The inaugural U.S. Junior Open Test Match showcased some of the top young players competing in the USA, while also demonstrating key skills important to be successful regardless the level of polo. Approaching a ball defensively is a very important skill and if done correctly, can neutralize any oncoming defender, while also providing the necessary time and space to make the next play. Transitioning from defense to offense is key in the tactical strategy of polo with the ability to take the man first and then approach the ball being a crucial action to learn.
At the beginning of this play from the U.S. Junior Open test match, Santino Magrini (yellow jersey) is in a defensive position ahead of the oncoming player and preparing to reverse the direction of the ball approaching the end line. On first glance, Magrini is approaching the left side of the ball, likely to hit an offside tail backhand away from danger. At the first moment of the play, Magrini shoulder checks to his left to identify his opponent, but the player in blue as switched to his right side and forcing a change in strategy.
With the player in blue trying to race past Magrini on his offside, the result is a change in strategy to first make sure his opponent does not have an opportunity to make a play on the ball. If Magrini only focused on the ball and continued to approach it with the goal of making a play on the offside, it would allow the opposing player to make a play on their nearside and potentially steal the ball away. However, Magrini engages in a ride-off, going shoulder-to-shoulder and pushing the blue player away from the ball and creating more space to approach the ball on the nearside.
Keeping the opposing player away from the ball, Magrini can safely come back towards the ball on his nearside and execute a backhand to complete the play. Another area to note in this part of the play is the shot type that Magrini selects to remove the ball from danger and begin the counterattack. In selecting a nearside open backhand instead of tial, Magrini moves the ball away from the middle of the field and pushes the ball away from the goal towards the boards. This is often the desired play to remove the ball from the front of the goal, but also allows your teammates to turn onto the ball on their offside creating an easier reception of the ball to keep possession.
Effectively ending the attack for the other team, Magrini executed the defensive ride-off by taking the man first, pushing him away from the line and then using the space to come back to the ball for the nearside open backhand. See below for the full play in action: