Polo players ride fast, highly trained horses called polo ponies. Players use long-handled mallets to knock a small ball through their opponents' goal posts. After each successful goal, the teams switch sides. Typically, a polo team consists of four members, each with a specific role to play. Learning to play polo well takes a long time. Training under the supervision of a good coach will help you quickly increase your skill level.
Develop Your Riding Skills
Polo requires quick maneuvers while riding at high speeds, so beginner players need professional horse-riding instruction. To find an instructor, contact a local polo league, which likely will have contact information for recommended professionals in your area. Once you have the basics of good riding, practice stopping short and changing direction. The greater your maneuverability, the more difficult you make it for your opponents to control your movements on the field.
Know the Rules
Learn the basic rules of the polo league you intend to play in. Each polo league has specific rules and regulations that umpires use to govern game play. Many of the rules are safety measures to protect the players and horses, so they are important to learn. Also, adhering to the rules will mean fewer penalties for your team. Because some penalties give your opponents a free shot at your goal, playing by the rules is an important strategy for winning the game.
Learn Your Position
Team-based strategies will succeed only if all members perform their roles well. Learn to play a specific role on your team. Each player on a polo team is responsible for monitoring an opponent. For example, if you play a defensive position, you must monitor an offensive player on the opponent's team. During team practices, pay close attention to other members of your team and focus on supporting them. During a match, stick close to your matched opponent and try to limit her effectiveness.
Use Fresh Horses
Change your polo pony often. Due to the strenuous activity of the game, polo ponies tire, so a player must have a string of replacement horses ready to go. How often you will need to change your polo pony depends on the level of physical activity and the length of each game period, called a chukker. The number of chukkers in a game depends on the league. Six chukkers, each seven-minutes long, is typical. Horse substitutions generally occur between chukkers.
Use the Correct Equipment
If your equipment fails mid-match, your opponents will have an advantage. Choose a mallet with a grip that matches your hand size. Wear a helmet at all times to prevent head injuries. Choose a saddle and stirrups that provide you with maximum flexibility and stability. For beginners, finding the best equipment might be difficult. Ask your local polo league for specific recommendations for equipment and suppliers.
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