Polo Game Rules
Polo is known as the sport of kings and has been played by many royal families in the past.
Contents
Polo is an exciting, dynamic and rewarding sport suitable for people of all ages. If you want to try a new sport, you should definitely try polo!
What is Polo?
Polo is a two-team equestrian sport played on horseback . Each team consists of four players and the aim is to score points by putting the ball into the opponent’s goal. Polo is one of the oldest team sports in the world , dating back to the 6th century BC .
How to play polo:
- The game is played on a polo field .
- The course is 100 to 300 meters long and 50 to 160 meters wide.
- Both teams have their own goals .
- Players hit the ball using special polo sticks while mounted on their horses .
- Putting the ball into the opposing team’s goal scores a point.
- The game consists of two or four halves and the team with the most points wins the game.
Polo rules:
- Players can only hit the ball with their sticks .
- It is forbidden to spur horses .
- Players cannot intentionally hit their opponents.
- Referees ensure that the rules are followed and protect the safety of the players.
Benefits of Polo:
- Polo is a sport that requires strength, endurance, coordination and dexterity .
- It helps improve horse riding skills.
- It requires strategic thinking and teamwork.
- It is an exciting and enjoyable sport.
If you are interested in Polo:
- You can join a local polo club.
- You can use online resources to learn about polo.
- You can take a polo lesson.
- You can buy polo equipment.
Historical Polo
Polo is an exciting team sport with a long history played on horses. Polo, also known as the “Kings of Sports”, is more than just a game, it is a tradition that instills discipline, strategy and teamwork.
Origins:
Polo has its origins in ancient Persia, dating back to the 6th century BC. This game, called “chagan” at that time, was a sport played by horse warriors to improve their skills and have fun. Over time, Polo spread to the Middle East and Asia and began to be known by different names.
Entry to Europe:
- In the 19th century, polo was brought to India by British colonialists. Polo, which became popular among the aristocracy here, also reached England in the 1860s. Polo quickly became popular among Britain’s elite and gained a reputation as the “Sport of Kings”.
Modern Polo:
- By the beginning of the century, polo had become an international sport. Polo took part as a demonstration sport at the Olympic Games held in Paris in 1900. In 1908, the first official polo world championship was held.
Polo today:
Today, polo is played in many countries around the world. The countries where it is most popular include Argentina, England, the United States and Australia. Although polo is considered an elite sport, it can be played by people of all ages and income levels.
Features of Polo:
- Team Game: Polo is played in two teams of 4 people each.
- Horses: Specially trained polo horses are used in polo.
- Ball: In polo, a ball made of hard plastic is used.
- Field Dimensions: The polo field is 270 meters long and 150 meters wide.
- Goal: The aim of polo is to put the ball into the opposing team’s goal.
- Rules: Polo has many rules to ensure the fluidity of the game.
How to Play Polo?
Polo is a fast and exciting sport played on horseback, where two teams try to score points by putting the ball into the opponent’s goal . It is known as a noble sport and hitting the ball with the stick while the horse is galloping requires a lot of skill and coordination.
Play ground:
- Polo is played on a grass field that is 274.3 meters long and 146 meters wide .
- The field is divided into two goals .
Players:
- Each team has four players :
- Striker: Players who try to score goals.
- Midfield: Players who try to establish play and pass the ball to the forwards.
- Defender: Players who try to prevent opposing forwards from scoring goals.
- Goalkeeper: The player responsible for protecting his goal.
Game rules:
- The game is divided into eight-minute chukkas . Four chukkers are usually played.
- Players try to put the ball into the opponent team’s goal with the stick in their hands.
- Each goal is worth one point .
- Fouls are punished by shots and free kicks.
- The team with the most points wins the game.
Materials Required to Play Polo:
- Polo horse: A horse specially trained and suitable for polo.
- Polo stick: A long and sturdy stick.
- Polo ball: A hard ball made of plastic or wood.
- Polo helmet: Helmet to protect the head.
- Polo boots: Long boots that protect the knees.
- Other protective equipment: Goggles, gloves and knee pads.
Benefits of Polo:
- It is an exciting and enjoyable sport.
- It exercises and conditions the whole body.
- Improves horse riding skills.
- Improves hand-eye coordination and reflexes.
- It encourages teamwork and strategic thinking.
Trying Polo:
If you want to try polo, you can join a polo club or association. Many clubs offer lessons and programs for beginners .
How Many People Can Play Polo?
Polo is a two-team equestrian sport. There are eight players in total, four on each team .
Players try to get a ball into the opposing team’s goal by riding their horses . The match consists of four quarters , each quarter lasting seven minutes . The team that scores the most goals wins the game.
Polo players each have a different role:
- Player No. 1: He is an attacking player and is responsible for scoring goals.
- Player Number 2: He is the playmaker and directs the game.
- Player Number 3: He is the defensive midfielder and tries to stop the opposing team’s attacks.
- Player No. 4: He is the defensive full-back and is responsible for protecting his own goal.
Polo is a challenging and exciting sport. Horse riding skills require dexterity, strategy and teamwork. Polo is a popular sport in many parts of the world and a professional league also exists.
If you are interested in polo, you can join a polo club near you. Polo is a great way to learn a new skill, exercise and meet new people .
To learn more about Polo, you can check out the resources below:
- International Polo Federation (FIP): https://fippolo.com/
How to Score Polo?
Polo is one of the most exciting and prestigious equestrian sports. In this sport played in many parts of the world, two teams try to score a goal by hitting the ball on horseback into the opponent’s goal.
To score in Polo:
- It is necessary to put the ball into the opponent’s goal.
- The ball must completely cross the goal line and be between the goal posts.
- If the ball bounces in the air or from inside the goal, there is no point.
- If a team’s horse is fouled by the opponent’s horse while it is moving towards the goal, a penalty kick is awarded to the goal of the fouling team.
- In a penalty kick, the ball is thrown 40 meters behind the goal line.
- If a team’s horse is fouled by the opponent’s horse while it is moving towards the goal, a penalty kick is awarded to the goal of the fouling team.
- In a penalty kick, the ball is thrown 40 meters behind the goal line.
- If a team’s horse scores an own goal, a point is awarded to the opposing team.
The value of numbers in Polo:
- Each goal is worth 1 point.
- The team with the most points at the end of the match wins the match.
Additional scoring rules in Polo:
- If a team’s horse is fouled by the opponent’s horse while it is moving towards the goal, a penalty kick is awarded to the goal of the fouling team.
- In a penalty kick, the ball is thrown 40 meters behind the goal line.
- If a team’s horse scores an own goal, a point is awarded to the opposing team.
Polo Basic Rules
Polo is a sport played on horseback between two teams, with the goal of getting the ball into the opposing team’s goal. It is a fast and exciting sport and requires horse riding skills, strategy and teamwork.
Basic Rules:
- Players: Each team has 4 players: forward, number 1, number 2 and full-back.
- Playing Field: Polo is played on a grass field that is 270 meters long and 150 meters wide. The field is divided in two by the center line, which is 73 meters from both goals.
- Ball: The polo ball is made of hard plastic and is about 10 cm in diameter.
- Clubs: Polo clubs are made of bamboo or synthetic material and are approximately 120 cm long. It has a ball hitting device at its ends.
- Purpose of the Game: Your aim is to score a goal by putting the ball into the opponent’s goal. A goal is scored when the ball passes through the vertical bars of the goal, 1.1 meters above the ground.
- Playing Time: A polo match consists of four 7-minute periods called chukkas. There are 3-minute breaks between periods.
- Movements: You can use your stick to control the ball. You can use your stick to hit the ball, pass it and block your opponents. You can use your reins and legs to control your horse.
- Fouls: Some actions, such as interfering with your opponents, handling the ball, or making a prohibited shot, are considered fouls. A penalty kick may be awarded to the opposing team as a penalty for the fouling team.
- Winner: The team that scores the most goals wins the match. In case of a tie, extra periods may be played.
Interesting Facts About Polo:
- Polo is one of the oldest team sports in the world and has been played since the 6th century.
- Polo originated as a royal sport in Iran.
- Today, polo is a popular sport all over the world, and national and international tournaments are held in many different countries.
- Polo is an expensive sport. Horses, equipment and tournament entry fees can be quite high.
Polo Equipment
Since polo is a sport played on horseback , special equipment is required for both horses and riders.
Horse Equipment:
- Saddle: A specially designed saddle for polo is required. The saddle should allow the rider to be comfortable and control the horse.
- Bridle: Bridle is necessary to control the horse.
- Polo Boots: Polo boots are used to protect the horse’s legs.
- Polo Mallet: It is a special polo stick used to hit the ball.
- Polo Helmet: A helmet is required to protect the rider’s head.
- Polo Girth: Used to fix the saddle on the horse’s back.
- Polo Stirrups: Stirrups are used to keep the rider’s feet off the ground.
Rider Equipment:
- Polo Helmet: A helmet is required to protect the rider’s head.
- Polo Shirt: A comfortable and breathable polo shirt is worn.
- Polo Breeches: Long and tight polo pants are worn.
- Polo Boots: Long and sturdy polo boots are worn.
- Polo Gloves: Gloves are worn to protect the hands.
- Polo Sunglasses: Sunglasses are worn to protect from the sun.
- Polo Whip: A whip is used to direct the horse.
Other Equipment:
- Polo Ball: A ball specially designed for polo is used.
- Polo Field: A special field where the game is played is required.
- Polo Goal Posts: Goals into which the ball is put are required to score points.
- Polo Umpires: Referees are required to ensure that the rules of the game are followed.
When purchasing polo equipment:
- Make sure the equipment is of good quality and safe.
- You can consult an expert before purchasing equipment.
Polo Field Features
Polo is a team sport played on horses and has a long history. Polo, also known as the “Kings of Sports”, is more than just a game, it is a tradition that instills discipline, strategy and teamwork. The polo field must have some basic features to fully enjoy this exciting sport.
Field Dimensions:
- Standard: The polo field is 270 meters long and 150 meters wide. These dimensions are approximately 3 times larger than a FIFA football field.
- Goals: The goals are located at both ends of the field and are 7.32 meters wide. The poles of the castles are 3.05 meters high.
- Lines: The field is divided by various lines to ensure the fluidity of the game.
- Goal line: The line behind the goals.
- 25 meter line: This is the line located 25 meters away from the goal line.
- 65 meter line: This is the line located 65 meters away from the goal line.
- Center line: It is the line that divides the field into two.
Ground:
- Material: Polo field must be made of grass. The grass should provide a soft surface that prevents horses from slipping and the ball from bouncing.
- Maintenance: The pitch should be maintained regularly to maintain the fluidity of play. The grass must be mowed and watered.
- Obstacles: The course must be free of obstacles to ensure the safety of horses and riders.
Environment:
- Fences: The field must be surrounded by strong fences. Fences prevent horses from straying and help protect spectators.
- Tribunes: There are tribunes for spectators to watch the competitions.
- Locker Rooms: There are locker rooms for riders to prepare for the competition and take a shower afterwards.
Additional Features:
- Referee Table: It is a table where the referees who manage the competition are located and where the necessary equipment is available.
- Time Table: A spreadsheet that shows the duration of the competition and the remaining time.
- Horse Warm-Up Area: There is an area for horses to warm up before starting the competition.
- Horse Care Area: There is an area for post-competition care of horses.
Not:
- Field dimensions and features may vary for different organizations and competitions.
- For more detailed information, it is recommended to check the official websites of the relevant federations.
Polo Terms
Polo is a fast and exciting sport played on horseback, where two teams try to score points by putting the ball into the opponent’s goal. It is known as a noble sport and hitting the ball with the stick while the horse is galloping requires a lot of skill and coordination.
Key Terms:
- Polo: A team sport played on horseback.
- Polo Horse: A horse specially trained and suitable for polo.
- Polo Stick: A long and sturdy stick.
- Polo Ball: A hard ball made of plastic or wood.
- Polo Helmet: Helmet to protect the head.
- Polo Boots: Long boots that protect the knees.
- Polo Field: The grass field where the game of polo is played.
- Polo Goals: Goal posts located at both ends of the polo field.
- Polo Chukker: An eight-minute game segment.
- Polo Goal: The point earned by putting the ball into the opposing team’s goal.
- Polo Referee: A person who manages the game of polo and enforces the rules.
- Polo Coach: A person who trains and guides polo athletes.
- Polo Federation: National or international organization that governs the sport of polo.
Game Terms:
- Drive: Hitting the ball with a stick and sending it to the opponent’s field.
- Neck Shot: The technique of using the horse’s neck when hitting the ball with a stick.
- Underhand Stroke: A technique of controlling the ball by hitting it from the underside with the stick.
- Offside: A situation where a player is behind the ball and close to the opponent’s goal.
- Right of Way: The player controlling the ball has priority.
- Foul: Playing against the rules.
- Penalty Shot: A free kick awarded after a foul.
- Chukker Break: The break given at the end of the Chukker to rest the horses.
Other Terms:
- Polo Equipment: All the equipment needed to play polo, such as polo horses, sticks, balls, helmets, boots and other protective equipment.
- Polo Competition: Competitions in which polo athletes participate.
- Polo Champion: The team that collects the highest points in the polo competition.
- Polo Tradition: Practices and beliefs related to the history and culture of the sport of polo.
- Polo Spirit: The spirit of sportsmanship, fair-play and discipline that constitute the basic principles of polo sport.
Learning polo terms will help you better understand and enjoy this sport. To learn more about polo, you can visit the Turkish Polo Federation website, watch polo-related videos and read books and articles about polo.
Polo Benefits
Polo is a challenging and exciting sport that requires horse riding skills, strategy and teamwork . Not only does it keep your body and mind active , it also helps you learn new skills and meet new people .
Some important benefits of polo sport are:
Physical Benefits:
- Exercises the Whole Body: Polo is a sport that exercises the whole body. Horseback riding exercises your muscles, joints and balance .
- Improves Cardiovascular Health: Polo is a high-tempo and intense sport. Therefore, it helps strengthen the cardiovascular system and improve cardiovascular health.
- Strength and Stamina Increase: Polo requires strength and stamina to control the horse and hit the ball. Playing polo regularly can help increase your muscle strength and endurance.
- Increases Flexibility and Coordination: Polo is a sport that involves complex movements and techniques. Therefore, it helps improve flexibility and coordination.
- Increases Fat Burning: Polo is a very effective sport in burning calories. Playing polo regularly can help control weight and reduce the risk of obesity.
Mental and Emotional Benefits:
- Stress Reduction: Polo may help reduce stress and anxiety. Exercising releases endorphins, which improves mood.
- Focus and Attention: Polo requires concentration on the game and making quick decisions. Therefore, it helps improve focus and attention.
- Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem: Polo teaches how to overcome challenges and achieve goals. Therefore, it helps increase self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Socializing: Polo is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
- Fun: Polo is a very fun sport to play.
Polo is an activity suitable for people of all ages. It is especially useful for children and young people . Playing polo helps them develop physically and mentally and grow in a healthy way.
If you are interested in polo, you can join a polo club near you. Polo is a great way to learn new skills, exercise and meet new people .
Polo Game Rules
Polo is one of the most exciting and prestigious equestrian sports. In this sport played in many parts of the world, two teams try to score a goal by hitting the ball on horseback into the opponent’s goal. The game progresses very fast and paced and requires horse riding skills, teamwork and strategy.
Play ground:
- Polo is played on a grass field that is 270 meters long and 160 meters wide.
- The field is divided in half by a goal line.
- There are goal posts in the middle of both goal lines.
- The castles are 8 meters wide.
Players:
- Polo match is played by two teams of four people.
- Each team has four players: number one, number two, number three and number four.
- The number one player is the striker and is responsible for scoring goals.
- The second numbered player is a midfielder and plays both attack and defense.
- The player number three is the defender and is responsible for stopping the opponent’s striker.
- The player number four is a substitute player and can come into the game if necessary.
The purpose of the game:
- The aim of the game is to put the ball into the opponent’s goal and win the match by scoring more points.
Basic Rules:
- Ball: The ball used in polo is made of plastic or leather and has a diameter of 10 cm.
- Sticks: The sticks used in polo are made of bamboo or synthetic material and are 120 cm long.
- Horses: The horses used in polo are specially trained and strong and agile horses suitable for this sport.
- Start of the Game: The game starts with a ball thrown by the referee.
- Flow of the Game: After the ball is in play, both teams try to score a goal by hitting the ball into the opponent’s goal.
- Carrying the Ball: It is possible to carry the ball only with sticks.
- Fouls: Some actions, such as hitting opposing players, touching the ball with your hand, or holding the horse’s reins, are considered fouls.
- Penalty for Fouls: A free kick or penalty kick may be awarded against the fouling team.
- Free Kick: In a free kick, the ball is taken from the place where the foul occurred.
- Penalty Kick: In a penalty kick, the ball is taken from 40 meters behind the goal line.
- End of Game: The match ends after four chukkas (periods). Each chukka is 7 minutes.
- Winner: The team with the most points at the end of the match wins the match.
Additional Rules in Polo:
- If a team’s horse scores an own goal, a point is awarded to the opposing team.
- If a team’s horse is injured or leaves the game, a player of that team must also leave the game.
- If all of a team’s knights are out of play, the opposing team wins the match.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is the best polo player in the world?
It is difficult to single out the best polo player in the world. There are many talented players who stand out in different positions and in different tournaments.
However, some of the most successful polo players in recent years include:
Facundo Pieres: Argentine forward Facundo Pieres is the captain of the La Dolfina team that won the Argentine Open Cup in 2012, 2013 and 2015.Adolfo Cambiaso: Argentine number 1 Adolfo Cambiaso is one of the most decorated players in polo history. He has won many prestigious tournaments, including more than 10 Argentine Open Cup victories.
Tommy Beresford: English striker Tommy Beresford is the captain of Sönmez Kutluk, which won the King’s Cup in 2017 and 2018.
Pelayo Aguirre: Spanish striker Pelayo Aguirre is the captain of Equipo La Rioja, which won the European Championship in 2021 and 2022. -
How fast do polo horses run?
Polo horses can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour over short distances. This makes them one of the fastest horses in the world.
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What was the most expensive polo match in the world?
A charity match held in England in 2018 sold for a record price of £15 million. In the match, two royal teams, including Prince William and Prince Harry, faced each other.