Croquet

Croquet is a sporting game that is a favorite pastime and hobby as well as a competitive sport in other areas of the world. Basic croquet involves using a mallet to hit plastic or wooden balls through these hoops that are strategically placed through a grassy playing area.

Various versions of the game of croquet have been around for several centuries. However, what most of us know today as croquet was developed in the early 19th century in Ireland. Its influences include golf and cricket and the elite class often played it. And while the game found its way around the world, it does not have as big a following as it does in Europe.

If you want to know how to play croquet, you have to understand that there are two basic versions of the game – competitive croquet and association croquet. Other variations do exist such as golf croquet, America six-wicket croquet, backyard croquet and a few more that are rather specialized and not widely played. Croquet rules differ for each variation so you would have to look up the official croquet rules for that particular variant. However, with casual play, some people end up making up their own rules or play cut-throat style, trying to be the first person to get through all the hoops in a croquet court. In other places like France, the sport of croquet is more popular and there is even a special renowned club called Croquet Dauphinois which caters to the sport.

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If you are in the market to play croquet, besides knowing the rules, you will need a croquet set. Croquet sets vary but the basic gist is that there are six croquet mallets as well as six croquet balls. Each croquet mallet is made out of wood and the croquet balls could be made out of wood or durable plastic. Include in a croquet set are nine wire hoops also called wickets that are pounded into the ground. These are the typical croquet supplies you will need.

Now, if you were competing in a croquet sporting competition, you would likely be wearing all white with flat soled shoes that will not disturb the green grass on the court. However, if you are in your own backyard, anything you want to wear is fine! The basics of this popular pastime are easy to grasp. Before you know it, you could be hitting those croquet balls through those hoops like a pro.