What is the line of the ball in polo?

The line of the ball is the path the ball is currently travelling, extended in both directions. A ball that stops generally keeps its previous line, while a change of direction establishes a new line — which can change the right of way.

Applies to: outdoor and arena polo.

Outdoors, a missed attempt that puts a dead ball into play establishes the line in the rider's direction of play.

In the arena at a free hit, the initial line runs from the ball to the center of the goal when play is called; a miss preserves that line, a hit establishes the actual shot direction.

At an arena bowl-in, the line begins when the ball leaves the umpire's hand, and any later direction change immediately establishes a new line.

Based on the USPA 2026 rulebook, Outdoor Rule 23, p.76; Arena Rule 11, p.138. Read the official rules at uspolo.org. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPA.