Tail Shot
Last updated: August 2026
Full Definition
A shot played behind and under the pony's tail. One of the more difficult shots requiring precise timing.
Related Terms
In the Rulebook
Where “Tail Shot” appears in the official rules of the sport, quoted verbatim.
USPA — United States Polo Association
“As Red completes the hook, his horse travels over the ball, makes solid, shoulder-toshoulder contact with Blue's horse, rides Blue off, and permits Red to execute an offside tail shot. No foul. The hook was fair; and, once hooked, Blue was no longer swinging at the ball when Red's horse crossed the line of the ball and executed the legal ride-off. As Blue #4, with the Right of Way, begins his backswing for a forward shot, Red #1 bumps him on the mallet side. No foul - the mallet head was not in motion toward the ball. RULE 14 - IMPROPER PLAY AND UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT a.”
“As Red completes the hook, his horse travels over the ball, makes solid, shoulder to shoulder contact with Blue's horse, rides Blue off, and permits Red to execute an offside tail shot. No foul. The hook was fair; and, once hooked, Blue was no longer swinging at the ball when Red's horse crossed the line of the ball and executed the legal ride-off.”
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 allHook
A defensive move where a player uses their mallet to interfere with an opponent's swing. Must be done safely below shoulder height.
Hooking
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.
FAQs about "Tail Shot"
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