Singer Island
Beach
80°F
Polo 101
The Basics
You don’t need to be a polo pro to attend our events, but it’s nice to know what’s happening on the field.
Here’s what you need to know:
THE GAME
The game is played in an arena or field with goals on each end. The players attempt to hit the ball between the posts (no matter how high), to score one point or outside the 25 yard line for 2 points.
A polo match has four to eight periods of play known as chukkas. One chukka is seven and a half minutes long with the clock being stopped every time there is any interruption. In lower goal games there are usually four to six chukkas a game.
The breaks between each chukka are about three to five minutes long and this is when players have to change ponies. Sides are changed every time a goal is scored – which can be rather confusing for first-time polo spectators. If a player falls from their horse without injury, play will continue.
THE PLAYERS
The four polo players on each team are assigned positions, designated one through four, and the numbers are worn on team jerseys.
Number 1 is the offensive forward player. Number 4 is the back and his responsibility is defense. Numbers 2 and 3 are usually the highest rated and most experienced with number 3 often being the quarterback or field captain, and number 2 being responsible to push the play both on offense and defense at all times. Each player is expected to cover his/her man (or woman) who is the numerical opposite on the field.
Since polo is such a fluid game, players must be prepared to change positions as often as necessary to benefit team play. Afterwards, players always try to return to their original position assignments.
Note:
In polo, a handicap is required and considered a good thing. Players are rated from minus two to ten. Ten is the best. Each team’s handicap is the sum of the players’ handicaps
THE PONIES
The horses, traditionally called ponies, are well trained equine athletes. Able to stop and turn on a dime, they are considered faster than racehorses over short distances. Polo ponies are the most essential part of the game.
Polo horses are not actually ponies, but they are often referred to as such due to their small size relative to other horse breeds. The term “polo pony” is used to refer to the horses that are used to play the sport of polo, regardless of their actual size or breed.
In general, polo horses are larger and more muscular than ponies, but they are smaller than some other horse breeds such as draft horses or warmbloods. They are typically around 15-16 hands high (5-6 feet at the withers) and weigh around 1,000-1,200 pounds. They are also known for their athleticism, strength, and endurance, which are important qualities for a polo horse to have.
FOULS
A foul is basically a dangerous play, mostly stemming from crossing in front of the player with the ball. When the ball is hit, it creates an invisible line and the players must follow it as if they are driving on a make-believe road. Each time the ball changes direction, the road changes as well.
Penalty shots are awarded depending on where the foul was committed, or upon the severity of the foul. Lines on the field indicate where midfield, sixty, forty and thirty yard penalties are taken from.
If the ball is hit past the back line by a defending player, a sixty-yard shot facing the spot where the ball went across the line is awarded.
The Terms
Bump: A player is permitted to ride into another player so as to spoil his/her shot. The angle of collision must be no more than 45˚, and the faster the horse travels, the smaller the angle must be.
Goal: Scoring goals is obviously the purpose of the game. Anytime the ball crosses the line between the goal posts, it is a goal – regardless of whether a mallet or horse caused it to go through. Teams change ends of the field after every goal.
Hook: A player can interfere with another’s shot by putting his mallet in the way of the striker’s swing. However, it’s a foul to hook too high or to reach over the other player’s horse.
Knock-In: When an offensive player hits the ball over the back line, a defending player resumes the game with a free hit from their back line. No timeout allowed.
Line of the Ball: If you don’t remember anything else about polo, remember this phrase: “The ball’s path creates an imaginary line as it travels, and the player or players established in this line—behind or before the ball – have the right-of-way on the play.” Most penalties involve a violation of the line. An opposing player may NOT cross directly in front of the player hitting the ball and can NOT cross the line without first bumping or riding off his opponent to the other side of the imaginary line.
Ride-Off: Similar to the bump, the players attempt to push each other off the line of the ball to prevent a successful hit. The horses are the ones intended to do the pushing.
Shots: Players execute shots from the “off ” (right) side of the horse. With reins in the left hand and mallet in the right, the player is only holding on with his/her legs. Players stand in the stirrups when they hit the ball.
Throw-In: The umpire rolls the ball onto the field between lined-up teams to start or resume play.
The Gear
The Helmet has a hard surface and is lined, strapped and many have face guards. It protects from the ball and swinging mallets.
Polo Saddles are flatter than jumping saddles.
Knee Guards are made of padded leather and offer protection.
Polo Boots offer rider protection
Polo Wraps/Bandages support and protect the pony’s
The mallet is made of cane and is flexible. The ball is hit with the side of the head.
The Polo Bridle is used to control the horse.
Gloves afford protection and offer a better grip on the mallet and the reins.
Singer Island Beach Polo
Sat. January 17, 2026
2511 Ocean Drive
Riveria Beach, Florida 33404.
Copyright © Singer Island Beach Polo. All Rights Reserved