358 POLO 



wits about him, and note every turn and phase of the game 

 He should be a good hitter of back-handers, and not only be 

 able to hit hard, but with judgment and direction, so as to 

 place the ball favourably for his No. 2 to take on. 



No. 2 has perhaps the easiest place in the game, and should 

 give and take with No. i. He will be, so to speak, the light 

 cavalry, a sort of free lance, constantly engaged in attack. He 

 should, of course, hit the ball as often and as straight as he can 

 towards the enemy's goal; in fact, all his energies should be con- 

 centrated on one point, viz. the capturing of the enemy's goal, 

 varied by worrying them and endeavouring to foil their attack. 

 It is the position par excellence in a game which offers most 

 opportunities for quick and fast play, and embarking in all the 

 mad excitement of a run, and, given a good pony one that can 

 gallop and stay certainly the most enviable position for a player 

 filled with the fire and vigour of youth. 



No. 2 should not only be a hard and sure hitter, but be en- 

 dowed with judgment, dash, and discretion, quick to note an 

 opportunity of cutting in and getting possession of the ball. 

 Needless to say he should be mounted on a fast and handy 

 pony. He should always ride hard and remember that the 

 enemy's No. 3 is his special opponent, and be ready to take on 

 the ball when hit out from behind his own goal. 



The post of No. i is somewhat arduous and calls for the 

 exercise of great self-denial at times, if he is to play his proper 

 part in the game. His main duties consist in looking after the 

 1 back ' of the opposite side. He should never leave him, but 

 should hustle him off the ball on every occasion and devote 

 the whole of his energies to doing this and keeping ' on side > 

 himself; in fact, during every minute of play he should use his 

 head and his skill, altering his pace to suit the exigencies of 

 the game, timing his rush, and judging on which side of his 

 opponent he shall either attack or defend. No. i must not 

 expect to hit the ball as often as other members of the team, 

 but a good man in this position, provided he is as well- or 

 better-mounted than the opposing 'back,' will often find the 



