Polo Tip #20: Field Awareness

“Field Awareness”, next to horsemanship, is probably the most important factor when it comes to your own safety as well as the ability to make better play decisions. “Field Awareness” is knowing the positioning of all the players and umpires on the field of play, along with the current line of the ball and associated right of-way to the line. The line of the ball and the associated right of way probably always have three dimensions: The current line of the ball, the previous line of the ball, and the next line of the ball. This may seem somewhat complicated and it probably is. However, remembering where the play came from, where it is now, and where it may be going is what experienced players are considering as they move around the field. The player positions and the line of the ball are always in a state of change, and it is to your advantage to be aware of the developing play when plotting your new course.

It is sound policy to never change speed or direction without full “Field Awareness” of all of the players and umpires on the field. Keeping track of all traffic will allow you both the ability to make better play decisions and to avoid any possibility of field collisions.

A word that might be confused with field awareness would be focus. If your focus is on field awareness, than you are seeing the complete picture. However, if your focus is entirely on your horse, a shot, or a single opponent, than you can quickly lose field awareness. It is certainly important to focus on riding, your hitting, and making a play against your opponent, but not at the expense of “Field Awareness”. “Field Awareness” is your passport to improved play and safer travel. Happy Polo!!