Polo Tip #14: Playing The Number Two Position

Position Number Two, Greatest Attributes: Effort, Horses, Finesse

Considered the Workhorse of the team, as they need to mark the opposing number three. Usually this player has to either be the best mounted or very skillful at getting the most from their horses. This is because their responsibility is to neutralize the player who often times is the most experienced player on the opponents team, the number three, literally the opposing quarterback. The number two supports the attack when on offense and works closely with their own number three player when on defense. Often times the number two player can account for the majority of the field goals as the number one player opens up opportunities for the number two to score on. You will hear a lot said about dribbling versus hitting away at goal in the game of polo. The decision is really dictated by the play situation and defensive player positioning. It is my experience that a player who can do either is a complete player. The Number Two player plays optimistically, which simply means taking more chances at trying to create opportunities. This is in contrast with the Number Four player, who would be more defensively oriented. The greatest strength of a Number Two is if they can effectively disarm the opposing Number Three’s efforts to direct the offense of the opponents. A great Number Two does this by better anticipation to the play, combined with the ability to handle the ball successfully. A Good Number Two is one who is able to shut down any offensive or defensive efforts by the opposing Number three. At the least, a Number Two should be able to control the opposing Number Three on their offensive drives.