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3-Pointer by Gary Whittaker 2
1 - Red Sox World Series win anti-climatic
Yawn.... apparently, sometime between Boston's history making series comeback victory over the Yankees, and me falling asleep in front of the television, the Red Sox actually won their first...
Health Risks associated with the use of anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are classed as illegal drugs and are banned by most legitimate sports organizations. There can be no disputing the fact that testosterone boosts the development of muscle mass and aids sporting performance. Equally there is no...
How To KiteSurf
You have been bitten by the KiteSurfing bug, you can’t wait to hit the first current to propel your body screaming 40-feet into the air and crashing into the water. With each gusts of wind your elevated high off the surface and breaking each wave as...
Rugby - the most strength-oriented code of football
Rugby players spend considerably more playing time in physical
contact and contest with opponents than players in other forms
of football.
Much of this contact involves extended grappling and wrestling,
but what is also characteristic of...
What’s So Great About A Trampoline?
Looking for a fun way to exercise and stay healthy? Doctors say that rebound exercising is one of the healthiest, safest kinds of exercise for your joints and heart. It's aerobic, it's fun, and it doesn't put the same stress on your joints and...
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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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