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A Golf Fitness Tip Must Focus On The Golf Swing
There is no way that you can separate a good golf fitness tip from a good well executed golf swing. The golf swing is the most strenuous aspect of the game and a good golf fitness tip is one that helps you improve on your golf swing. The basics of...
Bass Fishing Fun & Facts
BASS FISHING FACTS AND MORE
Bass fishing has a fascinating history. It started in the late
18th century and continues to progress until today.
It probably was originally practiced in search for food among
the people in the south of the...
My golf buddies belly laugh watching my stiff and choppy golf swing. How can I fix it?
We would all like to have a fluid, beautiful swing like Adam Scott, power off the tee like Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, and the ability to repeat that swing round after round, day after day. But what is holding back most amateurs from that silky...
Parachutes And Who Made The First Parachute Jump
The first parachute jump in history is a bit debatable. While many seem to think that an extreme sport like parachuting has its roots in recent history, it has, in fact, been around for centuries. In 852 A.D., Arman Firman, a Muslim holy man,...
Purpose of Fishing Rod Holders
Fishing is a sport designed for relaxation. It is where fish
lovers pride themselves of the fish caught while celebrating it
with friends and family.
The rod holder is a fishing tool that allows fishermen to
multi-task easily. It was...
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Polo Darling
You may think that polo is only for the elite, well you are wrong. Anyone can have a go at the sport of princes, even those that cannot ride (65% of those taught polo have never ridden before).
I was a bit apprehensive when I arrived at the school. Looking around at the others who had booked on to the 2 hour lesson, it seemed I was the only one who did not have my own jodhpurs, boots and hat. This did not matter as all essential equipment is provided for the day.
The morning started with a briefing on the basic rules and theory of polo. In short polo is a tactical game with either 3 (indoor or enclosed arena) or 4 (full size ground) players a side. The team scoring most goals wins.
As players and horses travel at up to 35 mph when at top speed, there are strict rules about how players can approach and attack the ball and each other.
Using a board and miniature men on horses we were introduced to the concept of "the line of the ball". This is the imaginary line or road the ball creates as it is hit from point A to B. Once we had got our heads around this concept, the rules soon became clear as they are very much like the rules of the road. Don't overtake unless you know the coast is clear, don't ride head on, and if you are turning onto the imaginary road make sure that it is safe to do so.
We then went and stood on crates to practice the polo swing. I'm glad we did this as it allowed us to focus
on getting the technique right without worrying about the horse. Plus, crates don't bolt when you accidentally hit them. All you had to remember is to let the mallet swing by itself and not to force it. We practiced both offside and nearside shots.
The best bit was when we got to ride the polo ponies. I have never ridden such well schooled horses before. I could move, stop and turn the pony with only very small changes in how I was sat, where the reigns were and how I was pushing down on the stirrups. I wish all horses were like these.
We were then given the mallets to practice hitting the ball from the pony. I did not find this too difficult, probably because I wasn't riding as fast as the others and so had more time to focus on the ball.
After a short break everyone had the opportunity to play a couple of instructional chukkas or mini games. This was supposed to enable us to experience the tactics and team play involved in playing the game. However, with constant missing of the ball and stationary horses, it was more of a laugh than educational.
I would thoroughly recommend this experience to all.
About The Author
Debbie Downes is the founder of http://www.factivities.co.uk. Please visit her website to discover more about UK outdoor activities.
ddownes@factivities.co.uk
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