Once you think you've finally got the hang of things it's time to change things up...
While players often hit the back shot at the same point as the foreshot, in line with the horse's shoulder, the proper point is far later. If you've ever found your backshot hitting the ground or even burrying the ball into the turf, this tip is for you! The key? Start your stroke as the ball passes the point of the horse's shoulder and make contact with the ball at the bottom of your stroke's swing into to maximize your power and accuracy and will be easier on your arm! Your Coach, David Eldredge
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Are you one of those people who finds themselves doing so many things you’re constantly running behind? Does that follow you on to the polo field?
Are you the type of person who always waits for the time to be right and sometimes finds yourself behind the eight ball? Do you find your wrist or arm hurts a lot after you play polo? This weeks tip will help you find the key to solving those problems... on the polo field. It’s all about finding the right timing... Sincerely, Your Coach David Eldredge Do you find your shots don’t go the direction you wanted?
Is the ball going too far to the left? Do you find yourself switching from offside to near side unintentionally as you carry the ball? The first step in improving your aim is giving the ball space. We all have a tendency to ride too close, or let our horses drift too close, to the ball. Instead increase the distance between your horse and the ball and give yourself room to get around and take a proper stroke. This will allow the ball to travel straight forward. Or better yet, open to the right, and allow you to carry the ball easily down the field. Get on the field and get to work! Sincerely, Your Coach David Eldredge Do you find your neck shots never go where you aim? Are they not angled enough? Ball hitting your horse’s feet?
Don’t worry we’ve all been there. In my decades of coaching I’ve found that even confident riders struggle at first to get far enough forward to achieve a successful neck shot. First attempts at neck shots usually result in cut shots, instead of the mallet following through on the opposite side of the horse it stays on the off side and the resulting shot fails to achieve the desired 90 degree angle. Once players start try neck shots under the horses neck they are often frustrated by sending balls directly at their horse’s feet and bouncing off towards the opposing team. The key? Get out of your comfort zone. Shift forward and out of the saddle. The mallet should follow through under the throat latch of the horse. From there you’ll have plenty of room to sink the ball in goal. Get out there and try it! Sincerely, Your Coach David Eldredge |
AuthorOur Coach David Eldredge has over five decades of polo experience and National titles to prove his coaching will bring you success. He is also an honary certified polo instructor for assisting the USPA in developing the instructor program and is a USPA certified Umpire. After retiring from collegiate coaching with close to 1000 wins, Coach Eldredge helped to found Team Resolute to keep the sport of polo alive and bring young adults back on the polo field. He currently still plays professionally in the East Coast Circuit - Florida in the winter and the Northeast in the Summer. Archives |