By Richard Foxx, El Dorado Polo Club

Like many sports, polo has a special language. Its characteristics blend the words of ancient Pakistan and the British Empire, modify by American and Argentine slang. Under­ling that language, while not crucial to the enjoyment of the game, adds yet another dimension

  So here it goes...the 7th Chukkar’s guide to the language of polo.

Chukker
A period of play. Known as a chukka in England and in India. There are six chukkers of play in the usual game—each lasting seven minutes, thirty seconds. A horn sounds at seven minutes to warn the players. A second horn sounds thirty seconds later to end play. Last chukker ends at seven minutes with no extra time.

 Foul

An infraction of the rules. Polo play is governed by rules set forth in the “Blue Book" of the USPA

Goal
A score. It is tallied any time a ball travels en the goal posts, whether hit in by attacker ­, defender, or pony.

Handicap

Comparative rating of polo playing skills awarded by the USPA and its committees. Handicaps are expressed as goals and range from - 2 (minus two) to 10 (ten), with ten being the best. There are only five 10-goal players in United States. Most amateur players rate 2 goal or less.

Hook
One of the two the two defensive maneuvers allowed under the rules. A mallet may be used to block player’s shot at the ball, although it must be used in an approved manner. Unsafe hooking or hitting into a pony is a foul.

Knock-in
A knock in takes place when the ball goes over the back line, wide of the goal mouth. The defending  team hits the ball back into play from the back line. This gives the defending a free hit and can often change the momentum n of play.

Line of the Ball
The imaginary line created by the ball in its travel. This is the crucial concept which is the basis of play on the polo field.

Mallet
Also known as a stick, this is the tool used to hit a polo ball. The shaft of the mallet is usually made of bamboo, although graphite and fiber­glass are sometimes used. The head of the mallet is hardwood, usually ash or maple. The ball is hit with the side of the mallet head, not the end.

  Out of Bounds
When a ball is hit over the side-lines, it is out of bounds. The clock continues to run. Teams line up at that spot and the ball is thrown in. Deliberately hitting the ball out in the closing seconds of a match can be an excellent strategic play.

  Penalties:
Designated 1 to 10, penalties are awarded depending on the severity of the foul. The most comnion awarded are the 3, 4, and 5. in a penalty 5, the ball is hit by the fouled team from midfield; in a 4, from the 60 yard line; in a 3, from the 40 yard line..

  Positions
Number1-The most offensive player. This is similar to the forward position in hockey or soccer. The number I player should be an accurate hitter, but need not necessarily hit a long ball.
Number 2—Primarily an offensive player but also responsible for defense, inter­changing with the number 3 player. The num­ber 2 player is often the second highest rated player on the team.
Number 3—The quarter­back and play maker. The “3’ is usually the highest rated and most experienced player. The number 3 player must be a long accurate hitter but capable of close-in stick work and ball control. 
Number 4   THE BACK . This is a defensive position but a good back must not only be able to hit a good backshot, he must also be able to turn the play from defense to offense in a flash. The number 4 player is the last line of defense.

  Polo Ball
Approximately 3-1/2 inches in diameter an 4 ounces in weight, the ball is made of hard plastic. At one time it was made of wood of willow root.

  Referee

The third official usually stationed on foot at midfield. Sometimes known as the third man his decision is final in cases of disputes between umpires.

  Safety
When the ball rolls over the back line wide of the goal mouth as a result of being touched by a defending man, the attacking team is allowed to hit a safety from 60 yards out to a defended goal. The clock is stopped and the ball is placed on the 60 yard line approximately in line with the spot where the ball crossed the back line.

Back Shot—Hitting the ball in a direction opposite to that in which the player is traveling. Neck Shot—A ball hit under the neck of a pony. Tail Shot—Hitting a ball behind the pony.

  Sides
Off-side—The right side of the pony. Near-side—The left side of the pony.

  Third man
See ‘Referee’.

  Throw-In
The throw-in begins play at the start of the game, after each goal, and after the ball goes out of bounds. The ball is bowled in between two lines of players.

Umpire
The on-field official. Two umpires are on-field during the game and usually wear black and white, vertically striped shirts.

  U.S.PA.

The United States Polo Association. The Governing body of polo.

  Wraps

Cloth bandages used to wrap the pony’s ankles for support and protection. They are usually in color and one player will often wrap all of his ponies in the same color.