Course
Cross/High Hook
Lesson Description Learners can expect to cover the following and more:

    • Why it is a rule.
    • How the rule is applied.
    • Procedure of the rule.
    • Rule at different levels of polo.
Who is this course for?

This course is for all levels of polo players.
What's the value of this course? In this course the learner will come to know the severity of hook and the penalty outcome of the rule.
Learner eligibility This course is for all levels of polo players.
Format / Duration The lesson comprise of video, still images and text descriptions and take between 10 minutes and 20 minutes to view and read through.
Progression opportunities Use the learnings from this lesson to progress to further lessons as part of your holistic training or coaching practice.
Course fees You can purchase the course by clicking the purchase course button at the top of this page. You will then be directed to a payment form, please complete this with all the relevant information. Once payment has been made a receipt will be emailed to you (please check your junk email if you haven’t received this). You can also view any receipts you have by clicking on the Bill Manager button at the top right of the page.



Why the Cross/High Hook is a Rule

The cross and high hook are both violations of the improper use of the mallet rule, which states that no player may hook an opponent’s stick unless on the same side of the opponent’s pony as the ball, or in a direct line behind, and the stick is neither over, nor under, nor across any part of the opponent’s pony, nor between a pony’s legs. All of the stick of the player being hooked must be below his shoulder, he must be in the act of hitting the ball and his stick must not be hooked or struck with excessive force.  

The cross or high hook is a rule to ensure the safety of both horse and rider, a cross hook especially between a Pony's legs can result in a dangerous accident and should always be blown.

How the Cross/High Hook Rule is Applied

A cross or high hook should be treated the same, whether it is committed by an attacking or defending player. 

The rule merely applies to where you are, in relation to your opponent's horse, meaning you must be on the same side that the opponent is swinging in order to make the hook. That same hook must also be below the shoulder level of the opponent. 

Procedure of the Cross/High Hook Rule

The penalty for breaking the cross/high hook rule is always a penalty against the offending player.

The outcome and the placement are dependent on which player has fouled. If an attacking player has made a cross or high hook, a penalty five A spot should be awarded. If the foul is by a defending player, the umpires should move the penalty up to the next appropriate penalty spot. If in the opinion of the umpires, there is excessive force or excessive danger in the cross or high hook, they have the option of awarding a yellow card.

The games should be started with a penalty in favour of a team that has been fouled in the appropriate position.

The Cross/High Hook Rule at Different Levels of Polo

There is very little difference in the interpretation of the cross/high hook in low or high goal tournaments. A foul hook in this instance should be treated the same, whether by a high goal player or a low goal player.

The most common errors that a player makes when making a cross or high hook is a lack of patience and an over eagerness to win this set play, as opposed to moving on to the next play.

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