Polocrosse is a horse sport resulting from the combination of polo, lacrosse and netball. Using a polocrosse racquet which has a handle and shaft with a net at the end for catching, passing and throwing a thick-skinned sponge rubber ball.
Teams consist of six players with each player only requiring one horse to play. The team is divided into two sections, each consisting of a Number 1 (attack), a number 2 (centre) and number 3 (defence). Games are made up of ‘chukkas’ where sections alternate to play out the chukkas of a game. The number of chukkas played is dependent on the tournament and game draw, ranging from 4 chukka games to 8 chukka games.
The field is 146.5m long and 55m wide, with goal-posts 2.5m apart at each end. Infield, 27.5m from each end there is a line extending the width of the field which is called the "penalty line" this creates an area known as the "goal-scoring area", in which only the No. 1 of the attacking team and the No. 3 of the defending team are permitted to play. Directly in front of each goal there is a semi-circle of 10m radius, and the ball must be thrown at goal from outside this semi-circle, and within the goal-scoring area. The Number 2 plays in the centre field and is not allowed into either goal scoring area whilst the number 3 is permitted in the defensive goal scoring area.
The game begins with players lining up in the centre of the field where the ball is then thrown in by the umpire, this line up occurs after each goal is scored. Players can catch the ballor pick the ball up from the ground where they then able to carry it, riding towards their goal and either passing it to the number 1 into the goal scoring area or the number 1 can choose to bounce the ball across the penalty line to enter the goal scoring area.
Riders are permitted to hit an opponent’s stick to dislodge the ball, this can be done in only an upward direction. Horsemanship greatly influences a players ability to play the game as they can use their horse to position them to hit the opponents stick in addition to positioning the horse to push or block another horse. These manoeuvres are strictly ruled to ensure horse safety is maintained. Equally a players horsemanship helps them prevent them getting into situations where they may loose possession of the ball.
Polocrosse is a great fun sport that is enjoyed by all ages, it is quite common to see 3 generations playing in one team. There are several grades played at tournaments to suit all levels of ability.
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