An introduction to playing positions in Polo (Part One)
Polo, which is played on horseback, is quite befuddling in its playing nature. For uninitiated people, Polo is difficult to understand without basic know how of the players’ positions and responsibilities in the game.
It is not just riding horses with a stick and every player hits the ball. However, it is as sophisticated as other field games such as hockey and soccer, where players’ positions are quite defined.
The understanding of positions and playing techniques of the game is really helpful for the viewing audience to develop their interest in the game, which is also called the ‘Game of Kings’.
Players playing on specific locations are bound to defend attacks and pass the ball to other players.
A Polo squad is comprised of a foursome, who wears jerseys and hats according to the playing position, which are defined in numbers from one to four. Uniforms are inscribed with numbers, which signify the position of the players.
Number One:
The most crucial position in Polo is that of player Number one, which is similar to a forward in football and a full forward in hockey. It deals with the defenders of the opponent’s team, players at Number four. The forward player is bound to play correctly
and leads the squad.
The forward or attacking position is the most disciplined location in Polo and it is required to crane the attack towards the opposing team and take the ball by hurriedly turning the horse left or right.
The player at Number one position should be active because Number one not only catches the ball from the rear and sides of the horse but also dodges defenders and hits it towards the goal.
In addition to scoring goals, the Number one also blocks the defence of the other team and provides chances to other teammates for scoring goals. The credit goes to the scorer, but the attacker makes the goal possible.
Number One also handles the defending player of the opposing side technically without allowing a counter attack. The experts of this game particularly the coaches agree that the Number one position is the most difficult position in the game of Polo.
Number One should have the skill to hit the ball into goal from various angels and the ability to play fast and slow balls according to the situation. It is the Number one player, who really makes the game and can change the situation of the game.
Number Two
The Number two is also a player of mainly attacking nature, who lends support to the Number One player. A Number two needs to be active and manoeuvrable. Similar to Number One, this location is also not bound or fixed in one place but is constantly moving.
Among the top two performers, Number two usually follows Number one.
Number two is mainly responsible for giving passes to Number one, attacking the opposite side and scoring goals. From a defensive point of view, this player covers the opponents’ Number three, the best performer of the opponent’s foursome. Players in the
Number two position should have the skill and expertise to control the horse.
The Number two works closely with the Number one on the field. Mostly, the Number two scores more goals than other player on the team as Number one give chances to number two for scoring goals.
The term ‘trickling versus hitting’ is associated with the Number two player of Polo as it has to perform in both attack and defence positions at the same time. The number two, who plays at two positions simultaneously, is usually the strongest player on
the side. The Number two links with Number three and four of the opponent’s team, who are the most attacking and defensive players of the game.
To be continued in Part 2...
Tags: