Polo Tip #9: Playing Position Number Four — The Back

By Tom Goodspeed

This player, similar to their opposing number one must be highly disciplined to proper positioning; carefully watching for any offensive drives being mounted and quickly moving into a position of advantage to defend the attack. Your goal is to get your leg up on your opponent and be able to control the play by getting the ball into possession of either your quarterback or your number two. Having the ability to feel comfortable with either turning the ball or backing the ball is a real asset. You will hear some players mandate to always back the ball. However, that can be foolish if you are not being pressed by the opposing number one, as your back shot is going into a field that is now four against three in the opponents favor. You may also want to hold the ball for a few moments to let your teammates get into better position before taking the back shot. Sometimes you will actually see a player further advance the ball downfield to their opponent’s advantage, simply to allow their teammates to get into better position for a passing backshot. If you are not confident with turning or handling the ball, then I think most would agree that the backshot is your play. Most players prefer their Number Four to be better skilled at angles and ball placement than they are concerned with distance. A well-placed back shot of thirty yards at an angle favoring your teammates is a very effective play, much better than a 100-yard shot to your opponents. However, having the ability to do either is again a real asset. A Number Four that is comfortable with hitting away, angles, and ball handling is a very real threat.

As the Number Four, it is important to be able to hit consistent back shots at an angle, advantaging one of your teammates. The norm of polo is for the back to execute a solid off-side tail shot or a near-side open or away. This is the standard back shot that allows the Number Three teammate the ability to take the pass from the number four on their own off-side. However, that play, is the norm and it is the play that both teams are anticipating. A great Number Four can adjust from the norm as the play dictates, and choose whatever necessary options to turn their opponents offensive attack into their own offensive attack.