PICTURES

The main objective of the polo game is simple: scoring as many goals as possible.

POSITIONS
There are four players on each team which assume a specific position either offensive or defensive. The numbers on the polo jersey indicate what responsibility a player holds. Number 1 is the most forward offensive player and is tasked with scoring goals. Number 2 is also offensive, but remains in the fray and seeks to get the ball out to the Number 1 for a shot on goal.  Number 3 is generally the most powerful player on the team and must be able to pivot well between offense and defense. Number 4 is the defender responsible for marking the opponents Number 1. However, the enormous size of the playing field required for the momentum of the galloping ponies and the ball's unexpected changes of direction, means that positions constantly change.

TEAMS
A peculiar thing about polo is what while one can have favorite players there are few favorite teams. That’s because the players shift around, playing for your team one week and an opposing team the next. Actually when teams are being composed, the aim is for them to be evenly matched. This is achieved by adding up the players’ goal ratings and assigning them to teams such that the sum is the same for both teams. Thus the key element in selecting teams is not personalities but personal ratings. If the teams are not evenly matched, say one team is rated 18 and the other 17, the team with the lower rating begins the match with one of more points on the scoreboard.

THE LINE
The line is an imaginary path running the full length of the field, along which the player, who has hit the ball, is moving. An opponent crossing the line in front of the player, who has struck the ball, has committed one of the most common fouls in polo, called “crossing the line.” Clearly, this rule seeks to prevent dangerous crashes between opponents.

HOOK
A hook is a defensive maneuver hindering an opposing player’s ability to hit the ball. The defensive player reaches out to “hook” or block the swing. This is legal as long as the action is on the same side of the opponent’s horse as the ball.

BUMP
This is a defensive maneuver on the field and one of the few contact moves permitted. A player attempts to interfere with the opponents run with the ball by bumping his pony against the opponents pony, thus taking him off the line. This maneuver, which can rattle teeth and jangle nerves, is regulated by limiting the angle which it may be employed. Riding off can never be done in excess of a 45 degree angle. The faster the ponies are running, the smaller the angle.

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