The term grip in polo can be used for both the grip of the stick and as a synonym for the correct way of holding your stick, i.e. the correct positioning of the hitting hand.

The latter shall be discussed first. Having learned how to hold your mallet correctly, you can check your suitable diameter and the effort needed for holding the mallet.

The Position of the Hitting Hand

It is most important to get used to the correct positioning of the hand at the grip. Here, there is only one correct technique. The grip always stays the same, whatever swing you perform – it never alters. The wrist movement has a very large influence on the swing technique, as along with the generation of a strong torque it also has the function of leading the mallet during the swing.

The mallet is to be held like a pistol, i.e. the index finger is in the trigger position. An illustration of the proper grip is shown on the left.

The “Pistol Grip”

• Hold the grip in your palm and make sure the mallet is like an extension of your forearm.
• Close your hand and wrap your fingers from the middle to the little one around the grip.
• Your thumb must be placed on top.
• The index finger is positioned like holding a pistol. This position prevents you from holding the mallet like a hammer. The index finger stabilizes the grip and helps to control the mallet.
• If you look at the grip from above, index finger and thumb are supposed to form a “V”.

Please take care that you strictly avoid the grip shown on the left. It is called a “hammer grip”, because the fist is positioned as if holding a hammer.

Golf players can simulate the following steps to learn the correct grip:



A precise and correct grip:

• enables you to make use of the mallet as an extension of your arm.
• enables you to control the mallet.
• makes sure there is optimal transmission of power between your body’s impulse and your mallet.

The Sling – How to Use it

The correct grabbing of sling and grip is described below.


The sling has a slight supporting function and will help you to hold the mallet. Take care it is not adjusted too closely, otherwise you will not be able to release the mallet in precarious situations like serious sticking. Always try to consider this rule: You should be able to place two fingers between the sling and the back of your hand.

 If the mallet grip is too small the mallet head will start to lurch or rotate.

Pressure on the Grip

Remember: Neither hold your grip too loosely nor too tightly. The ideal effort is diffi cult to explain in theory.

The perfect grip is comparable to the pressure you would apply to squeeze toothpaste out of its tube or like a solid confi dent handshake.

Holding the grip too loosely causes rotation of the mallet at the moment of impact. This affects the way the ball fl ies and the distance of the stroke.

On the other hand, holding the grip too strongly causes overstrain of the wrist and your lower arm muscles and you will not be able to perform a correct swing.

The pressure on the grip can be reduced by slightly relaxing the ring finger.


Tips from the Pro

• Try to learn the correct hand position from the very beginning.
  
• Develop a feeling for optimal grip pressure.
• Use the sling correctly and practice the pistol grip.
• Consider with every swing, no matter if offside or nearside: If you look at the stick head, you must be able to see the labels.
• Remember, the grip always stays the same, no matter which swing you perform.
• Once you determine which grip size suits you, be sure to have all your mallets made to that size by your manufacturer.
• Grip material can be either repaired or replaced by grip material from other sports, like tennis for example.
• Make sure the sling is not too tight to the back of your hand; there should be space for two fingers between sling and back of the hand.