The name “Polo” is probably most commonly known today due to the clothing brand by Ralph Lauren. After looking deeper into the sport and it’s origins, I’ve found some very interesting facts. The exact birth date of Polo is unknown, but the first ever recorded public match dates all the back to 600 BC. Polo is played on a field with goals on opposite sides (similar to most american sports). Polo players ride horses and use a “mallet” to smack a ball down the field. Known as the first ever team sport, a match between the Turkomans and Persians started the game and spread it across the eastern world. It wasn’t till the 19th century when the first set of written rules were established (sportpolo).
The rules of Polo in the most basic form are explained with the term “line of the ball.” This term relates to the player who has struck the ball with his mallet last. The mallet has to be in the right hand of the player (left hand players are seen to be less accurate) and no one can cross the line of the ball unless the player who has established that line breaks it. Opposing players can bump the player off the line of the ball as long as the angle of attack is less than 45 degrees. Players can also steal the ball or “hook” another players mallet. There were five players allowed on each team (10 players and 10 horses total) when Captain John Watson wrote the first rules back in 1874 (sportpolo). Now, only four players are allowed on each team according to the United States Polo Association outdoor rules (USPA). The overall idea behind the rules of Polo are to keep the players and their horses safe.
Today, Polo is played professionally in 16 countries and played as an active sport in 77 countries around the world. A match usually lasts around two hours and is separated into periods called “chukkers” (wikipedia). The players and “ponies” both wear equipment to keep them safe from injury throughout the match. In the United States there are two types of Polo played (Arena Polo and Outdoor Polo). Only three players are required to play on each team during Arena Polo (one less than Outdoor Polo). Polo is a competitive sport that requires a very high skill set. Polo players combine riding a wild animal with a ball sport. Personally, I find that to be astonishing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polo
Very interesting sport choice. I think it is great that you chose this sport because not a lot of people are familiar with it. Nice synopsis of the game/rules of the sport.
ReplyDeleteNeira Ortiz-Ruiz
I'm so glad somebody decided to do polo. Every one knows the famous Ralph Lauren brand but no one knows the origins of the sport. It's interesting to note how left handed players were seen as less accurate than others, but does this still hold in present polo?
ReplyDeleteAustin Cannell
I actually know nothing about polo, but it is something that has been around for quite some time! I did not know that the horses were protected as well as the rider and I find it interesting it is only a professional sport in 16 countries. It seems like it was be professional sport in more countries since it is such a classic sport.
ReplyDelete-Wesley Morton
Fascinating! - Prof Withycombe
ReplyDelete