INTRODUCTION SWING GLOSSARY By Polo Development LLC The foundation of polo is built through sound horsemanship and swing mechanics. The Swing Glossary is a tool developed to identify the core competencies of making a successful polo player through utilization of cutting edge technology, bridging the gap of science and polo. Mastery of the fundamental principles outlined in this document are essential to advancing the skill development of youth and adult players.
CONTENTS: Kinetic Chain Stabilized Pelvis Polo Seat Polo Stance Pistol Grip Ready Position Mallet Takeaway Independent Rein Hand Counter Balance Trunk Rotation Knee Thigh Rotation Ball Placement Ball Contact Apex of the Swing Wrist Position Swing Initiation Swing Plane Ball Shoulder Extention Follow Through Follow Through - Lower Leg Position Diving at the Ball Winding Up Flat Wrist
Kinetic Chain The Kinetic Chain describes the overlapping segments of human movement, connected by joints, creating a system that allows for the fluid transfer of energy and generating the power for the polo swing. Stabilized Pelvis In any sport or athletic movement, a stable pelvis is needed to fluidly transfer energy up the kinetic chain.
Polo Seat Similar to the half-seat, the upper-body is inclined slightly forward, balanced with their weight in their stirrups, with their seat bones free of the saddle. The primary contact with the horse in the polo seat is through the knees and thighs. pg 143 The Polo Seat CPI Lesson: Polo Seat by Robin Sanchez Polo Stance Similar to the two-point position, the buttocks is completely clear of the saddle, leaving the rider s legs as the only points of contact with the horse; allowing the horses back and haunches to move freely. pg 144 The Polo Stance, pg 167 Basic Hitting Position Poloskilz: CPI Lesson Polo Seat by Robin Sanchez pg 25 Posting the Canter and pg 4 Polo Position
Pistol Grip The preferred mallet grip style with a loose guiding index finger extended down the grip of the mallet toward the shaft. Poloskilz: CPI Educational Mallet Grip by Adam Snow Ready Position The rider position as he/she approaches the ball for any swing. The rider should be in the Polo Stance with the right forearm parallel to the ground, the hand holding the mallet in a pistol grip so that the mallet is straight in the air. Lower Body Postioning for Offside and Nearside by Robin Sanchez
Mallet Takeaway The path the wrist and mallet go from the ready position, to the apex of the swing, staying on a path consistent with the swing plane. Commonly known as the bow and arrow takeaway. CPI Educational First Offside Forhander by Cindy Halle Independent Rein Hand The rein hand/arm should be used independently of the right arm in order to correctly position the horse to the ball; while maintaining control of the horse. Drills Book
Counter Balance Actions and movements of the rider to balance their weight distribution during the components of a polo swing where the lower body counteracts the change in balance resulting from leaning out, over the ball with upper body during the swing. Trunk Rotation Torso, and shoulder should rotate clock-wise or counter clock-wise freely, depending on the swing, to allow for proper body placement during the swing and fluid transfer of energy along the kinetic chain. pg 18 Grab Your Toe
Knee/Thigh Rotation Rotating the hip, knee and thigh in on the opposite side of the ball during the swing will allow for the rider to anchor themselves on the saddle and maxmize rotation, elevation, and reach through counterbalancing. pg 55 Air Ball, pg 52 Hit with the Foot Mallet Ball Placement The position of the ball in reference to both the horse and the rider when the rider starts their downward swing, depending on the desired shot. Ball Placement with Each Shot by Owen Rinehart, How to Hit Square by Brandon Phillips pg 38 Ball Roll-y Drill, pg 43 Timing Drill
Ball Contact The optimal location from the ball to the horse and rider at the contact point. This allows for the maximum amount of energy to be transferred through the Kinetic Chain. Apex of the Swing The top of the mallet takeway before the rider initiates the mallet into a swing plane. At the apex of the swing the arm should be extended.
Wrist Position Positioning of the wrist at the apex of the swing so that the mallet is in the proper swing plane. Swing Initiation The right shoulder should initiate the downward motion of the mallet serving as the anchor point of the swing.
Swing Plane The path your mallet s shaft follows when you swing from apex to the end of the follow-through. Mallet Shoulder Extension The mallet should be an extention of your shoulder in a straight line down to the ball.
Follow Through The continued movement of the mallet after the ball has been struck. Poloskilz: CPI Educational Mallet Throw Drill with Adam Snow pg 54 Toss Your Mallet Follow Through - Lower Leg Position The backward movement of the foot and stirrup, providing a platform for the rider to have proper rotation during the follow through.
COMMON SWING ERRORS By Polo Development LLC Flat Wrist Diving at the Ball Tennis Takeaway Flat Wrist A common swing error where the wrist collapses leaving the mallet head perpendicular to the swing plane as opposed to parallel.
Diving at The Ball A common swing error where the rider dives or collapses their upper body toward the ball. The rider should bend into their knees maximizing the distance from their shoulder (anchor point) to the point of contact. Tennis Takeaway A common pre-swing error where the rider fails to execute the proper mallet takeaway.