NEWS

Polo Development LLC (PDLLC) hosted an intensive Young Player Outreach (YPO) clinic November 5-6 in Aiken, South Carolina. Local and out of town players participated in the clinic including Mason Sease, Tess Pimsner, Vicky Friedricks, Josh Daniels, Parker Daniels, Malia Bryan, Sydney Jordan, Keahna DePaul and Ry Koopman. The clinic was designed for players looking to improve their polo game through skill-building drills, horsemanship, and strategy.

On the first day, the players participated in PDLLC’s performance analytics including getting their swings filmed and analyzed, exploring the angles of their wind up, body positioning and follow through, as well as timing to improve their hitting. The players also practiced bachsot, passing and ball control drills with Team USPA members Zach Grob, Connor Deal, Anna Winslow and Kylie Sheehan. Deal led a strategy session and Head Polo Instructor Liz Holson filmed participant’s swings to be analyzed. After their morning stick and ball session, they gathered to have lunch and discuss bits and common bitting issues that many people encounter with their polo ponies. In the afternoon, the players participated in a practice coached by former 6-goal player John Gobin. The evening activities consisted of the players watching the practice tape with Team USPA members. A discussion was held to talk about improving play for the next day’s practice.

The second day started with another practice coached by professional player Eddy Martinez. Martinez worked on opening up the play, using teammates and going to the man, then ball. The participants improved, backing the ball more often and making team plays. Following the practice, the YPO participants gathered at the Team USPA barn with Holson to discuss the USPA’s Body Condition Scoring (BCS), emphasis was put on determining a mount’s BCS and using BCS to analyze the effectiveness of a fitness and conditioning program. Sheehan then took the lead and spoke with everyone on understanding nutrition and establishing a fitness program for horses. Both Holson and Sheehan made a point to say, “what is normal for one horse is not for another, but establishing a consistent routine will help both you and your horses as you advance as a polo player.”

It was a great weekend and the PDLLC would like to thank the players, their families and everyone who contributed to making the weekend a success. If you would like to participate in a Young Player Outreach Clinic in the future, please contact Kylie Sheehan at ksheehan@uspolo.org for more information.