Course
Turning

Why Turning is a Rule

The first player to the ball may not turn in front of a player on the LOB but if the player following checks or reduces speed the first player may then turn the ball in either direction providing that he maintains speed and continues the play. If the play is on the boards, the player, once he has turned must keep going in his chosen direction.

Turning is a rule to limit danger for the player who is turning the ball and also to increase the pace of the game. There was a point in the past where the game became very static due to an increased volume of turning plays and this became unenjoyable to watch.

How the Turning Rule is Applied

The turning rule generally applies to the defending player. It encourages him to keep pace on the ball or to play a backhander, therefore increasing the pace of the game.

Procedure of the Turning Rule

The penalty for breaking the turning rule is a foul against the player who in the opinion of the umpires has turned the ball and thus potentially created a dangerous situation.

Placement, and outcome for breaking the turning rule is generally a spot hit in favour of the team that has been fouled. In certain circumstances the ball placement could be moved up to the next appropriate penalty position.

The game is started with a penalty in favour of the team that has been fouled. This is generally the case and will generally be a spot hit or in circumstances, a penalty in the appropriate place, further up the field.


The Turning Rule at Different Levels of Polo

There is no significant difference between blowing turning in high goal or low goal polo. The significant factors are the relative speeds and distances between the two players involved.

The common errors in the turning foul are not checking three basic things. The speed, the angle, and the distances between the closing player and the player turning the ball.

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