NEWS

USPA Clinician Robert LynKeeChow, travelled to Meadowview Polo Club in Lowell, MI for a USPA Clinic with a great group of players. Robert worked alongside with Meadowview polo instructor Katie Johnson to come up with a plan for the weekend to maximize the learning for all. With two lessons on Saturday, each session covered riding and hitting drills that created a strong platform for the participants to build from, before moving onto strategy based drills.

On Sunday, Robert led the players through a chalk-talk and emphasized key points for playing safe polo, along with answering any questions they had. After the chalk-talk everyone mounted up for some coached chukkers, where Robert gave them good tips for improving their game through positioning, teamwork, communication, and making smart plays. It was a fantastic weekend, full of good questions and great ideas. The Polo Development team hopes to visit Meadowview Polo Club again this summer for a follow-up visit and see the progress of the Meadowview players.

USPA Clinician Jorge Vasquez visited Virginia Tech for a clinic with their growing polo team where Club President, Amanda Pezzuto, reached out to the USPA Polo Development Team. Amanda asked for a clinic that focused on developing skills in some of the newest players, while working with the rising seniors, who do a majority of the teaching. The clinic was an incredible success. Jorge worked with two groups of players on Saturday and took them through the game from start to finish. Beginning with foot mallets and emphasizing the line of the ball and right of way with a simple exercise allowed these new players to gain an understanding of the concept before trying it on horseback. Players then mounted up, and then worked on coached chukkers or strategy drills at the appropriate level.

Sunday was another busy day. Jorge led the Varsity group through riding and hitting drills, while many of the players from Saturday audited the session, observing Jorge’s tips and tricks. After riding and hitting drills, they took a quick break for lunch and a chalk-talk with the entire club, with Jorge answering questions about the basics and continued to reinforce the key points for playing safe polo. Finally, the Varsity players got their chance to play some coached chukkers with Jorge, where he took the time to explain positioning in real time, and stopping play to give directions on how to make a better play next time. Jorge raved about the club and commended this self-supported group on their success at Prelims this year. He also noted that they could benefit from some new tack, mallets, and foot mallets. Anyone interested in donating should contact Club President, Amanda Pezzuto apezzuto@vt.edu

Players from Red Hills Polo Club met with USPA Clinician, Robin Sanchez and learned new skills including riding for polo, hitting technique, and improving their approach to making plays on the field. Robin spent time reviewing rules with the whiteboard, got players on the wooden horse to give them tips for improving their swing, and worked with them on and off the field to improve their game. Red Hills Polo Club, under the direction of Kimberly Von Stade, is trying to grow their presence in Tallahassee. To follow and give Kimberly some support in that direction, Robin spent time going through the club consult procedure as well, giving her information on other available USPA programs, PDI and Instructors-Mangers Forum that Red Hills could take advantage of in order to focusing on growing their club and polo school.