By Prof. Eduardo Amaya
It is the third pillar in learning polo, following riding and hitting. By understanding the rules and theory of the game, one begins to develop this ability to read the game.
The sense of sight is key in reading the game and must be exercised.
We will take into account the following:
1) Oculomotor Reaction
We must observe, that is, focus on the game: what is happening and what is about to happen in a given play. This allows us to be ready to act. Stimuli arrive through vision, are processed in the brain, and from there, the action begins, together with the horse. This is why the best horses are those that respond quickly to our oculomotor reflexes.
2) Positioning on the Field
We either attack or defend; there is no other possibility. In either case, we must react quickly to anticipate the opponent’s moves during the play.
How do we anticipate?
By observing who has possession of the ball and what they are going to do, not what they already did—because in that case, it will be too late. By staying aware of what will happen in the play: where the pass will go, who is marked and who isn’t, both among teammates and opponents. By noticing the positioning of the player about to hit the ball: their
stance on the horse, their location on the field, and the gestures of their swing. This will make anticipation easier.
How do we act?
The most important thing is mental speed.
In plays, every second counts; we must learn to manage timing and spacing
during the game. As we approach the ball, we should already be thinking about what we will do with it and determining the best course of action (thinking ahead).
3) Some key points:
Stretch the field.
Play the ball on the first touch.
Pass the ball to the best-positioned teammate efficiently, avoiding givin it to an opponent.
Always make the best decision, such as:
Waiting for a pass in attack.
Marking by taking an opponent out of the play.
Making a positive pass, whether in attack or defense.
Striking efficiently toward the goal.
Quickly gaining control of the line of the ball.
Marking fouls.
4) Types of Passes:
Positive Pass: Precise, directed to its destination.
Negative Pass: Without a defined destination.
Often, the rush to defend a play causes us to “give away” the ball or hand it to the opponent, such as during a transition where we hit a backhander without an angle or straight, just to try to defend.
5) Measuring the Strikes
All strikes must be measured. What does this mean?
They must be precise in distance: a short, precise hit is preferable to giving the ball away. The game is not about the ball itself but about where it goes.
Distance and destination are key to a successful performance.