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The following lists the common terms of polo and a definition of each.
Chukka
The origins of this term, meaning the "basic period of play," are
obscure, although it is thought to have come from India. There are between
4 and 6 chukkas of play (dependant on the level of polo being played)
- each lasting 7 minutes, 30 seconds. A bell or horn sounds at 7 minutes
to warn the players. A second bell then sounds 30 seconds later to end
play. The last chukka ends at 7 minutes with no extra time.
Foul
An infraction of the rules. Most fouls govern the safe riding and the concept
of the line of the ball.
Goal
A score which is tallied any time the ball travels between the goal posts,
whether hit in by attacker, defender, or pony.
Handicap
The comparative rating of polo players awarded by the HPA. Handicaps
are expressed in goals (to describe a player's value to the team, not
the number of goals he is expected to score) and range from the beginners'
-2 to 10 goals (the best). Players' handicaps are added together to
derive a team handicap that, in turn, is used to equalize competition.
The difference in goals between two teams is awarded to the lower rated
team before play begins.
Positions
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Number 1
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The most offensive player. This is
similar to the forward position in hockey or soccer. This player
should be an accurate hitter, but need not necessarily hit a long
ball.
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Number 2
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Primarily an offensive player but also responsible for defense, interchanging
with the number 3 player. The number 2 player is often the second-highest
rated player on the team.
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Number 3
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The quarterback and play maker. The "3" is usually the highest
rated and most experienced player. This player must be able to hit a
long ball accurately but be capable of close-in stick work and ball control.
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Number 4
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The back. This is a defensive position. However, a good back must be
able to not only hit a good backshot, but to turn the play from defensive
to offensive in a flash. The number 4 player is the last line of
defense.
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Polo Ball
Approximately 3-1/2 inches in diameter and 4 ounces in weight, the ball
is made of hard plastic. At one time it was made of wood or willow
root.
Hook
One of the two defensive maneuvers (the other is the ride-off) allowed in
the rules. The mallet is used to block or interfere with another player's swing
at the ball, although it must be used in an approved manner. Unsafe hooking
or hitting into a pony is a foul.
Hit-In
A hit-in takes place when the ball goes over the back line, wide of the
goal mouth. The defending team hits the ball back into play from the
back line. This gives the defending team a free hit and can often change
the momentum of play.
Referee
The Referee, usually on foot at midfield, does not call fouls but is
the final word in the case of a dispute between the two mounted umpires.
The Referee is sometimes known as the "third man."
Line of the Ball
The imaginary line created by the ball in its sometimes capricious travels.
The line of the ball may not be crossed or infringed except in special circumstances.
This is the pivotal concept on which many fouls and infractions are based -
the interpretation of the line of the ball is usually what the umpires are
discussing after they have blown a foul whistle.
Ride-Off
Similar in concept to a body-check in hockey, a ride-off is used to break an
opposing player's concentration, move him off the line of the ball, or spoil
his shot. A ride-off is hard and dramatic, but executed properly, does not
endanger the horses.
Mallet
The instrument used to move the ball. Although fibreglass has been used in
its construction, the shaft is most often still made of bamboo. A hardwood
head is used and the ball hit with the side of the head.
Safety 60
A free hit. When the ball rolls over the back line wide of the goal mouth
as a result of being touched by a defending man, the attacking team
is allowed to hit a safety from 60 yards out to a defended goal. The
clock is stopped and the ball is placed on the 60-yard line approximately
in line with the spot where the ball crossed the back line.
Near-Side
The left side of the horse.
Off-Side
The right side of the horse. By the rules, there are no left-handed polo
players. You play with your right hand or you don't play.
Shots
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Back Shot
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Hitting the ball in a direction opposite
to that in which the player is traveling.
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Neck Shot
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A ball hit under the neck of a pony.
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Tail Shot
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Hitting a ball behind the pony.
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Number 4
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The back. This is a defensive position. However, a good back must be
able to not only hit a good backshot, but to turn the play from defensive
to offensive in a flash. The number 4 player is the last line of
defense.
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Out of Bounds
When the ball is hit over the side-lines, it is out of bounds. The clock continues
to run. Teams line up at that spot and the ball is thrown in by the umpires.
Deliberately hitting the ball out in the closing seconds of a match can be
an excellent strategic play.
Throw-in
The game is started with a throw-in, whereby the ball is literally thrown
in between the lined up teams by the umpire.
Penalties
Infractions of the rules (fouls) result in penalties being awarded by the umpires
to the offended team. The seriousness of the foul determines the degree of
the penalty. Designated from 1 through 8, penalties usually involve a shot
on goal from a predetermined spot with the clock stopped. The most common awarded
are the 2, 3, 4, and 5. In a penalty 5, the ball is hit by the fouled team
from midfield; in a 4, from the 60-yard line; in a 3, from the 40-yard line,
and in a 2, from the 30-yard line.
Umpires
These are the on-field officials. Mounted on horses, the umpires wear black
and white, vertically striped shirts to identify them. Most polo umpires are
active players. The umpires are responsible for "enforcing the rules," and "keeping
proper control over players and teams" in a sport in which tempers often
run hot.
*Terms information obtained from the Inglesham-Polo
Centre.
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