The Game
The game consists of between 4 to 6, 7 minute chukka's depending on whether it is medium or high goal. The object of the game is to quite simply score goals. A chukka refers to the period of the game.
Tactics
Polo is a tactical team sport. There are 4 players to a team and each player takes up a position as number 1,2, 3 or 4.
- No. 1 is essentially the goal striker
- No. 2 is also a forward but plays hard on defense
- No. 3 is the pivotal player between offence and defense and is usually the highest rated player on the team
- No. 4 is the back and is the most defensive player whose primary responsibility is to protect the goal
Defensive Play
Like other contact team sport such as rugby and football defensive plays are important tactics:
- The Hook - A player may spoil an opponent's shot by putting his/her stick in the way of the striking player.
- The Ride Off - Two riders can make contact and push each other off the line of the ball to prevent each other from striking the ball. It is intended for the ponies to do the pushing but players can use their body as long as they don't use their elbows.
The Polo Ponies
The most important part of the game. Although referred to as ponies they are in fact horses. Most are the Argentina Criollo breed or pure or cross thoroughbreds. The polo pony accounts for 80% of the performance of a player on the field. Polo Ponies are changed after each chukka and the rules of polo are in place to ensure the safety of both pony and player.
The Confusion
Ends are changed after each goal scored and the game re-started from the middle of the ground with a throw in. So don't be confused when you see the players hitting toward what you think is the wrong goal.