How to Grip a Polo Mallet

Polo is a team sport in which riders on horseback use long mallets to pass and shoot a ball into a goal to score points. Polo requires equipment significantly different from most riding equipment. Learning to hold the mallet, which can be anywhere from 49 inches to 54 inches long, properly is an important aspect of learning to play polo, as improper grips can cause strain or even injury to a player's wrists and arms.

Things You'll Need

  • Polo mallet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the polo mallet in your right hand (even if you are left-handed) at the grip with your hand positioned as it would be if you were about to shake someone's hand.

    • 2

      Wrap your fingers around the grip with your thumb on top. This grip allows for flexibility in movement and finesse in manipulating the mallet.

    • 3

      Hold the mallet with the head (or "cigar") up in the air, with your right elbow bent. When you are ready to strike the ball, straighten your arm to lower the mallet to the ground.