364 POLO 



which the ball was cut, so to speak, that it rolled slowly between 

 the goal posts. It was in very truth a marvellous stroke, but 

 shows what can be done, and that a shot should be taken at a 

 goal, however long it may be. 



When the ball has been hit behind the goal line, the player 

 hitting off, who is generally the captain or No. 4 (back), should 

 endeavour to hit the ball as much as possible to one side of the 

 ground, and not in front of his goal. Then, if he makes a poor 

 shot, or the ball is stopped by an adversary, it will not be in 

 such a dangerous position as if it were in front of his goal. Of 

 course, instances will arise when one side hits behind their own 

 goal in self-defence if sorely pressed. Formerly there used to 

 be no penalty for doing this, and the side hitting off were 

 allowed to have their forward players in front of the ball. 

 Now, however, if one side hits behind their own goal, whether 

 accidentally or in self-defence, the whole side has to keep behind 

 the goal line until the ball is hit off, the attacking side being 

 free to place themselves as they choose. ( Vide Rule XL) Hitting 

 behind your own goal ought, therefore, to be avoided as much 

 as possible, for the penalty attached to doing so no doubt gives 

 a decided advantage to the side enforcing it. 



Finally, it is as well to remark that from the beginning 

 of the game a spirit of calmness and silence should pervade 

 every member of a team. There should be no unnecessary 

 shouting or noise, otherwise any commands the captain may 

 have to give may be unheard at a critical moment ; and, above 

 all, every member of a team should not only be acquainted 

 with the duties appertaining to his individual position in the 

 game, but stick to them and his place at all hazards. 



Those who have studied the question at all and seen much 

 polo will, I think, admit that it is perhaps the most scientific 

 outdoor game played, being, as it is, not only one of skill both 

 in horsemanship and the use of the stick, but of strategy and 

 discipline. Like whist, it is a combination of forces to effect 

 an end, as opposed to each individual acting separately on his 

 own account. In most other games a man is dependent on 



