Course
Hooking the Backshot

Why is Hooking the Backshot a Rule

Hooking the backshot is a rule that was recently brought in line between the United States, Argentina and England. It allows a backshot to be hooked, so long as the part of the mallet being hooked is below the shoulder level of the opponent playing the shot.      

How is the Rule of Hooking the Backshot Applied

Hooking the backshot is applied equally to both offensive and defensive players, the rule in every instance remains that, if the hook is made below the shoulder level of the player making the backshot, then a foul will not be called. 
Procedure of the Hooking the Backshot Rule

The penalty for breaking the rule of hooking a backshot, varies from a spot hit all the way up to an open goal penalty, depending on the position on the field where the foul occurred and the severity of the violation. 

The game is always restarted with a penalty being awarded to the fouled player's team. 
Hooking the Backshot at Different Levels of Polo

Hooking the backshot is applied equally at all levels of polo, in both high and low goal matches. It is simply a matter of whether the hook makes contact with the mallet below the shoulder level of the player making the backshot. 

The most common error that Fergus noted for a hooking the backshot violation being called, is that players will often miss the ball whilst attempting the hook and end up riding into the player making the shot from behind, or they tend to make the hook above the shoulder level. The best way to mitigate this is to ensure that you stay on the nearside of the line whilst attempting the hook. 
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