Let the game begin

Polo is a game for tacticians and technicians, and there is no better paradise to participate in the thrill of the chase than at "Son Coll’’. The game is all about speed and precision. In polo, human and animal agility combine to form a strong team that interacts with one another in constant dynamic exchange.

Defending plays

The defending player has a variety of opportunities for their team to gain possession of the ball. They can push the opponent off the line or steal the ball from the opponent. Another common defensive play is called ‘hooking’. This means a player is taking a swing at the ball. The opponent can block the swing by using their mallet. They have to hook the mallet of the player swinging at the ball. Or another defensive play is called the ‘bump’ or ‘ride-off’, where a player rides their pony alongside an opponent's mount in order to move an opponent away from the ball or to take him out of a play. This must be done perfectly so it doesn’t endanger the ponies or the players.

Plays in polo

Strategic plays in polo are based on the ‘line of the ball’, an imaginary line created by the ball as it travels down the field. This line traces the ball's path and extends past the ball along that trajectory. The ‘line of the ball’ changes each time the ball changes direction. The player who hit the ball generally has the right of way, and other players cannot cross the line of the ball in front of that player. As players approach the ball, they ride on either side of the line of the ball giving each player access to the ball. A player can cross the line of the ball when it does not create a dangerous situation. Most fouls and penalty shots are related to players improperly crossing the line of the ball.

The Engel & Völkers Polo Cup - get information here: www.engelvoelkers.com/polocup