Learning the proper strategy for this play is not difficult and has a high payout — it can set the tone for the chukker or even the game. Blowing through your opponents’ defense, or conversely, presenting a solid and consistent defense of your own during the knock-in can be a major psychological victory for your team, which can continue to pay dividends throughout the entire game.
Post Tagged with: "strategy"
Polo Tip #29: Belly Shots – Don’t They Do Those in Mexico?
This shot used to be called the millionaire’s shot. Because swinging into the legs of the horse would usually require getting new horses to replace the ones you lamed up.
Polo Tip #25: Playing Smart — Meeting the Play
I would advise for the most part, that players learn to turn with the direction of the flow of horses, so that you are in better position to defend the attacking players.
Polo Tip #19: The Break Away
Well, every once in a while, we all miss our man. Missing a man often times results in the development of a breakaway. Now how do we handle this opportunity that each team will be given a limited number of times in every match.
Polo Tip #17: Player Number Three
Player Number Three, Greatest Attributes: Playmaker. Field Leader.
Polo Tip #16: Hooking Mallets
Hooking is the second best alternative in the list of defensive plays. If we place our self in position properly as soon as the play turns, we should be able to get advantage on our opponent with a ride-off and have the ball on our free side to hit.
Polo Tip #14: Playing The Number Two Position
Position Number Two, Greatest Attributes: Effort, Horses, Finesse
Tommy Hitchcock’s advice to his Westchester Cup teammates in 1930
Tommy Hitchcock Jr. carried a 10-goal handicap from 1922-1940. He was one of the greatest U.S. Polo players of all time. This is his advice to his Westchester Cup teammates in 1930.
The best instructional polo book I’ve found
Hugh Dawnay’s book, Playmaker Polo, is the single best resource for the novice or intermediate player I have yet found. Dawnay is an internationally recognized polo coach and has been intimately involved with the sport for many years. In Playmaker Polo he explores basics such as striking, beginner horsemanship, muscle memory, preperation on and off the field, and playmaking as well as more advanced concepts such as team strategy and formations, set-piece positions, learning to emphasize the strengths of your team (and the weaknesses of your opponents) on-the-fly, and many more.