Learning to hit the long ball?

[spits]

I'd love to find someone who could help me with my swing technique and teach me how to hit the long ball. I recognize that it will take more than one lesson and it's all a (long) process, but if there's someone (especially in the Midwest) who would be available to help me get started I'd very much like to learn. If there are annual clinics that teach this, that information would be great as well.

Any tips, drills, links, exercises etc. would also be much appreciated. Thanks everyone!

[Polodude]

I think this is something hard to put down in words but,,,, here goes.
First hands on lessons are needed for someone to look at the mechanics of your swing. Hitting the long ball to most people is not just a matter of strength, it is a matter of proper technique. The biggest problem I see is players trying to hit the ball too hard. A well hit ball just "feels" right. We have all seen young kids and players who are not that strong who just have a "natural" or well trained swing and hit a nice ball. Yes there are big guys who also hit the heck out of the ball. NEVER get between Tommy Biddle and where that ball is going
There are plenty of videos that will help you with the idea of a good swing. Tom Goodspeed has a very good series of tips and videos.
http://www.polobarn.com/goodspeed/goodspeed.html
Watch good players and their positions thru the swing. The extension and smoothness of the swing. How they follow thru with the swing.
If you can have someone video you from the front AND side. watch the arch of your swing. the plane of the swing should not waver, think of it as a pendulum. Control is more important at this point than power when learning.

[spits]

Thanks so much for the advice - I will see if I can get someone to video my swing and watch my technique. I have read Tom Goodspeed's polo tips before, but after reading your advice I went and re-read some of his articles and picked up some things to work on. Thanks so much for the help - I'll keep working on it!