Polo is an exhilarating sport which is becoming more accessible all the time. Polo holidays, clubs and lessons for amateurs are now open to anyone, yet many people still don’t know much about this unique sport. Here are some basic takeaways about the game.
1. Teams
The game is played between two teams of four players, each mounted on horseback. The aim of the game is to score the most goals against the opposing team. Each of the players is assigned a position, numbered 1 to 4. Player no. 1 is the attacker, no.2 is a midfielder, while no. 3 and 4 take on the defence.
2. The field
The game is usually played outdoors on grass. A standard polo pitch measures 270m x 150m. The goal posts are 3m high and the goal mouth is 8 yards wide. A goal is scored if the ball travels between the two posts. Teams change ends after the scoring of a goal, to account for any advantage caused by the prevailing wind direction.
3. The game
The game is divided into four to eight periods of play, known as chukkas. One chukka lasts for 7.5 minutes, although the clock is stopped for interruptions, such as an injury to a horse, or damage to tack or equipment. Between each chukka, a player has about five minutes to change horse, or pony, as polo horses are always called.
Players are ranked in a handicap system, like golf, and the difference in goals is awarded to the lower rated team before play.
4. Equipment
Each rider carries a mallet to hit the ball, which is usually 49 to 54 inches long, and made of bamboo or willow. It must be held in the right hand only. The ball is normally made of white plastic and has a diameter of about 10cm. It can reach speeds of 100mph when hit by the head of the mallet.
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