Monthly Archives: February 2012

Running a Polocrosse Practice

21 Tuesday Feb 2012

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You can really run a practice anywhere you can get a handful of polocrosse players together. The most effective practices, particularly for beginners, are in a safe place and have a mixture of skill drills and chukkas. By mixing both, players can isolate and improve areas of their game while still having fun enjoying new skills.

The Space

Find a safe space, away from a road. Don’t forget the horses will get excited while playing and be much harder to stop. Kids will also chase balls and each other around, but it’s best to avoid a space with a road, drop or farm equipment.

A field needs to be flat-ish. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but horses turning and stopping on hills are more likely to injure themselves than those doing it on the flat. Basically, if you wouldn’t consider jumping on it, don’t play polocrosse on it.

It’s great to have a full field for practice, but you don’t need it. A half field works and you can even get by with just a 30 yard area if that’s all you have space for. Defining the space is important – the practice should be as realistic as possible and you want players to get a feel for how big the space the field is.

The Exercises

Basics are best. Beginners need practice picking-up, throwing, catching and bouncing. Players in C-grade and below generally have inconsistent balls skills and frequently, the team with the most consistent ball handling will win.

All coaches have their own style, but to introduce an element of the pressure felt in a game, I like to make players practice their ball skills against each other and against the clock. There are a ton of great exercises.

Chukka

Chukka’s are very important. Everyone needs to understand what it feels like to play before their first tournament. There are also penalties and mistakes made during chukkas that don’t appear during drills.

Every Chukka should be as realistic as possible. Time the play so the horses don’t get tired and so players learn how long a chukka is. Also, have at least one umpire – preferably two – so they can spot and penalize fouls. The more realistic practice is, the easier players will transition to play in a real tournament.

Coaching a successful polocrosse practice is much the same as coaching any other sport. With a few drills and an understanding of the rules anyone can coach a great practice.

Polocrosse – Line Out IV – Playing To Your Umpire

21 Tuesday Feb 2012

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Sure, all umpires try to throw the ball the same way, but each has their quirks. Quickly determining how the umpire throws the ball and adjusting your strategy to suit can give your team an advantage in the line out. Let’s take a look at some of the common throwing styles and how to deal with them.

Just a quick note – the strongest player on the team is not always the “best” player. In this case it’s the player with the best match up. This may be because your player is very strong or because your opponent’s player is very weak, but look for the best match up for your team.

The Bullet

This throw comes in at or just above player’s heads, hard and very fast. If left untouched, it will sail through the whole line out without dropping much and travel a way beyond the threes. However, this type of throw is rarely left untouched.

Since it’s catchable by all three players, the best strategy for nabbing these bullets is simply to catch them. Number twos and threes should watch for a deflection, as a small touch can make a big difference to the ball’s path.

The Paint Ball

This ball comes in at the same level as the bullet, but with a lot less power, and drops like a paintball. Generally, it drops somewhere within the line out and never reaches the threes. These are easier to catch than the bullet, but they’re also easier for the opposition to anticipate and knock from your racket.

Number ones should try and time their move forward with the throw of the ball. The slower speed of this throw makes it easier to catch and gives number ones more time to make their move. The twos and threes should be ready to move forwards and snag the ball. In particular, number threes should be watching for the ball to drop in front of them, rather than behind them as it normally does.

The Long Loop

The long loop goes high over the heads of everyone and lands behind the threes. Generally, no-one has an opportunity to catch the ball before they’ve spun around to chase it.

These throws need a strong number three to spin out and collect the ball from the back of the line out. However, if your number three is struggling to get out the back quickly, try having them line up further back to lengthen the lineout. This can help the ball drop in the line-out, instead of sailing out the back.

Number ones go through the line out, in case the ball is knocked onto the far side, number twos spin out and back up their number three in case the ball takes a bad bounce and the three misses the pick-up.

The Short Loop

This loop goes high and then comes down inside the line out. It’s not very powerful, and generally not catchable on the way up. It usually ends up landing between the twos and the threes.

The best strategy for controlling a short looping throw is to put your strongest player underneath the ball. Shorten the line out by pushing your number two up very close to the one, or extend it by moving them back. When the ball comes down on your strongest player, you’re more likely to controlthe ball out of the line out.

Most throws fall into one of the four categories above, although many are border line. Look for general tendencies in each umpire’s throws, as no umpire is completely consistent. The better you adjust yourself and your team, the more frequently you’ll win the ball in the line out and the better you’ll be able to control the game.

Crooked Throws

Umpires try and throw the ball exactly down the center, but most have a bias towards one side or the other. While the direction of the throw will even out over the course of a game –teams spend equal time on each side of the line out – knowing how to capture a slightly crooked throw can give your team the advantage.

If you think the throw is likely to slide off to one side, push your team as close to the center line of the T as you can. The number three should still focus on going out the back, in case the ball comes all the way through, but the number one and number two can focus on moving through the line out as soon as the ball is thrown, putting themselves in a better position for the catch and also in a better position to capture the more common deflections.

Polocrosse – Line Out III – Racket Strategies

21 Tuesday Feb 2012

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There’s more to the line out than catching the ball. Advanced players have several tricks to gain the advantage over their opponents in the line out. Let’s take a look at three racket strategies you can employ to gain the upper hand in the line out.

Catching

This is the first and easiest of the three strategies. Start with your racket below the racket of your opponent. When the umpire throws the ball, snap it up in front of your opponent, catch the ball and jump out of the line-out. It sounds complicated, but it’s easier than it sounds.

It’s best to catch the ball whenever you can escape from the line out without picking up a player on your racket side and when you’re quick enough to beat your opponent to the ball. Catching is the most effective way to control the ball out of the line out – the ball is in your racket after all!

Hit The Racket

To hit your opponent’s racket, start with your racket below theirs as you would if you were going to catch the ball. Swing up, also as if you were going to catch the ball, but instead of stopping to catch it, swing your racket all the way through and knock your opponents racket out of the way of the ball.

This strategy is best employed when your opponent keeps catching the ball. While you won’t catch the ball, you will give someone else on your team the opportunity to pick it up. Let your teammates know what you’re going to do so they’re ready and waiting for the ball or a deflection.

Hooking The Ball

This is a combination of an attempt to catch and an attempt to hit your opponent’s racket. The objective is to hook the ball backwards and out onto your own side, while simultaneously knocking your opponent’s racket out of the way. Start with your racket below that of your opponent, swing your racket through behind the ball as the ball passes between you and your opponent. If you’re quick enough, the ball will catch your racket and hook onto your side of the line out, putting it closer to your team than the opposition.

This tactic is a great way to win line outs if you’re unable to catch the ball, but it is very difficult to execute correctly. It still doesn’t beat catching the ball, but it does give your team a significant advantage.

These tactics can be used by players in any position, although each will be more effective than others. As you move up the levels, number twos and threes will find it tougher to catch the ball as it is likely to be deflected by the number one.

Choosing a tactic also involves judging the throwing style and strength of the umpire. Communicate with your teammates so they know your plan and you know theirs. The better prepared you are as a team, the more likely you are to come away with the ball.

Where To Buy Polocrosse Equipment in the USA

08 Wednesday Feb 2012

Posted by in Coaching, Other Stuff, Playing, The Basics

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Polocrosse gear is a little hard to come by in the USA, but it is available if you know where to look. Most equipment can be found at your local tack store, you can buy equipment at tournaments and there are a few specialty polocrosse retailers who’ll supply gear you can’t find elsewhere.

Local Stores

Bell boots, bandages, whips spurs and other tack are available at your local tack store.Make sure your equipment is legal by checking out our guide to polocrosse equipment, but most of the things you’ll find are perfectly usable for polocrosse. Unfortunately, few stores carry polocrosse specific equipment. It’s best to order from one of the polocrosse-specific retailers.

Tournaments

Most tournaments have someone around with rackets and balls to sell. They’re usually set up somewhere by the field, but if you can’t find them, ask around, they’re probably there. You may also be able to find people willing to part with used equipment for a discounted price.

Polocrose Retailers

The only retailer in the United States who provides polocrosse rackets is Polocrosse365. Visit their website to view the current selection. Rackets can also be ordered directly from the manufacturers – Bennett and Bomber rackets are the most popular. You’ll need to order well in advance because both companies need time to manufacture the racket before they ship it to you. All three companies also offer balls and bags to go along with your new racket.

Clubs

If you’re part of a club, ask your club-mates if they can help you by lending you a racket for a few weeks while you’re waiting for yours. They may also have a ball or two they can lend you to practice with. We have a listing of polocrosse clubs in the USA to help you find yours.

Getting Horses Used To The Polocrosse Racket and Ball

07 Tuesday Feb 2012

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Some new polocrosse players find their horses aren’t as enthusiastic as they are! Some horses pick up polocrosse right away, but it takes others a little longer. Spend some time introducing the racket and the ball to your horse before you go to your first practice. Then you’ll spend practice learning new skills instead of working with your horse.

One very important thing to remember is not to ever hit your horse with the racket. You can ruin all the work you’ve done by hitting them once. It’s also against the rules. If you need to discipline your horse while playing, carry a whip.

As you work with your horse, take your time. If you feel like you’re not getting anywhere, come back and try another day. It may take several sessions for your horse to relax around the ball and racket.

On The Ground

Start on the ground, and approach your horse with the racket down by your side. Hold it where he can see it, and allow him to investigate it if he wants to. Move it around very gently, but don’t touch him yet. If he wants to sniff it as you move it around his head, that’s okay. Watch his ears and face. When he drops his head and relaxes his ears, you can move on to the next step.

Touch him very gently with it. If he flinches, hold it in place until he relaxes. Once he’s relaxed, gently stroke him with the racket. Move around, touching and stroking him in different places with the racket. Once he’s used to this, it’s time to do some ground work with the ball.

Do the same thing with the ball. Approach gently, let your horse sniff it and gently stroke him with it. Once he’s used to it on the ground, you can gently bounce it off him until he learns it doesn’t hurt. Find a partner and gently throw the ball over your horses back and next, try not to make any sudden movements or let the ball bounce around too much.

Make sure you do both sides with both the racket and the ball. Once your horse is comfortable you can tack up, get on and work through the same exercises while mounted.

On The Horse

Now you’re going to do the same things while you’re mounted. Be careful, you want to hold on to the racket so your horse gets used to it, but if you feel like you’re losing control of your horse, drop the racket. Move the racket around gently to start with, gradually getting quicker as your horse becomes more comfortable.

Remember; to your horse, the racket looks a lot like a big whip, so don’t wave it around like you’re going to hit him!

Once your horse is comfortable with the racket, begin walking past the ball. Once he walks past it without shying, you can start leaning down to pick it up. Focus on making sure the horse is comfortable, rather than your pick-ups. Your pick-ups can come later.

Now your horse lets you pick up the ball, have someone throw it backwards and forwards with you. Your horse may flinch the first time the ball hits him, but don’t panic – he’ll soon get used to it if you throw gently.

By now your horse should be pretty comfortable with both the racket and the ball, and you’re ready to start doing some of the basic exercises to improve your polocrosse skills. As you play, your horse will become more and more comfortable with the ball and the racket.

Throw and catch the ball around the barn as well. The more your horse sees the racket and ball, the more comfortable he’ll be when you’re playing him. Just take care not to surprise him!