game. For example, a 26-goal team would give two goals start to a 24-goal team. This is done to level the playing field.

Scoring

Any time the ball crosses, at any height, the line between the goal posts, it is considered a goal regardless of who knocks it through, including the pony. Any player can score a goal from anywhere on the field. The change in goal direction after each goal is scored allows both teams equal opportunities to score in case the field or weather is working to one direction’s advantage and equalises the wind and turf conditions. The game is continuous and can only be stopped if a foul is called, an injury occurs to either a polo pony or rider, or if a player’s tack is broken. Penalties are an integral part of the game. They ensure fair play and maintain the safety of both the players and ponies. Penalties are awarded according to the severity of the foul, and are either given as a defended free hit, or an undefended free hit.

Teamwork

Effective communication is key to successful teamwork in polo. Players must constantly communicate to coordinate their movements, plan attacks, set up defenses, and alert each other to changing game situations. This communication can be verbal or non-verbal, using signals, body language, or the positioning of the pony. Teamwork is at the heart of polo. A team that works together effectively can control the game, adapt to changing situations, and ultimately outplay their opponents. Whether you’re a player aiming to improve your game or a fan seeking to understand the sport better, appreciating the role of teamwork in polo can provide valuable insights into this fascinating game. With this, players can anticipate each other’s moves to execute successful passes and shots.

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