In the recent 2021 UK High-Goal season, the potent UAE Polo Team attack featured the trio of Polito Pieres, Tommy Beresford and Tomas Panelo. This team won the prestigious Cartier Queen's Cup, while also losing in the final of the King Power Gold Cup against Thai Polo NP.
A key factor in their success was their potent attack that produced 34 more goals than the next closest team, including field goal scoring leader Polito Pieres and 10th ranked Tomas Panelo. In any good attack, the component of ball support is crucial. While the focus is often on the player with the ball, off-ball play can be the difference in the game. This can include blocking any defenders and trailing the ball carrier among other manuevers.
In this highlighted play from the 2021 King Power Gold Cup final, UAE Polo Team's Tomas Panelo picks up the ball along the side boards around midfield, but receives support from two players in providing him space, while also falling in behind him on the line in case the ball is left behind.
As the play develops, Panelo gains space using a turn and hits a forehand downfield.
Following his pass, Panelo executes the same strategy, falling on the line behind teammate Polito Pieres, which ultimately leads to Panelo picking up the loose ball and scoring a goal.
See below for the play:
To see other highlighted attacking plays from UAE Polo Team in the 2021 King Power Gold Cup at Cowdray Park Polo Club, visit the Polo Development App using the below link: