How to Play

Why should you play croquet?

Croquet is an ideal way to spend a summer’s afternoon. It provides some gentle exercise without being too strenuous, it is suitable for all ages, it involves a combination of mental and physical skills, and it is possible to socialise while you are playing (unless, of course, you are getting very serious about the game!).

It’s also one of only a handful of sports where men and women play on an equal footing. Plus, anyone can play, whether disabled, young or retired.

What equipment do I need to play croquet?

Fixed club equipment typically consists of one or more lawns each measuring 35×28 yards of closely mown grass with six cast-iron hoops set firmly in the ground and a peg in the centre.

Each game needs four balls weighing about a pound and at least one mallet of about three pounds to propel them. The width of the hoops varies depending on the players’ skill level. For international competitions, the hoop can be just 1/32 inch wider than the diameter of the balls in order to make the game more of a challenge for the best players.

What if I want to play in my garden?

If you’re thinking of taking up garden croquet, you’ll probably want to buy a garden croquet set. Bundles like these are a great way to get started with the sport as they include everything you need to play, such as the mallets, balls, hoops, pegs and clips.

Is croquet a summer sport?

Croquet is mainly a summer game but it is not just played in sunny, warm weather. It’s played all year round in many clubs, as long as fierce weather, such as thunder, lightning, or pooled water or snow, does not interfere with gameplay. A few lucky clubs can continue playing on an indoor carpet.

Floodlights are used at some clubs in other countries – such as in Australia and Egypt – to extend the playing day, but these are uncommon in the UK.