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Croquet requires, among other things, mental acuity and skill. In Association Croquet, in particular, a certain amount of physical dexterity is required to control two balls to execute one’s strategy.
Although at top level, golf croquet can be a contest between big hitters, a conservative, positioning player can certainly be competitive. Physical strength is not necessary in croquet, hence its attractiveness across the age spectrum.
And, as an outdoor sport, croquet provides lots of social interaction out in the fresh air making it more fun than a lonely stroll in the park.
View John Hutchison's tips and tricks on his Youtube channel.
When mention of croquet is made in old publications, this is the form of the game that is being referred to.
A common set of rules for competitive croquet was established in 1871 and tested at the All England Croquet Club at Wimbledon. These rules largely apply today in Association Croquet. One of the most “important” rules in 1871 was that “the proper size for a croquet ground has been variously estimated at from one hundred yards by sixty yards to thirty yards by twenty-five yards”. Thankfully, for matches, a regular size of forty yards by thirty yards was mandated. (In modern croquet, the lawn measures 35 yards by 28 yards.)
The object of Association croquet is to run both balls belonging to your side through 12 hoops in order and hit the centre peg before your opponent does. Like the game of snooker, players can create breaks and skilful players can start and finish a game without their opponent hitting a ball. A result of 26-0 to the victor is in no way a poor reflection on the loser.
Players play ‘croquet’ shots where two touching balls are controlled in their movement around the lawn through a strike of the mallet on one of the balls, and ‘roquets’ where one ball is hit onto another. It is the level of control of the balls that defines the skilfulness of the player.
Golf croquet is a more recent variation of the game of croquet. Its popularity has overtaken that of Association croquet as it’s a simpler game to learn and more social as the players are on the lawn together.
Gone are the “croquet” shots of Association croquet. The game of golf croquet is characterized by single ball shots. Players alternatively place their balls in front of hoops and “run” the hoop when its their turn, that is, if they have not been hit away (cleared) by their opposition.
Top level golf croquet can be hard hitting and dangerous for unwary players and spectators.
