This is a list of some of the common terms and phrases used in Polo.

Boards - Boards are placed along the sidelines (not the far ends) to stop the ball going out of play. They are 28 cm high.

Chukka – a period of play lasting 7 minutes, at the end of which a bell is rung, play continues for a further 30 seconds, unless the ball has gone out of play. The second bell is rung at the end of 30 seconds and the game must stop where the ball is then. In the final chukka, the match ends on the first bell.

Goal - Any time the ball crosses, at any height, the line between the goal posts, it is considered a goal regardless of who knocks it through, including the pony.

A players handicap is also measured in goals.

Handicap - A player's horsemanship, range of strokes, speed of play, team and game sense are the factors considered in determining his handicap. They range from –2 to 10, see handicap section for full details.

Hook - Provided the player is on the same side of the opponent's pony as the ball, he may spoil the opponent's shot by putting his stick in the way of the striking player's.

Hurlingham Polo Club 

 The sports governing body, controls rules, handicaps, umpiring and international matches, similar to the Football Association.

Line of the ball - 'Crossing the line' is the most frequent foul in polo. The line of the ball, namely the imaginary line along which the ball travels, represents a right of way for the player following nearest that line. There are strict rules governing opponent’s entry in to the right of way, in order to minimise the risk of collisions.

Line out – At the start of the game, after a goal or if there is a foul, which the umpires cannot agree on, all result in a line out. This is similar to a rugby line out, whereas the 2 opposing teams line up facing each other on a T. The umpire throws the ball in and the teams fight for it.

Nearside –

 On the left- hand side of the pony.

Neckshot – The ball is hit under the pony’s neck

Offside –

The easiest side to hit from, generating the most power, the ball is hit on the right-hand side of the pony.

Ride off -

Two riders may make contact and push each other off the line to prevent the other from striking the ball. It is primarily intended for the ponies to do the pushing, but a player is allowed to use his body, but not his elbows.

Safety Zone – A 10 yd zone along the sidelines, which spectators and grooms must not wait in.

Tailshot – The ball is hit behind under the pony’s rump, often requested by the call “tail”.

“Take the man” – something often called to teammates. The player making the call is free and wants his teammate to ride off the opposing playing marking him, allowing him to come through and take the ball.

Treading in – The replacement of divots in the turf, normally done by spectators at half time.