History of Polo

Polo is believed to be the oldest game in the world, originating in Asia more than 2,000 years ago as a valuable way to train and condition cavalry. Before written history, polo was valuable for training cavalry and already spanned a vast area from Constantinople to Baghdad, from Persia to China and Japan. Known in the East as the “Game of Kings,” the modern sport of polo had its beginnings in the 1860s in Punjab, India, when British officers took up the game of polo that they had seen played by local horsemen. The game was introduced in England in 1869 and in America by 1876. The United States Polo Association was established in 1890 to coordinate games, standardize rules and establish handicaps.

Polo is now played around the world in over 75 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. In 1998, the Federation of International Polo was established.

The Rules of Polo

Most of the rules in polo center around the concept of the “line of the ball”, the imaginary line created by the path of the ball. This line corresponds to the center-line of the road, with lanes on either side for opposing players. A player may not cross this line without first riding off or bumping the opponent to the other side. The “line” exists to allow a horse and rider to gallop at high speeds after the ball without meeting another moving player head on or running into another crossing his or her path.

The “hook” is an effective defensive maneuver, yet it may not be executed higher than the height of a horse or across the back of the opponent’s horse. Players may not approach for a bump at a severe angle.

Two mounted umpires patrol the game as close to the action as possible, penalizing players for moves that create dangerous situations for horse or player. A third official (thirdman) watches from the sidelines to make the call if the two umpires are in disagreement.

The Players’ Positions

Position One

The Number One position requires a plyer with the accuracy and confidence to score. This is the #1’s offensive job. This player must have fast, steady horses in order to beat the opposing Number Four to the ball and stroke it into the goal.

Position Two

This player is often called the “sparkplug” of the team. As an attacker the #2 player is the most aggressive offensive player on the team. The #2 player marks the opposing #3 player and keeps this player from turning the ball.

Position Three

The quarterback of the team and usually the most versatile player, this offensive and defensive player must act quickly and always think a play ahead. As a play maker, his responsibilites are to turn the opponent’s attack around and direct his team’s offensive drive with strategic, well-placed passes.

Position Four

As back, this position requires a deliberate approach, yet leaves no margin for error. Player #4 must keep themselves between the goal and the attacking #1.