Polo Slang Decoded: 50 Terms Every Player Should Know

Polo has its own language — a mix of technical terms, informal slang, and borrowed words from Spanish, Hindi, and English riding traditions. Walking into a polo club for the first time can feel like entering a foreign country. This glossary will help you speak the language.

The Essentials (Terms You'll Hear in Your First Week)

1. Chukka (also Chukker)

A period of play, lasting 7 minutes (plus up to 30 seconds of overtime). Matches consist of 4–6 chukkas. The word comes from the Hindi "chakkar," meaning circle or turn.

2. Mallet

The stick used to hit the ball. Technically called a "polo stick" in formal contexts, but everyone says "mallet." Made from bamboo or composite shaft with a hardwood (usually tipa wood) head.

3. Nearside

The left side of the horse. Most shots are played on the nearside. The term comes from the side of the horse nearest to you when you approach from the traditional mounting side.

4. Offside

The right side of the horse. Offside shots are technically more difficult and are a sign of an advancing player.

5. String

A player's group of polo ponies. "He has a string of eight" means the player has eight horses available for matches. The number of horses in a string indicates the level of play — serious amateurs might have 4–6; professionals typically have 8–15.

6. Pony

The traditional term for a polo horse, regardless of the animal's actual size. Modern polo horses are typically 15–16 hands and are technically horses, but "pony" persists from the sport's origins when smaller horses were used.

7. Stick and Ball

Solo practice — riding on the field and hitting balls without other players. The foundation of skill development. "Going for a stick and ball" is the polo equivalent of going to the driving range in golf.

8. Hit-In

The method of restarting play after the ball crosses the back line off an attacker. The defending team hits the ball in from the back line.

9. Line of the Ball

The imaginary path the ball travels after being struck. The basis of the right-of-way rule and the most important concept in polo safety and strategy.

10. Right of Way

The player following the line of the ball has priority. Other players cannot cross this line dangerously. The single most important rule in polo.

Gameplay Terms

11. Ride-Off

A legal body check — two players ride alongside each other, shoulder to shoulder, each trying to push the other off the line of the ball. A fundamental defensive and offensive manoeuvre.

12. Hook

Using your mallet to interfere with an opponent's swing by hooking their mallet from behind. Legal only from behind or from the side — you cannot hook from in front or across the horse.

13. Bump

Similar to a ride-off but referring to the initial contact. "He bumped him off the line" means one player used body contact to push another away from the ball's path.

14. Tail Shot (or Under the Neck)

A shot played under the horse's neck from the nearside, sending the ball to the right. An advanced and spectacular shot.

15. Backhand

A shot where the ball is struck behind the horse, sending it in the opposite direction of travel. Essential for defensive play and for changing the direction of attack.

16. Cut Shot

An angled shot that sends the ball at a sharp angle to the horse's direction of travel. Used to redirect play quickly.

17. Neck Shot

A shot played under the horse's neck on the offside. One of the most difficult shots in polo.

18. Penalty

A free shot awarded after a foul. Numbered 1–5, with 1 being the most severe (automatic goal) and 5 being the least (hit from the spot of the foul).

19. Bowl-In (or Throw-In)

The method of starting play or restarting after certain stoppages. The umpire bowls the ball between the lined-up teams.

20. Bell

The bell signals the end of a chukka. Play continues until the ball goes out of play or is grounded after the bell sounds. "After the bell" means in overtime.

Horse and Equipment Terms

21. Tack

All equipment used on the horse — saddle, bridle, breastplate, leg wraps, etc.

22. Bandages / Wraps

Leg wraps applied to the horse's lower legs for protection during play. Polo wraps protect against mallet strikes and ball impacts.

23. Martingale

A strap connecting the girth to the reins via rings, preventing the horse from raising its head too high. Standard equipment in polo.

24. Breastplate

A strap across the horse's chest that prevents the saddle from sliding backward during hard stops and turns.

25. Draw Reins

Additional reins that run from the girth, through the bit rings, to the rider's hands. Used by some players for additional control.

26. Standing (or Standing Martingale)

A fixed strap from the girth to the noseband that limits how high the horse can raise its head. Common in polo.

27. Gag Bit

A type of bit commonly used in polo that provides strong braking action. The sliding cheekpieces amplify rein pressure.

28. Tail Wrap

A bandage or braid applied to the horse's tail to prevent it from becoming tangled with mallets.

Social and Structural Terms

29. Patron

The wealthy player who finances a polo team. The patron plays on the team (typically at a lower handicap than the professionals) and covers costs for horses, professionals' fees, and tournament entry.

30. Professional (or Pro)

A player who is paid to play. Professionals are hired by patrons to complete their teams. The best professionals command fees of $50,000–$500,000+ per season.

31. Groom (or Petisero)

The person responsible for horse care. In Argentine Spanish, the traditional term is "petisero." Grooms are the unsung heroes of polo — they prepare horses, maintain equipment, and ensure horse welfare.

32. Umpire

One of two mounted officials who enforce the rules during a match. Umpires ride alongside the play and must make split-second decisions about fouls.

33. Referee (or Third Man)

The off-field official who makes the final decision when the two umpires disagree.

34. Handicap

A player's rating, from -2 to 10. Not a measure of goals scored but an assessment of overall value to a team.

35. High-Goal

The highest level of competitive polo. High-goal tournaments typically require team handicaps of 18–26 goals (or 26–40 in Argentina).

36. Medium-Goal

Mid-level competitive polo, typically 12–18 goal team handicap.

37. Low-Goal

Entry-level competitive polo, typically 0–8 goal team handicap. Where most amateur players compete.

38. Arena Polo

Polo played in an enclosed arena, with three players per team and a larger, inflated ball. Faster-paced and more accessible than grass polo.

39. Divot Stomping

The half-time tradition where spectators walk onto the field to stamp down divots (clumps of turf) kicked up during play. A beloved polo tradition and social ritual.

Argentine Spanish Terms

40. Cancha

The polo field. From the Spanish word for playing field.

41. Taco

A backhand shot. "Taco!" is shouted by players to indicate they're playing a backhand.

42. Petisero

See "Groom" above. The traditional Argentine term for a polo groom.

43. Pato

Argentina's national sport — a horseback game combining elements of polo and basketball. Historically played with a live duck (pato = duck); now uses a leather ball with handles.

44. Vamos

"Let's go!" — shouted by players to urge teammates forward. You'll hear this constantly at Argentine-influenced clubs.

45. Patrón

The Spanish version of "patron" — both words are used interchangeably in polo.

Advanced / Insider Terms

46. Peel Off

When a player breaks away from their assigned mark to pursue the ball or support a teammate. A tactical decision that creates both opportunity and risk.

47. Open Up

To create space on the field by drawing defenders wide, opening a passing lane or scoring opportunity for a teammate.

48. Ride the Line

To follow the line of the ball at speed, maintaining right of way and preventing opponents from challenging.

49. Turn the Ball

To change the direction of play by hitting the ball in the opposite direction, typically with a backhand.

50. Go to the Man

Defensive instruction meaning "mark your assigned opponent rather than chasing the ball." Fundamental team defensive discipline.

Bonus: Spectator Vocabulary

If you're watching polo for the first time, these additional terms will help: