If you’re new to the wonderful world of polo, you’re sure to be very excited about getting out on the field, but it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with as much polo terminology as you can before you do, so that you know what’s going on and what means what. To help, here are some common terms and explanations. Enjoy!
Bowl-in
This is when the umpire starts play by rolling the ball down the centre of a lineup of both teams.
Bump
You are allowed to ride off your opponent to remove him from the play or to spoil the shot, but make sure that the angle of contact is no more than 45 degrees.
Chukka
There are six periods in a game, known as chukkas, each one lasting seven minutes, plus 30 seconds of overtime. It comes from the Indian word for ‘round’ or ‘circle’.
Hook
This is a move you can make using your mallet to block or interfere with your opponent, hooking their mallet with your own if you’re on the side where the swing is being made.
Knock-in
This is much the same as a goal kick in football. If you hit the ball across your opponent’s backline, they can then take a free hit from the backline.
Safety
This is awarded when a defender hits the ball over their own backline. The shot is taken 60 yards out from the backline and opposite where the ball went over, with no defender closer than 30 yards from the ball.
Looking for UK polo lessons? Get in touch with Menard Polo once lockdown is over.