Polo is one of the oldest games in the world, dating back to before recorded history documents existed.The sport was first played by nomadic people in Central Asia, and then followed them to Persia, which is now known as Iran.The basic concept of playing the sport on horseback has not changed over the years.
Step 1: Two teams with four players on horseback.
The four players are split into two different roles based on their jersey number.Player 1 is focused on scoring goals for the team, which is an offensive position.The player with the lowest handicap refers to the player's skill level.Player 1 is responsible for covering the opposing team's Player 4.Player 2 takes on more responsibilities of playing defense than Player 1 because he/she is also focused on scoring.The opposing team's Player 3 has to be covered by Player 2.Player 3 has a lot of responsibilities because he/she is both the best player on the team and the captain.Roles include scoring, playing defense, determining strategy, and covering the opposing Player 2.Player 4 plays defense for the team and can move anywhere on the field.Player 1 is the opposing team's player.
Step 2: Know each player's handicaps.
Both players' and teams' handicaps are determined by Polo competition committees in each country where the sport is played.The handicaps range from beginners to highly advanced.In goals, handicaps are referred to.A team has a handicap.Polo competition committees use handicaps to assign teams to different levels of play, with low goal polo at a total handicap of -8 to 4, medium goal Polo at 4 to 16, and high goalpolo at 17 to 40.To match teams of similar experience levels, the levels are further divided.
Step 3: The player should have a horse.
Full-sized horses are referred to as "ponies."Ponies can be in the size range of 14.2 hands to 16.0 hands, which is measured at the horse's withers.Ponies can be 58 to 64 inches in height if a hand is four inches.Ponies should weigh between 900 and 1100 pounds.Polo ponies are chosen for their speed and agility.They are often crosses of horses.Each polo player must have at least 2 ponies for low goal polo up to one pony per chukka, or time period, for high goals, because Polo rules dictate that ponies must be given breaks in the game.There is a maximum of two chukkas per polo match.
Step 4: The game is controlled.
There are mounted umpires and referees in polo.There are 7-minute time periods in a polo match.The play time is about an hour and a half to two hours.There are six chukkas in high goal matches.There are 3-minute breaks between chukkas, as well as a 15-minute half-time.When the umpires can't come to an agreement, the referee intervenes.A flagman at each goal post signals when a goal has been scored.The outdoor polo field is 300 yards long and 160 yards wide.Each end of the polo field has an 8-yard wide goal with 10-foot high posts.
Step 5: How the game is played can be learned.
If the techniques and rules are understood, game play is fairly straightforward.A mallet is used to play with a plastic ball.A polo match begins with a throw-in, which is when an official rolls the ball in between the teams, who are lined up in numerical order.Player 1 crosses from Player 4 to Player 2.After a time out, throw-ins also occur.The line of the ball is referred to as the right of way in polo.The direction in which the ball is rolling.The player who hit the ball has the right of way.The opposing players are allowed to ride alongside the player with the right of way.A goal is scored by hitting the opposing team's goal with a mallet.The teams switch end goals after each goal is scored.Fouls can be called for dangerous riding or improper use of the mallet.Penalties can range from a free hit to a goal.If the two teams are tied at the end of the last chukka, sudden death occurs.The first team to win.
Step 6: Understand defensive playing techniques.
The players use defensive techniques to keep the opposing team from scoring.The mallets can be used to block an opponent's swing.When the opponent is swinging, players can only do this if they are on the same side of the field.At 30-degree angles and at the horse's shoulder, ride-offs are allowed.A ride-off is used to break an opponent's concentration by riding alongside him/her and leading the opponent away from the ball.
Step 7: Three players are on each team.
Arena polo requires three players to keep the safety of the horses and riders in mind.The players' jersey numbers should be Player 1, 2, or 3.Substitute players must be qualified to play in order for alternative players to be allowed.Arena polo requires different skills so players' handicaps rise by one.If a player's arena polo handicap is 2 goals, then he/she has a 1 goal outdoor handicap.
Step 8: Ensure that there are at least two ponies for each player.
There are fewer ponies required for arena polo.One of the ponies can be used for the current chukka and the other for a break.Ponies can be any breed or size.Ponies must be able to be controlled for the entire match, or they may be excluded.
Step 9: Understand how polo is played.
There are some differences between these rules and outdoor polo.Arena polo has four 7-minute chukkas with breaks after most of them.The end of the second chukka is followed by a break.30 seconds before the end of each chukka, a bell or signal will sound.Two umpires and a referee are part of the game officials.Umpires have the responsibility of signaling when a goal is scored.The arena should be 300 feet long by 150 feet wide and have 10 goals at each end.
Step 10: There are some differences between arena polo and outdoor polo.
Since the game is played in a smaller space, there are a few differences that arise.A goal is scored when the ball hits the boards in the goal area.A small, air-filled ball is used.The match begins with a throw-in, which is when an official rolls the ball in between the teams, who are lined up parallel to each other.The captain of the winning team chooses which goal their team will defend first after the coin toss.A goal is scored by hitting the opposing team's goal with a mallet.After each chukka, teams switch end goals.The player with the right of way has to follow the line of the ball.If the line of the ball changes, other players who may be in the way must be given time to clear the new right of way.Unless they are far enough away from the player with the right of way to avoid a collision, players are not allowed to obstruct it.After a 10-minute interval, play will resume with the usual time periods.The first team to score will win.
Step 11: Fouls and penalties can be awarded if you know what to look out for.
This system is not the same as outdoor polo.Any violation of the rules of play can lead to a foul being called by the umpire.When a foul is called, the umpire has to announce it to the players.Penalties can be awarded based on the foul committed.These include a free goal to the foul team, free hits at varying distances from the goal, removal from part or the rest of the game, disqualification, and forfeiture.When fouls are called, players are not allowed to argue with the umpire.
Step 12: For play, wear the right gear.
Polo protects players by requiring a particular uniform.There are requirements for the ponies.A helmet is a must for safety.They offer protection if you fall off the pony and get hit with a mallet or ball.There is a long-sleeved jersey with riding pants and boots.In many cases, players are not allowed to wear sharp spurs.Ponies are protected from the ball by wearing boots on all four hooves and bandages on their legs.Players are not allowed to use a bridle with blinkers.The view of the pony is blocked by blinkers.
Step 13: The rules of the game should be followed.
The rules are meant to keep play safe for both players and ponies, and there are some key rules to highlight.tack may not be touched by players or horses.His/her mallet was used with the saddle, blanket, et cetera.Polo players are thought to have less accuracy than right-handed players.Polo ponies need to be well-trained and easily controlled.If a pony gets out of its rider's control, it is a danger not only to the rider, but also to other players and officials.The mallet should be swung away from other players or officials.A foul could be caused by swinging it in close range.
Step 14: Do not use recreational drugs or alcohol before playing.
This puts a player at risk, as well as the other players and officials, for obvious reasons.
Step 15: If a player is physically impaired, they should not play.
It mainly refers to incidents that happened before or during play.Illness can be caused by broken or fractured bones or joint sockets.
Step 16: Learn to ride a horse.
It is best to have a basic understanding of how to ride if you are learning to play polo.You can take riding lessons at a polo club or a stable.Polo ponies are trained to be highly responsive to leg signals by being reined with one hand.Become familiar with the ponies that you will ride.There is a temperament for each pony.
Step 17: Ride your pony with care.
In addition to putting other players and officials at risk, dangerous riding is worthy of a foul and could cause disqualification from the match.Interfering in the right of way of another player with the potential to cause a collision can be done by riding into the hindquarters.