Description
Book SynopsisHow To Look Cool Whilst Learning Polo takes a very modern approach to the traditional game of polo. The author, SteveThompson, is a veteran polo instructor and professional player with over twenty years of teaching experience across the globe and this book is a culmination of his teaching and playing experience over two decades in the sport. This book, followed correctly, will save one a lot of pain, frustration and cash by teaching an aspiring player how to function correctly from the very start. More than just a technical 'how to' guide, it provides everything one needs to know to go from zero to hero on the polo field, and more importantly - make sure one looks cool whilst doing it!
Trade ReviewThis certainly was easy to read and absorb how polo is played. The book was clearly laid out with high quality images and chapters. With checklists, diagrams and hilarious cartoon anecdotes showing from 'how to loft your ball' to 'scoring on and off the field', this book is a breath of fresh air in its instructional form...
This is a great book for all equestrian enthusiasts which would also make a great gift too. If you gifted this book to a young and bold rider, I think it would definitely inspire them to pick up a mallet, buckle up their Argentine belt and head off to the polo field looking incredibly cool! -- Samantha Hobden * Haynet *
Table of ContentsForeword
Preface
Introduction
The Difference Between Kids And Grown-Ups
Physics!
PART I: RIDING GUIDELINES/RIDING LIKE A PRO
The Polo Pony
Learning How to Ride
Balance
Exercise 1: The Pyramid
Stirrups
Accommodating Motion
Steering
Exercise 2: Turning in the Pelvis
Basic Polo Riding
Walk
Trot
Exercise 3: Power Trotting
Canter
Exercise 4: Trot to Canter Transitions
Transitions
Advanced Polo Riding
The Half Seat
Exercise 5: The Half Seat
Exercise 6: Accelerate / Decelerate
Efficient Turning
Exercise 7: Circles within Circles
Changing Direction
Exercise 8: Changing Direction
Versatility
Exercise 9: Sink left / Sink Right
The Tube
Exercise 10: Chin on Chest
PART II: HITTING SUCCESSFULLY/WINNING AT SWINGING
Mallet Essentials
The Grip
Exercise 11: Balancing the Mallet
The Pendulum
The Plane
The Shots Intention
The Smiley Technique & Grid
Exercise 12: The Smiley Technique
The Smiley Grid
Exercise 13: The Smiley Grid
The Nearside in Isolation
The Hitting Process
The Checklist
Perception and Height Deficits
Making Contact
Exercise 14: Working Backwards
Hitting Discipline
Accuracy On Distance
Exercise 15: The Clock
Power Hitting, Penalties and Pre-Swings
Exercise 16: The Pre-Swing
Pitch-Side Training
PART III: APPLICATION/SCORING ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Stick and Balling and Hitting Diagnostics
Exercise 17: Stick and Ball
Playing
Riding Off
Hooking
Problem Solving
Stretching
And Finally...
Acknowledgements
