Defending a Penalty 2

The goal is undefended, so the shot is going in. Defending a Penalty 2 is about what happens next, not about stopping it.

The key points

Everyone stands behind the back line. You may not defend the mouth.
The instant it is struck the game is live, so be turned and ready.
If the hitter misses, you get a free hit from where it stops. Do not switch off.

Defending a Penalty 2, drawn on a polo pitch

In the app this play is animated, and you can spin the pitch and read the rule behind it.

See it move

See this play animated on the pitch, and test yourself on the rules behind it.

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Every rule here is stated in our own words, with short quoted extracts from the HPA Blue Book 2026 and Green Book 2025 and a link to the book itself. Polo Rules Test is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the Hurlingham Polo Association. In any dispute the published rulebook governs.