Ok..they are about to back it…do I pull up and turn for the shot…or keep the pressure on??
Very common dilemma. The answer lies in the positioning of all the remaining players. If all opponents are well covered by your teammates, you want to pressure the player backing the ball so they don’t have the time to turn back up field.
However, if you push too aggressively, they may pull up and take the ball, while you overshoot the mark. If you see them checking or slowing, you need to come into them more cautiously so you are able to turn with them if they try anything tricky.
If they are just running to the ball or you know it is a player with weaker ball skills, you can pretty much count on an attempted back shot. If you can come up on your own side and get there in time, you may be able to block the shot with your mallet.
If they have already started their swing, then you are not allowed to ride into their shot. You must stay on your own side.
If they are much closer to the ball and do not attempt to turn it, be careful that you don’t get plastered with plastic. Be ready to protect yourself as best as possible. Turn your face away and try to protect your vulnerable parts, joints, and hands.
Most players are usually going to back the ball from right to left when looking at them from behind. A tail shot from the off-side or a near-side open. It is the exception for the shot to go the opposite way…but it does happen. And if they are on their offensive end, that back shot may be directed at goal. In lower levels of play, as we struggle to learn to hit angle, who knows where the shot may go.
Being just a stride or so behind a powerful hitter is not a good place to be as it is in that zone where the ball is climbing and picking up speed. Try to stay out of this zone. It is far safer to be alongside or further back.
Some players will actually turn their horse’s broadside to the play in hopes of intercepting the shot or blocking it with their horse. You can only do this away from their swing and you need to be aware of the field traffic. Turning in front of additional players running to the play could be detrimental to your health.
If the opponents are not well covered behind you, you may want to turn to the back shot to try to position yourself to be able to go onto the new line and mark any opponents that may be unmarked and waiting for a pass.
Sometimes you will be caught in-between two opponents who will be looking to see if you commit one way or another and then for their best option. You pull up, they turn it…you push it, they pass to the open man. This is the old “in-between a rock and a hard place”. The best option is to try to stay between, so that you have the option to go whichever play selection they go with.
If you were anticipating correctly in the first place, you probably should already be with that player and not lagging behind. However, polo has a multitude of variables that determine how the plays develop. A coach can chalkboard the proper movement to death…as I may have done in my strategy videos.
But out on the field..it is all horsemanship, horses, and experience that move players around faster than their counterparts.
So when you find yourself out of position, try to take a look at the entire field and the layout of the players. Then it may be easier to decide your best path. When in doubt, get with an opponent and try to ride with them. Hopefully there will be experienced players with you that can help you. If you are unable to stay with an opponent that you have been assigned to…communicate that with your teammates.
Happy Polo!!