THE RIDER 骑手

STRETCHING – It is very important to stretch before and after you ride the horse. Otherwise, you will pull a muscle and cannot ride for several weeks. Stretch your inner legs, your back, your neck, your arms and wrists.

热身—骑马前后一定要做热身、伸展运动。否则会拉伤肌肉，几个星期将无法骑马。大腿内侧、后背、脖子、手臂和腰部都要做好充分的伸展运动。
 

4 HITTING POINTS – There are 4 hitting points from the back of a horse. The Nearside is the Left side of the horse (the side you mount and dismount). The Offside is the Right side of the horse. The Nearside shots are more difficult, because you must twist your body more and take care not to hit the horse.

1.      Offside Forehand – Right Forward

2.      Offside Back – Right Backward

3.      Nearside Forehand – Left Forward

4.      Nearside Back – Left Back

4个击球点—骑在马背上有4个击球点。反手是指马的左边（也就是上马下马的那边）。正手是指马的右边。反手击球更难，因为骑手扭转身体的幅度更大，并且要留意不能打到马。

1.正手前—右前方

2.正手后—右后方

3.反手前—左前方

4.反手后--左后方
 

3 HITTING ANGLES – In addition to the 4 Hitting Points, we have different angles for hitting. You can use these angle shots to hit to different points around the horse.

1.      Open – away from the horse

2.      Tail – across the back of the horse

3.      Neck – across the front of the horse under its neck

3个击球角度—除了4个击球点外，还有不同的击球角度。骑手可以利用这些角度把球打到马周围不同的点。

1.    开击—远离马匹

2.    尾部—穿过马的后面

3.    颈部—在马脖子下面穿过去

EXAMPLES
An “offside Fore Open” will send the ball to the 1-3 o’clock position.

An “offside Neck” will send the ball to the 9-11 o’clock position.

An “offside Tail” will send the ball to the 7 o’clock position.

An “offside Back Open” will send the ball to the 4-5 o’clock position.

A “nearside Fore Open” will send the ball to the 10-11 o’clock position.

Usually a player will call to his teammate in front of him to hit an offside Back Shot either as “OPEN” or “TAIL.” This way he can turn before the teammates shot and join the line of the ball before any of the opposition.

例如：

“正手前开击”就是把球打到1-3点钟的位置

“正手颈击”就是把球打到9-11点钟的位置

“正手尾击”就是把球打到7点钟的位置

“正手后开击”就是把球打到4-5点钟的位置

“反手前开击”就是把球打到10-11点钟的位置

通常球手会让他前面的队友打正手后击，“开击”或“尾击”都可以。这样球手就可以在队友击球前转变方向，并加入到马球要到达的线上。
 

HITTING POSITION – It is very important to learn to hit the ball slowly. Almost everybody starts to hit too hard and then they injure their wrist and miss the ball. SWING SLOWLY. The faster you are riding, the slower you swing. Hitting the Offside Forehand, It is important to move forward and lift your ass out of the saddle to the HALF-SEAT position. TURN YOUR SHOULDERS so that they are parallel the horse. EXTEND YOUR ARM all the way back so the elbow is straight. Put your HEAD OVER THE BALL. SQUEEZE the horse hard with your KNEES. Swing your hand down and LOOK at a spot on the ball. Keep your eye on the spot on the ball. Hit through the ball, keep your arm straight, and then break your wrist in front of you and let the stick swing through. It is very important to have a professional guide you as you learn the swing, so that you do not learn a bad habit. You can also video yourself swinging and analyze your swing in the video. Learn to carry the stick in front of you directly vertical with the head above your hand so you do not stress your wrist, and you are ready to hit from all 4 points immediately (if you carry the stick down on the offside, it will take a long time to bring it up and over for a nearside hit). When you take the stick back, keep it near your head, so the stick remains swinging in the same plane like it is making a circle on a disk with the handle at the center and the head at the outside. If the head stays in this disk, then you will hit accurately. If you move the stick at angles to the disk, then it will twist and be uncontrollable.

击球位置—学习慢慢击球非常重要。几乎每个初学者击球都会用力过猛，以致伤到手腕并错过了球。慢慢挥杆。骑得越快，挥杆越要慢。正手前击的时候身体一定要向前移，臀部上提，脱离马鞍，移到马鞍中间位置。转动肩膀，使肩膀与马匹平行。伸展手臂，一直向后拉伸，手肘是直的。头部移到马球的上方。用膝盖夹紧马。手向下拉，眼睛看着球上的一个点。眼睛一直盯着这个点。击向马球，手臂保持笔直，然后手腕停在身体前面，让杆子摆动。学习挥杆的时候最好有专业的球手指导，这样就不会养成坏习惯。你也可以用DV记录下来，然后分析自己的挥杆动作。要学会直接把球杆握在身体前面，并且保持竖直，球杆头在手的正上方，以免你的手腕受力太重。这种握杆方式便于你随时从4个击球点的任意一点击球（如果你把球杆垂在右侧，你必须把球杆拿到左边进行反手击球，这样会耗费很多时间）。当你收回球杆的时候，把球杆放在靠近头部的位置，因此球杆可以保持在同一平面摆动，就象在光盘上画圈，柄在中心，头在外面。如果球杆的头始终在这个圈里，你击球就会很准确。如果你移动球杆的时候出现的角度，那就会扭曲，无法控制。
HITTING REVIEW

1.      STICK – Stick in front of you with stick head directly above your hand.

2.      HALF SEAT – Rise up and forward to the Half Seat Position.

3.      SQUEEZE – Squeeze hard with your knees

4.      SHOULDERS – Turn your shoulders parallel to the horse. Stick goes back.

5.      ARM STRAIGHT – Put the arm straight back with stick head up in the air.

6.      HEAD – Put your head over the ball.

7.      SPOT – Look at a spot on the ball.

8.      SLOW – Swing slowly and hit the spot on the ball.

9.      FOLLOW THROUGH – Follow through with straight arm and break your wrist at end.

击球回顾

1.    马球杆—球杆在球手身体前面，球杆头在手的正上方

2.    马鞍中间—起立，把臀部移到马鞍中间位置

3.    夹紧—用你的膝盖夹紧马

4.    肩膀—转动肩膀，使之与马匹平行。马球杆随肩膀向后移

5.    手臂笔直—手臂笔直向后，球杆头向上

6.    头—骑手的头部在马球的上方

7.    点—看着马球上的一点

8.    缓慢—缓慢挥杆，击中马球上的一个点

9.    击球后的弧形动作—击球后顺着弧形转动，手臂保持笔直，最后手腕停住
 

STOPPING – To stop the horse, you need to sit down and lean back. You put light pressure on the horse’s mouth with the reins. This will allow the horse to collect itself and move its back legs under and prepare to stop. Then you squeeze with your legs, feet go forward, and pull the reins to your chest. Your hands are firm yet gentle on the horse’s mouth. It is also common for a rider to use two hands to help stop the horse. The horse is very strong, so you can use your stick hand to help pull the reins straight back and stop correctly. Polo professionals say that you get 10 stops per chukka in a polo horse, because the horse uses a lot of energy when stopping. Try to be conservative and not stop your horse unless you have to. Sometimes, a gentle turn can be better than a stop.

停马—为使马停下来，骑手需要坐下，身体向后倾斜。通过缰绳给马嘴一点压力。这可以使马镇静下来，收起后腿，并做好停止的准备。然后用双腿夹紧马，脚向前，把缰绳拉到自己的胸口。双手坚定，但对马嘴要温柔。骑手通常用两个手来让马停下来。马非常强壮，你可以用握球杆的手帮助把缰绳往后拉，并正确地使马停下来。职业马球手说平均每场比赛每匹马可停10次，由于马要用很大力气才能使自己停下来，因此，不到万不得已不要让马停下来。有的时候一个温柔的转弯要比停下来好得多。
 

COLLECTING BEFORE TURN – It is very important to collect the horse (slowing down and putting back legs underneath) before turning. The horse is extended when it is running fast, and if you turn at speed, it will take a long distance to turn, and it can slip. You are much better to slow the horse down and collect it before you make the turn. This is a quicker and safer turn. When you turn, turn your head and look at the spot you are turning to, and then the horse will turn and pivot beneath you. Don’t look at your horse; the horse will look at you.

转弯前先镇定下来—在转弯前先让马镇定下来是非常重要的（放慢速度，把后腿收回来）。马在奔跑的时候身体是伸展开来的，如果你在速度很快的时候转弯，则需要很长一段距离转过来，而且马很有可能滑倒。最好先让马放慢速度，使它镇静下来再转弯。这样转弯会更快、更安全。当你转弯的时候，头也要跟着转，并且眼睛看着你要去的方向，然后马就会以你为轴心而转弯。千万不要看着马，马会看着你的。

THE POLO HORSE 马球马

TYPES OF POLO HORSES – There are two types of horses used for polo:

1.      Argentina Criolla – very sturdy, turns easily and doesn’t get injured easily.

2.      Thoroughbred – faster, but is more fragile.

马球马的种类—有两种马用于打马球：

1.    阿根廷克里奥马—非常强壮，转弯很灵活，不容易受伤

2.    纯种马—速度快，但容易受伤
 

BITS – The Bit is the metal in the horse’s mouth. There are two types of bits used for polo:

1.      GAG bit – This is a circle bit on the side that pulls the horse’s head up when stopping.

2.      PELHAM bit – This is a lever and chain that pulls the horse’s head down when stopping.

衔铁—衔铁是在马嘴里的金属物。用于马球的衔铁有两种：

1.    口衔—这是一种在侧边的圆形的衔铁，在停马的时候马头会被拉向上

2.    大勒衔—这是由一根杆子和链子组成的衔铁，在停马的时候马头会被拉向下
 

MARTINGALE – This is the strap that goes from the bridle to the girth. It keeps the horse from throwing it’s head up into the rider. It is very important to check this strap is not too tight nor too loose. It should just follow the contour under the horse’s neck when at rest.

马颌缰—这是从水勒穿到肚带的一条带，用来防止马的头甩到骑手。检查马颌缰非常重要，不能太松，也不能太紧。在马放松状态下，马颌绳应该沿着马脖子下面的轮廓。
 

GIRTH – This is the strap under the horse that holds the saddle on the horse. This strap should be tight, so you can slide only two fingers inside. Always check that the girth is tight before mounting the horse.

肚带—肚带是在马肚子下面，把马鞍固定在马上的带子。肚带应该系紧，只能有两个手指在里面滑动。上马前要确定肚带已经系紧。
 

DRAW REINS – These reins go from the rider’s hand through the bit to the side of the saddle. They give increased leverage and control over a strong horse and help keep it’s head down.

缰绳—这些缰绳从骑手的手里穿过衔铁到马鞍的一侧，增加了杠杆作用，控制强壮的马匹，使马的头保持向下。
 

TENDONITIS – This is acute pain in the horse’s tendons in the lower leg which makes the horse lame. This can be caused by the player hitting the horse’s leg with a stick, a bad polo field, improper riding, over riding the horse, improper shoeing, or putting bandages on too tight.                                                                                                                                

腱炎—这是马小腿的腱的剧烈疼痛，会造成马瘸腿。球杆击中马腿、马球场地不好、骑马不恰当、骑马过度、蹄铁不合适或绷带绑太紧都可造成腱炎

PLAYING POLO 打马球

LINE OF THE BALL – When you hit the ball, there is a line from the point where you hit to ball to where it goes. This is the line of the ball and it is very important, because you cannot cross this line. If you cross this line, you can cause a dangerous foul.

球线—当你击球的时候，从击球点到马球停住的地方有一条线。这条球线非常重要，骑手不能穿越这条线。如果骑手穿越了这条线，就会造成一个非常危险的犯规
 

RIGHT OF WAY – The Right of Way is different from the Line of the Ball. When you are on the Line of the Ball, you have a Right of Way which extends in front of you. If the line of the ball changes, you still have the Right of Way on the old line, but you cannot make a play at the ball nor attempt to hit the ball. The player who has changed the line of the ball, must be careful to let players on the old line who have the Right of Way clear through.

通行权—通行权和球线不同。如果你在球线上，你就有通行权，并且一直延伸到你前面。如果球线改变了，你还是有原来线路的通行权，但你不能击球，也不能试图击球。改变马球线路的骑手必须让原来线路享有通行权的骑手安全通过。
 

FOUL – A foul occurs when a player crosses the line into the Right of Way of another player. You can also foul by riding into another players swing or by hooking above the shoulder or from the wrong side of the horse. You can also foul by standing on the ball and impeding play. Usually it is a good rule at the throw in, to take one swing then move off the ball if you miss it.

犯规—如果一个骑手穿过球线，进入另一个骑手的优先通行路线，那么这个骑手就犯规了。冲进另一个骑手的挥杆过程、从肩膀以上钩杆或从马的错误的一侧钩杆，都是犯规。站在球上或妨碍打球都被视作犯规。通常在发边线球的时候，如果你错过了球，你可以挥一杆，然后离开球，这是个很好的规则。
 

PENALTY – In the case that a player has committed a foul, a penalty will be given to the other team. The Penalty depends on the LOCATION where the foul committed, the DIRECTION that the ball was moving and the SEVERITY of the foul. The Umpire will make the call and the decision. It is very poor sportsmanship for the player to question the Umpire’s decision, and the Captain of the team is the only person who may ask the Umpire to clarify the foul.

罚球—如果球手犯规了，就有机会罚球。什么罚球取决于犯规的地点、马球移动的方向和犯规的严重性。裁判会吹哨并作出裁决。球员去质问裁判的判决，是非常不合适的。只有队长可以咨询裁判犯规的原因。
TYPES OF PENALTIES

1.       FROM THE SPOT – The player can tap or hit to goal. Opposition 30 yards away.

2.       30 Yard – The player can hit to goal. Opposition behind the goal.

3.       40 Yard – The player can hit to goal. Opposition behind the goal.

4.       60 Yard – The player can tap or hit to goal. Opposition 30 yards away and in the goal.

5.       FROM CENTER – The player can hit toward goal or to players. Opposition 30 yards away (preferably on the stick side of the hitter).

6.       CORNER – The player hits from 60 yards abeam where the defending team hit over the back line. Opposition 30 yards away and in goal.

7.       HIT IN – The player hits in from the back line after the attacking team has hit over the back line without scoring.

罚球种类

1.    从犯规点—球员可以轻击或射门。对方球员在30码外。

2.    30码—球员可以射门。对方球员在球门后面

3.    40码—球员可以射门。对方球员在球门后面

4.    60码—球员可以轻击或射门对方球员在30码外，在球门里。

5.    从中场—球员可以把球击向球门或另一个球员。对方球员在30码外（最好在罚球球员球杆的那侧）

6.    角球—球员在60码直角处击球。对方球员在30码外，并守门。

7.    底线球--进攻队从底线打出但没有得分，对方球员从底线发球
 

LINE – MAN – BALL – A player must learn NOT TO CHASE THE BALL in polo. The first rule in every player’s mind must be to JOIN THE LINE. After you join the line (on offside or nearside), then the player looks to take a man. After you join the line and engage a man, then you can attempt to hit the ball. It must be in the players mind at all times to think – “LINE-MAN-BALL.” This is the most important rule of polo.

线—人—球—打马球时，球员不能追着球跑。每个球员要记住的第一条规则就是必须加入球线。加入到球线上后（右侧或左侧），你要对上敌方一个球员。加入到线路并与一个球员对上，然后你可以试着去击球。每个球员一定要牢记“线-人-球”。这是打马球最重要的一条原则。
 

TAKE A MAN - The professionals of polo say that if you are alone on the polo field, then you don’t know how to play polo. When you are on the polo field, take a man. Find an open man, and go to him. Put your horse next to him and push your rein over the neck of your horse to force your horse to close on this man. It is important to get your knee in front of his (if possible), because you then have the advantage over him. This way, you control your man and you are helping your team.

对上敌方一个队员—职业马球手认为，如果你是一个人在马球场上，那你不知道该怎样打马球。当你在马球场地上的时候，对上敌方一个队友。找到一个空着的对手，靠近他。让你的马紧挨他，拉紧马脖子上的缰绳，使你的马靠近这个球员。最好让你的膝盖在他的膝盖前面（如果有可能），这样你就比他占优势。你可以控制你的对手，同时也帮助了你的球队。
 

TURN EARLY – When you are following your teammate and he is about to hit a backhand, you should TURN BEFORE HE HITS THE BACKHAND. If you turn early, then the ball will chase you. You can look behind you, join the line, and then hit the ball. If you wait for your man to hit the backhand, then you will be too late. Everyone will pass you, and you will have missed the play. TURN EARLY. Polo is a game of anticipation. The player with the greatest anticipation is the better player.

提前转向—当你跟在队友后面，他准备反手击球的时候，你必须在他反手击球前转向。如果你尽早转向，球会追着你。你可以向后看，加入到球线上，然后击球。如果你等队友反手击球完，你就会太迟了。每个人都会超过你，你也会丢了球。提前转向。马球是一个需要预见性的运动。最有预见性的球员就是好球员。
 

COMMUNICATION – When you are behind your player and he is about to hit a backhand, you can call to him OPEN or TAIL (explained earlier). This way, your teammate knows which way you will turn and can hit to you. 90% of back hits should be TAIL, because then you can join the line with the ball on your offside (stick side), and this is better for you. When your teammate is about to hit back, yell to him “OPEN” or “TAIL” and then make sure you TURN EARLY so you can join the new line.

交流—当你在队友后面，他准备反手击球的时候，你可以让他开击或尾击（见前面注释）。这样，你的队友知道你会往哪边转，可以把球打给你。90%的反手击球是尾球，这样你就可以加入到路线的正手边（球杆那侧），这样对你比较有利。当你的队友准备把球打回来，告诉他是“开击”还是“尾击”，你一定要提前转向，这样可以加入到新的路线上。
 

LOOK BEHIND – Never take a stride on the polo field without looking behind you. Your head should be on a swivel, and you should be looking behind you all the time. It is most important when you play as 1 or 2, because you can see where your teammate’s pass is going and join the new line before the ball lands on the ground. If you are riding along without looking behind you, then you will have no idea what is going on. The ball may hit you, or you will be out of the play. Always look behind you. Don’t look at the horse.

向后看—不能没向后看就大步前进。你的头部要转动，不停向后看。这对1、2号球员尤为重要，因为你可以看见你的队友会把球传到哪，并在球落地前加入到新的路线。如果你不向后看，只是一直往前骑，你就不会知道后面发生了什么。你有可能被球打到，或会脱离比赛。一定要经常向后看，不要看着马。
 

SLOW DOWN IN FRONT OF GOAL – When you are attacking goal, make sure you slow down in front of goal. The closer you get to the goal, the shorter your shots should be. Try to hit half shots to the goal. Every time is half the distance. This way you do not waste the chance by hitting the ball over the back line and giving it to the other team. Even if you miss the ball, one of your teammates behind you can try to hit closer to goal. The winning team is able to slow down and control the ball in front of goal to get the score.

球门前放慢速度—当你进攻射门的时候，在球门前一定要放慢速度。你越接近球门，射门就应该越短。试着打半杆球。每次都接近一些距离。这样你就不会因为要挥过底线而浪费击球的机会，把它让给对手。即使你错过了球，你后面的队友会试着把球打到接近球门的地方。在球门前放慢速度、控制住球，并射门得分的就是获胜队。
 

BACK OPEN OR TAIL – When you back the ball, you should always try to hit OPEN or TAIL. This is very important, because if you hit straight back, then you are just giving the ball back to the attacking team. If you hit OPEN or TAIL, then you create a new line and your team can turn onto your new line and turn your defense into offense. Your teammates behind you should help you by calling OPEN or TAIL, so you know where to hit and then can TURN EARLY to join the new line.

往后开击或尾击—当往后打球的时候，你应该开击或尾击。这一点非常重要，因为如果你直直地往后打，你只是把球传给了进攻球队。如果你打开击或打尾击，你就创造了一条新的路线，你的队友可以转到新的路线，变守为攻。你后面的队友可以叫你开击或尾击，所以你知道该往哪打，并提前转向，加入到新的球线。

TACTICS 战术

HIT TO THE RIGHT – It is very important to hit to the right when you are approaching a defending player. If you hit to the right, then he has to wait for you and ride you off before attempting a play at ball. You can check and wait for him to foul, or you can speed past him and hit the ball again. If you hit straight or to the left, then the opposing player can join on the nearside and hook you or back the ball.

打右侧—当你接近防守球员的时候要把球打到右边。如果你把球打到右边，他必须等你，然后撞开你后才可击球。你可以等着对方犯规，或加速超过他，然后再次击球。如果你把球直直地打出去或把球打到左边，对方球员可以加入到反手方向，勾杆或把球打到后面。
 

PLAYING DIAGONALS – Polo is about angles. Do not run straight down the field. You should try to get open and move to the right side of the field, so your teammate can pass to you. It is usually better to move to the right, but if the left is open, the back can also pass to the left. The ball should move in a diamond pattern from one end towards the boards, then down towards the goal.

打对角线—马球与角度息息相关。不要在场地上直线奔跑。你应该尝试做好准备，移到球场的右边，这样你的队友可以传球给你。通常来说，移到右边会更好，但是如果左右已经准备好了，后面的球员也可以把球传到左边。马球应该按菱形的方式从一边移到边板，然后射向球门。
 

FORM A TRAIN – Everyone on your team should form a train with the equal distance between each player. The Number 3 can pass to the 2. The 2 can pass to the 1. If the 1 misses, then the 2 is already on the line. If the 2 misses, then the 3 is there. The 4 is at the back of the train. If you go over the ball, you have two options:

1.       If you are up front, move ahead for the pass.

2.       If middle or back, circle to the left and rejoin the train.

形成一个队列—同一球队的队员必须形成一个队列，每个队员的间距一样。3号传给2号，2号传给1号。如果1号错过了球，则2号已经在路线上了。如果2号错过了球，则3号可以顶上。4号在队列的最后。如果你转变球的方向，你有两个选择：

1.    如果你在最前面，移到前面等待传球

2.    如果你在中间或最后，转到左边并重新加入到队列中
 

NEVER PARALLEL – You should never ride down the field next to your teammate. You are wasting your horse’s energy; you are not helping your team, and you will cause a foul. If you find yourself parallel your teammate, then check your horse and join the train behind your teammate.

不能平行—不能在马球场上与队友并排。这样的话你只是在浪费马的体力，而不是帮助你的球队，并且你会引起犯规。如果你发现自己与队友平行了，停顿一下马，加入到你队友后面的队列中
 

HALF HITS NEAR GOAL – Remember, when you are attacking near goal, slow down and hit half hits to the goal. Don’t waste your attack by hitting the ball away over the back line. Even if you miss it, there is a good chance one of your teammates on the train will hit it in for you.

接近球门时半击—记住，当你进攻接近球门时，放慢速度并半击射向球门。不要把进攻机会浪费在向底线击球上。即使你错过了球，对于你队列后面的队友来说也是个好机会，他可以帮你射门。
 

HOOK PROPERLY – When you are riding with the ball on your nearside (left), a very good defensive play is to hook your opponent’s stick when he tries to hit the ball. Bring your horse up next to your opponent, and when he goes to hit the ball, put your stick on the left side in the path of his swing to hook him. It is important to hook BELOW THE SHOULDER. Also, never hook a player across his horse. This is a dangerous foul.

恰当地钩杆—如果球在你的左边，当你的对手准备击球时，钩住他的球杆是一个很好的防守手段。让你的马往前紧挨对手，当他准备击球时，你把球杆放到左边，在对方挥杆的弧线上钩住他。一定要在肩膀以下钩。也不能横过对手的马来钩他，这是个非常危险的犯规。
 

KEEP POSSESSION – When you have the ball, do not just hit it away. Very often, you will just give the ball to the other team. Try to keep possession of the ball by looking around you and finding a teammate to pass to. The most important tactic is to think before hitting. Professional polo players say “Arrive – Think – Hit” when they approach the ball.

控制球—当你拿到球后不要马上把球打出去。很有可能你会把球传给对方球队。试着先控制球，看看自己周围，找到队友，然后把球传过去。最重要的战术是在击球前先动一下脑筋。职业马球手在接近球的时候会“到达—想—击球”
 

HIT IN FROM THE BACK LINE – The team that hits in from the back line should form a diamond. The 4 will hit the ball. The rest of the team forms a diamond. The 1 is at the tip. The 2 is to the right, and the 3 is to the left. This gives the 4 the option to carry the ball, to hit to the right (to number 2), to hit to the left (to number 3). If the 4 hits to the right, then the 3 can collapse and follow behind the number 2 to form the train. It is very important for the 4 to hit away from the best player on the opposition team and all of his teammates should move to get open for the pass.

底线发球—在底线发球的球队必须形成一个菱形。4号击球，其他球员形成一个菱形。1号在最前面，2号在右边，3号在左边。这样4号可以把球打到右边发给2号，也可以打到左边发给3号。如果4号把球打到右边，3号可以退下跟到2号后面，形成一个队列。4号发球的时候一定要避开对方球队最好的球员，其他球员都要做好接球的准备。
 

THROW IN PLAY – At the throw in, it is very important to line up on the Umpire as fast as you can after a goal. He will not wait for you, and you must get ready before the other team. The number 1 is closest to the Umpire throwing in. His duty is to try to hit the ball as soon as it leaves the Umpire’s hand. If he misses it, he should then attack towards goal and look back for the pass from his team. The number 2 has to take the man opposite him and not let him through. The number 3 fights for the ball and tries to join the line as the ball pops out of the throw in. The number 4 is responsible for defense and to close the back door. He has to take the first man through and try to turn the ball and pass up to the number 1. It is very important not to stand on the ball at the throw in. If the ball is hit by someone under your horse, get off the line, because you will make a foul. If you tap the ball, then you have the line. Turn your horse on the line and follow the line you have created.

边线发球—发边线球的时候，射门后要尽快在裁判那排好队列。裁判不会等人，你一定要在对方球队之前准备好。1号球员是离裁判发边线球最近的，他的责任就是当球一离开裁判的手，马上就击球。如果1号错过了球，他应该朝球门进攻，并向后看队友给他传的球。2号球员要看住对方球员，不让他通过。3号要争球，在边线球发出来后尽量加入到球线上。4号就是防守，看住后门。他要顶住第一个冲过来的对手，试着改变球的方向，把球传给1号。发边线球的时候不能踩到球。如果球被人打到你的马下面，马上离开球线，因为这样你会造成犯规。如果你轻击马球，你就有了球线。把你的马转到球线上，顺着你打出的球线。
 

HIT AWAY FROM THE BEST PLAYER – It is very good tactics to keep the ball away from the best player on the opposing team. Look up and know where he is. Do not hit the ball to him. If you are on attack with him defending, then hit half hits, so that you do not give the ball to him.

把球击离最好的球员—把球击离对方球队最好的球员是个非常好的战术。抬头看，弄清楚他在哪。不要把球传给他。如果你在进攻，而他在防守，那就击一半，这样就不会把球传到他那边去。
 

HIT AWAY FROM GOAL – On defense in front of your own goal, do not back the ball to the center, because you will give it to the opposition. You should hit the ball to the boards and the side of the field. You can do this with a neck shot or a tail or open, but get the ball away from the goal.

把球击离球门—在自己球门口防守的时候不能把球打到后面中间的位置，因为这样容易把球打给对手。应该把球打到木板上、场地的边缘。可以打颈击、尾击或直接打出去，但一定要把球打离球门。
 

THE BARRIER – On each team there is a barrier between 1-2 and the 3-4 players. The 1-2 go for everything and try to hurry the opposition to make a bad backhand hit. The 3-4 players wait back and wait for the opposition to give the ball to them. 1-2 are attackers and 3-4 are defenders. The attitude of the players attacking at 1-2 and defending at 3-4 is different. Remember to play defense as hard as you play offense, because a goal saved is the same as a goal scored.

空隙—每个球队的1-2号和3-4号球员之间有一个空隙。1-2号球员努力去争球，试着迫使对方球员打出坏的反手球。3-4号球员等在后面，等对方球员把球传给他们。1-2号球员进攻，3-4号防守。进攻1-2号球员、防守3-4号是一种不同的观念。记住，在进攻的同时也要努力防守，因为防守住一次射门就等于进了一个球。
 

TEAM MEETING – Before each game, you should have a team meeting with your Captain to discuss team tactics, positions, responsibilities, and who each man is covering.

球队会议—每场比赛前都要开小组会议，与队长讨论球队战术、位置、责任和每个人负责盯对方哪个球员
 

ENJOY – Never forget that we play polo to have fun. Polo is a combination of three sports: The eye-ball coordination of squash, the physical contact of rugby, and excellent equestrian riding skills. It is the only sport in the world where you can make physical contact with your opponent all the time. Try to learn something new every time you play, and appreciate the challenges and excitements of this most elegant of sports.

享受—不要忘记我们打马球是为了开心。马球是三个运动的集合：壁球运动中眼球的协调性，橄榄球中的身体接触，还有出色的骑术技巧。马球运动是世界上唯一一个可以一直与对手进行身体接触的运动。每次打马球的时候试着学一些新的东西，并且欣赏这种高雅运动带来的变化和刺激。

EQUIPMENT 装备

The following is a list of equipment used for polo. Some is essential, and some is optional.

1.       polo stick (52” is a standard length)

2.       polo helmet (wider brim than normal helmet for more protection)

3.       polo whip (longer than normal whip)

4.       polo boots (zipper in the front)

5.       polo kneepads (protection from stick and ball)

6.       white jeans (correct attire for games)

7.       polo gloves (better grip on stick and reins and prevents blisters)

8.       stick bag (for sticks, boots, helmet, kneepads, etc)

9.       goggles (to protect eyes from ball, stick and dirt)

10.    lycra tights (inside jeans if you are getting chaffed from too much riding)

11.    elastic back support (for players who like it)

12.    wrist support (for players who like it)

13.    spurs (for advanced players)

14.    glycerine or polish for boots (to prevent drying out and cracking from sweat)

15.    foot mallet (28” great for practicing different hits and learning rules)

以下是马球装备的清单，有些是必需的，有些是可供选择的：

1.    马球杆（标准长度52”）

2.    马球头盔（宽边的比普通头盔更安全）

3.    马球马鞭（比普通的马鞭长）

4.    马靴（拉练在前面）

5.    护膝（保护膝盖不受球杆和马球伤害）

6.    白色牛仔裤（正确的比赛服装）

7.    马球手套（球杆、缰绳能抓得更牢，防止起水泡）

8.    球杆包（用于装球杆、马靴、头盔、护膝等）

9.    护目镜（保护眼睛，防止马球、球杆和灰尘）

10.  莱卡紧身裤（里面的衬裤）

11.  弹力后撑（球员喜欢的话可以用）

12.  护腕（球员喜欢的话可以用）

13.  马刺（高级球员使用）

14.  马靴用的甘油或上光剂（防止马靴碰到汗水后变干、裂缝）

15.  徒步马球杆（28”，适用于练习不同的击球、学习规则）

PRACTICE 练习

To improve your polo, it is necessary to practice. These are some practice routines that will help you improve your riding, hitting and team play.

要提高马球水平，练习是必需的。下面是一些常规练习，可以帮助你提高骑术、击球和团队合作的水平
 

WOODEN HORSE – The wooden horse is used to practice your position and swing for the 4 HITTING POINTS (Offside Fore, Offside Back, Nearside Fore, Nearside Back). In addition, you will practice hitting OPEN and TAIL and NECK shots from these different points. Make sure you learn to swing without hitting the horses legs before you get on the real horse. Most people start hitting to hit too hard. Learn to swing softly, because the ball will go farther, and you will not injure your wrist.

仿真木马—仿真木马是用来练习挥杆和4个击球点的位置（正手前、正手后、反手前、反手后）。另外要练习从这几个点开击、尾击和颈击。在上真马之前一定要学会挥杆时不打到马腿。大多数人学习击球的时候都会用力过猛。应该学会轻轻挥杆，这样不会伤到你的手腕。
 

STICK AND BALL – This is when you ride around on your horse and hit the ball on the open field. It is a chance to practice your position on the horse and your swing from different positions and your timing when hitting the ball. Practice hitting as slowly as possible. Always avoid hitting the horse’s legs. Take your time to learn the correct swings on the wooden horse before trying on a real horse.

杆球练习—当你在室外场地上骑马、击球的时候，可以锻炼你在马背上的位置、在不同位置挥杆和对击球时间的把握。练习击球的时候要越慢越好。避免打到马腿，在上真马之前一定要花时间在仿真木马上练习正确的挥杆姿势。
 

SLOW CANTER TO THE RIGHT – When warming up your horse, it is best to canter to the right. Get the horse on the right leg (Right foreleg out in front), and make slow canter circles to the right. This will relax the horse and the rider and prepare both for the Stick and Ball session. When Stick and Ball, you should make 90% of your turns to the right. This is good for the horse to be on the right leg, because it is a more stable platform for hitting during polo.

慢跑向右转—在给马热身的时候最好慢跑向右转。让马的右前腿先跨，做顺时针方向慢跑。这样可以放松马匹和骑手，并做好马球击球训练的准备。做马球击球训练的时候，转弯时90%都应该向右转。这样对马的右腿有好处，因为在打马球时这是个更稳定的平台。
 

CIRCLE TAP – Canter your horse in slow circles to the right. Tap the ball with half swings with the head OPEN, so the ball will move to the front right of your horse (about 45 degrees), then turn the horse to the right and tap again. Make sure you swing back early and have your hand above the ball as you tap it. This sweeping tap is very useful in front of goal, and you should be able to tap in a circle for ten taps without missing the ball. If you do miss the ball, DO NOT STOP YOUR HORSE. Continue around in the circle and tap again on the next round. You need to rise up forward out of your saddle, squeeze with your knees, turn your shoulders, head over the ball, and look at the ball. Concentrate on making this a smooth, even, and effortless exercise to relax the horse and rider.

转圈轻击—让马慢跑并向右转圈。挥半杆，球杆头朝外，轻击马球，球会移到马的右前方（大概45度处），然后让马向右转，再次轻击。球杆要尽早收回来，击球的时候手要在球的上方。在球门前这种连续轻击是非常有用的，要能够在一个圈内连续轻击10次而不错过一次。如果错过了球，千万不要让马停下来。继续沿着圈，等下一圈的时候再轻击。骑手要臀部脱离马鞍站起来，身体前倾，用膝盖夹紧马，转动肩膀，头部在马球上方，眼睛看着球。这是个流畅、温和、不费力的练习，可以让马和骑手放松下来。
 

TWO RIDERS DRILL – With two riders, you tap the ball forward. Leave it, then the second rider hits up to you. You need to concentrate on LOOKING BEHIND after you pass the ball, so you can see where the second rider hits it. Then you JOIN THE LINE on the offside or nearside and hit the offside or nearside shot. Then you pass again, and let the second rider hit up to you again. MAKE SURE YOU LOOK BACK as he hits it to you. Then say to yourself – “LINE – MAN – BALL” as you join the line again.

双人练习—两人骑手进行练习，你把球向前轻击，第二个骑手跟上来把球击给你。你传出球后要注意看后面，这样你可以看到第二个骑手把球击到哪。然后你加入球线的右边或左边，进行正手或反手击球。然后你再次传球，让第二个骑手再打给你。他把球打给你的时候，你一定要向后看。当你再次加入到球线上后，记住“线—人—球”。
 

NEARSIDE TO OFFSIDE – On this drill, you approach the ball on the nearside and hit the nearside fore shot. As soon as you hit the ball, you cross to the offside. In a polo game, after you hit a nearside shot, you can quickly take the line with the ball on your offside. The reason for this drill is to get the ball on your offside from the nearside. Generally, you will make a longer more accurate shot from your offside (right side).

反手到正手—做这个练习的时候，马球在你的左侧，打反手前击。一旦击出球后，你马上穿到正手方向。打马球的时候，你打出反手球后可以马上加入到球线的左侧，让马球在你的右侧。做这个练习是让球从左边改到你的右边。一般来说，正手球可以击得更远更准确。
 

TWO HAND STOP – During your practice, practice your stop a few times. Use two hands to keep the reins straight and correct as the horse collects its back legs under you and prepares to stop. Sit back in the saddle. Lean back. Legs a little forward, and squeeze. Pull the reins to your chest without jerking the horse’s mouth. Gentle but firm.

双手停马—要多练习停马技术。用两个手把缰绳拉直，当马把后腿收回到身体底下后准备好停住。臀部坐到马鞍的后部，身体往后倾，腿向前移一点，双腿夹马。把缰绳拉到你的胸前，不要猛拉马嘴。温柔但要有力的。
 

BACK SHOTS WEIGHT IN STIRRUP – When you hit the offside and nearside backhand, practice standing and putting your weight in the stirrup on the side of the horse you are hitting from. This will give the power to the back shot on that side of the horse. On the offside (right), weight in the right stirrup, head over the ball, bring the stick down like a hammer and watch the ball. On the nearside, lean out over the ball with weight in the left stirrup.

后击时重量放在脚镫上—当你正手或反手击球的时候，练习起立，把你的身体重量放到你要击球的那一侧的脚蹬上。这样，那一侧的后射力量就比较大。在右侧，重量放在右侧脚蹬上，头在马球的上方，球杆像榔头一样向下，眼睛看着球。在左侧，身体向外倾斜，头部在球的上方，重量放在左边脚蹬上。
 

BEND THE HORSE – Before hitting the fore or back shots, polo professionals will bend the horse very slightly in the opposite direction from which they are hitting. This will take the head and rump of the horse away from the plane of the swinging stick to minimize the chance of hitting the horse and create more room for the players swing. When hitting the nearside fore shot, a slight turn of the horses head to the right before the shot will keep the head clear and keep the horse from crossing the line (on your left) after the shot.

使马匹转向—前击或后击之前，职业马球手会让马稍微转向击球的反方向。这样会使马的头部或尾部远离挥杆的平面而减少击中马匹的机会，为球手挥杆创造了更多空间。反手前击前，先要把马头稍微往右转。击球后防止马越过你左边的线。
 

RIDE WITHOUT STIRRUPS – It is great practice to ride without stirrups. This will strengthen your legs and your seat. You can feel your muscles burn as you canter with only your thighs and your seat keeping you on the horse. It is also good practice in case you lose your stirrup during a chukka.

无蹬骑马—无蹬骑马是一个很好的练习，可以加强你腿部和臀部的力量。马在跑步的时候，如果你只用大腿和臀部使你坐在马上，你会感觉到肌肉在燃烧。万一你在比赛中失落脚蹬，这也会是个很好的练习。
 

VIDEO YOURSELF RIDING – Sometimes, you don’t believe what a polo instructor tells you. If you have a friend video you when you are riding or playing, you will see instantly if you have a bad riding or hitting position. Most new riders are hunched over, and they can see the difference in their position by seeing it themselves and work to improve it.

从录像中观摩自己骑马—有的时候你不相信马球教练的话。如果你骑马或打球的时候有人帮你拍下来，你马上就可以看到骑马或击球是否不好。大多数新手都会弓着背，他们可以在录像看到差异，从而改正它。
 

FOOT MALLET – Use of a foot mallet is the fastest way to learn to join the line and practice the 4 hitting points. Practice looking behind, backing (open or tail), then your teammate joining the line and hitting forward then back again to you. The foot mallet will help you improve your swing and your positioning with the other players on your team. In addition, you can practice the correct technique for riding off and hooking as well as the correct position for the throw-in, hit-in, corner, and 60 yard penalties. Here is a summary of what you can practice with the foot mallet:

1.       Anticipation and turning before the backhand

2.       Spacing between players (so you don’t hit into your teammate’s horse)

3.       Joining the line (Line-Man-Ball)

4.       Taking the man without fouling

5.       Hooking from nearside

6.       Backing Open and Tail

7.       Position during Throw-in, Hit-in, Corner, Center and 60 yard penalties

徒步马球—徒步马球是学习加入球线和练习4个击球点的最快的方法。练习向后看，反手（打出去或向后），然后你的队友加入到球线上前击。徒步马球会帮助你提高挥杆水平和你与队友的位置。另外，你可以练习正确的骑马和钩杆技术，同时可以练习边线发球，击球，角球，和60码罚球的正确位置。下面总结了一些可以通过徒步马球进行的练习：

1.    反手击球前先转向

2.    骑手与骑手之间保持距离（这样不会伤到队友的马）

3.    加入到球线（线—人—球）

4.    盯对手，但不能犯规

5.    左侧钩杆

6.    后开击、后尾击

7.    边线球、击球、角球、中心球和60码罚球的位置

CHINESE POLO TERMINOLOGY

These are polo terms and their Chinese equivalents:

Offside Fore – Zhen Sho Chien

Offside Back – Zhen Sho Ho

Nearside Fore – Fan Sho Chien

Nearside Back – Fan Sho Ho

Open shot – Shay Choe

Tail shot – Way Ba Choe / Way Choe

Slower – Man Ee Dien

Earlier – Zow Ee Dien

Faster – Kwai Ee Dien

Right turn – Yo Juan

Left turn – Zoa Juan

Again – Dzai Lai

Again 1 time – Dzai Lai Ee Dz

Good hit – How Choe

Sit down – Zoa Sha Lie

Sit back – Wang Ho Zoa

Stand up – Chee Lie

Look ball – Kan Choe

Hit ball – Jee Choe

Polo – Mah Choe

Stick – Sho Gan

Whip – Pienz

Rein – Jang Shun

Shorten rein – Suo Duan Jang Shun

Lengthen Rein – Fang Chang Jang Shun

Turn horse right – Mah Shiang Yo Juang

Head down a little – Teo Dee Ee Dien

Turn shoulders more – Jen Juan De Doe Ee Dien (De=so that) (Doe=more)

Keep arm straight – So Bee Sun Dz

When you hit, lean forward – Jee Choe Shur, Run Chen Ching Ee Dien

Shien / Reun / Choe – Line / Man / Ball

Join the line first – So Shien, Sang Shien

Foul – Fan Gway (break rule)

Take man – Kan Dzu Reun / Kan Dzu Nee Da Reun (your man)

Hit back – Wang Hwey Da

Hit forward – Wang Chen Da

Stop – Ting Sha

Be careful – Show Shing

Keep the ball – Na Dzu Choe

Beautiful score – Jing De Pyow Liang

Don’t rush – Bay Jee

Hook him – Do Dzu Ta

*****! – Chow Nee Madda (expletive! - use with extreme caution)

CORRECTIONS, COMMENTS, IDEAS

Please email -- tom@claytor.com (English) or wang6276@yahoo.com (Chinese)