Maintaining field awareness and anticipation of players/field of play is a core skill in polo. The ability to recognize the play allows for the ability to easily and quickly transition from defense to offense.
Here is an example of field awareness and anticipation that allows a defender to clear the ball from the attacking zone:
- Attacker shoots at goal from distance as all the defenders are in position to block or interfere with the attacking play
- With field awareness and anticipation, the defender uses horse power to reach the goal line before the ball
- Clearing the ball with an offside open backhand and saving the goal