Ok, so I have a few practices under my belt now. I invested in a real polo helmet so my fiance couldn't make fun of me anymore, and I learned how to hook! What now?
" Playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake”- Sylvester Stallone
Walking the Walk.
Now that I am getting more consistent in hitting the ball and am learning how to not get completely in the way and creamed by the ball when receiving passes I am moving on to learning how to check up to other players. And how to "mark a man" and try to turn the play......legally. So far the hook is my favorite form of defense. But one thing I have to remind myself is to really go all in on it or its just not effective. Timing, placement, and putting your mallet where your mark is are all more easily said then done.
“A polo handicap is a passport to the world.”
Even though I have only been playing for barely even two months I have been overwhelmed with the community that polo has that is entirely unique to the other disciplines I have been a part of. Everyone I meet that plays immediately shares stories about their highs and lows, learning to play, and of their travels with the sport! Winston Churchill wasn't kidding about a polo handicap.... (I am a solid -2 at this point, but an enthusiastic one!)
From the Horses Mouth.
As a bonafide beginner I can genuinely say here are some tips and tricks that have helped me navigate practices, make contact with the ball, and most of all ENJOY my time on the field!
First: of all, (and for me one of the hardest) use your horse to get you to the ball. The first couple of practices I would breeze by the ball because I was too far away or just plain run it over. Use your horse to get you to a clean line to the ball and then settle so you have a good platform to hit off of. (hunter/jumper ladies- this one is SO hard to learn because you feel like you're being too rough when in fact you are just being clear on what you want and if you're on a good polo pony they will respond quick and you can go back to being gentle)
Second: don't be afraid to get some speed. When I first started I would slow way down to hit the ball and it would only go a couple of feet so I would have to wind up and try to hit it again (at a snails pace). But the more momentum you have when you strike the ball the farther it will go, thats why you hit off of a horse at speed ( this was a lightbulb moment for me, le DUH) the horse gives you added boost and you don't have to hit the ball hard, just get the, mechanics right and let the horse give you boost!
Third: If you don't know where to be, stick to marking a man. Chances are that person will be better than you and will know where to be so you will end up in the right spot! I have been lucky enough to play with more or less the same group of people for practices and one of the most helpful things I get told is to mark up to someone on the opposition and guard them. It has really helped me get a rhythm for the game especially as things start to speed up and to not feel completely lost out on the green!
If you're reading this and have ever had even the slightest urge to learn to play I cannot say enough great things about the sport, about the people, and about the horses. So get out there and find a club!!!
Comentarios