In simplest terms, polo is a sport where players on horseback try to knock a ball into their opponents' goal. Of course, myriad rules covering elements of the game, including the time of matches, the equipment, scoring, penalties, substitutions and the field itself, make it more complicated. And to someone new to the sports much of polo's terminology can be confusing. But once you know some of the key terms, you'll be able to follow the game more closely the next time you're out with the ponies.
Chukker
A chukker is just another word for a period of play. Each chukker is seven minutes long, and there are six chukkers in each game. A horn is supposed to sound when 30 seconds remain in each chukker. At the end of each chukker, the referee blows his whistle to mark the end of the period.
Mallet
The mallet is also known as the stick, and usually has a shaft made of bamboo and a head made of bamboo root or a hardwood such as maple. The slight hammer-shape of the mallet is similar to a longer, skinnier croquet mallet. Most polo shots are done with the side of the mallet head, not one of the ends.
Ponies
The horses used in polo, regardless of breed, age or gender, are usually referred to as ponies. They are specially trained to be able to turn quickly and handle the confusion and action of other horses, riders and the striking of the ball, all within a fairly confined area. At the end of each chukker, players change horses. The ponies usually wear bandages, or polo wraps, around their legs for support and for protection against hits from the ball, mallets or other ponies.
Throw-in or Bowl-in
Each chukker starts when the umpire bowls the ball in between the two teams ready to start the action. A similar throw is done when play resumes after a time-out or a foul. Polo games include two mounted referees, who patrol each end of the field. A third umpire remains seated near midfield most of the game, and is called upon to settle any disagreements between the other two umpires.
Backshot and Foreshot
When a player takes a backward swing with his mallet, it's called a backshot. This move could be a pass or a shot on goal. A foreshot is a forward swing of the mallet, sending the ball forward or to the side.
Neck Shot and Tail Shot
Most shots are taken on the sides of the horse, but sometimes a player must reach to the front or back to make a difficult shot or pass. A shot that is taken from under the horse's neck, from either side, is called a neck shot. Hitting the ball from behind the horse is called a tail shot.
Goal
A goal is scored when the ball passes between the goal posts and the ball passes completely over the goal line. It doesn't matter who knocks the ball across the goal line for the point to count. After each goal, the teams change sides to make sure both teams play with equal field conditions.
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