In the Rulebook
Where “Hook” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
HPA — Hurlingham Polo Association
“2 3 Fig v Blue 2 has precedence as he is travelling in the same direction as the ball and Red 3 is not on the exact line. Red 3 may attempt to hook Blue 2's stick provided he does not cross or impede Blue 2 in any way. 2 3 Fig vi Blue 3 and Red 2 have precedence as they are travelling in the same direction as the ball and Red 4 is not on the exact line. When no player is on the exact LOB and two or more players ride in the same general direction, whether following or meeting, the player riding at the lesser angle to the LOB has precedence. If the players are at equal angles, the player that has the LOB on his off side has precedence (Rule 28d). 3 2”
“A player may hook legitimately the stick of an opponent at the same time as the opponent is being ridden off by a team mate. h. Dangerous Play. A player who is holding the ball should be penalised if he is judged to have created the danger by then playing a full shot into a player or pony who has positioned himself legitimately. i. Unsportsmanlike Conduct.”
“The right hand only is to be used to hold the stick to hit the ball or hook another player's stick. d. Leaving the Field. A player may not leave the field of play during the course of a chukka without the permission of the umpires except to change a pony or a stick or for a legitimate run off. e. Drink and Drugs. No player may play in any match, practice game or chukka under the influence of alcohol or any illegal stimulant or drug. f. Substitution.”
USPA — United States Polo Association
“Blue #2 carries the ball and Red #3 rides with him attempting a nearside hook. Blue #1 meets the play with the LOB on his right. Foul Blue #1. Even though Red #3 was on the nearside, he was engaged with Blue #2 and the two players on the LOB have the ROW. Blue #2 is following the ball. Red #3 is riding hard to catch up and try for a hook. Blue #1 is meeting the ball. Foul Red if Red does not reach and engage Blue #2 before Blue #1 enters the play.”
“However, it is not necessarily a foul for a player to hook or strike an opponent's mallet while the opponent is being ridden off by a teammate of the player hooking or striking. g. Riding at an opponent in such a manner as to intimidate and cause the opponent to pull out or miss the stroke although no entry or cross of the Right of Way actually occurs. h. Deliberately riding one's mount into the stroke of another player.”
“No player may hook or strike an opponent's mallet unless on the same side of the opponent's mount as the ball, or in a direct line behind, and only if his or her mallet is neither over, under, nor across any part of the opponent's mount. The mallet may not be hooked or struck unless the opponent is in the act of hitting at the ball, or in the act of hooking or striking the player's mallet.”
Excerpts quoted from the official rulebooks of the Hurlingham Polo Association, the United States Polo Association and the Federation of International Polo. Rules change between seasons — always check the linked source for the current wording.
More Strategy Terms
View allHooking
A legal defensive move where a player uses their mallet to block an opponent's swing, contacting the opponent's mallet rather than the ball. Must be done below shoulder height.
Bend it
An advanced shot where the player bends the ball around an opponent by striking it off-center, creating a curved trajectory.
Ride-off
A legal maneuver where a player uses their horse to push an opponent off the line of the ball. Requires proper angle and contact.
Pechada
A controlled body check or bump in polo, using horse-to-horse contact to push an opponent off the line.
Taco
A back shot in polo, hitting the ball behind you. Also the Spanish word for heel referencing the mallet angle.
Tail Shot
A shot played behind and under the pony's tail. One of the more difficult shots requiring precise timing.
FAQs about "Hook"
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