Tip 23: Under-the Neck Shots - Ok, you want me to hit the ball in front of my horse’s galloping front legs? I thought you said we weren’t supposed to hit the horse’s legs? Make up your mind, which is it?
Hitting a successful neck shot, or rather hitting the ball as opposed to the legs of your horse requires three things:
1) Preparation & Timing
2) Starting your swing up front from the side of your horse’s head
3) A little more commitment up onto your horse’s neck
4) Sinking deeper into your heels as you move further up the horse’s neck.
You want to be making contact with the ball well forward of the horse’s chest, about underneath or just to the side of the horse’s head. That means you need to prepare early and begin your swing well before you arrive at the ball.
The most common problem players have is they begin their swing like they are taking an off-side forehander, starting the mallet from either behind them or from their hip. You have to force yourself to put your arm to the front of your saddle, just alongside the horse’s head and neck and slightly to the side to whichever side you will be swinging.
You need to get a little help from your horse’s neck with a little shorter rein and lean a little more forward.
However, you need to sink a little deeper in your leg so that you do not lose your balance. This is a swing that you should swing a little easier on until you get more confident for the safety of both you and your horse.
Finally, you need to be careful with your follow-through. You do not want to hit another player or their horse accidentally. This shot is a good one to develop at a walk and trot initially, and then move to your faster speeds.
