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Croquet is a fun and engaging game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It combines strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck to create a unique and exciting experience. Played on a grass lawns the size of 2 adjacent tennis courts, it involves hitting 500g balls through metal hoops using a mallet.

 

Mr Dennis Wilson and Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, and photo at right, with members of Coutts Crossing and guests

Some history

Imported from Ireland to England in the 1850’s, croquet was able to be played in gardens, and benefitted from the invention of the lawnmower in the 1830’s. It was able to be played by men and women together and was a demonstration sport at the 1900 Olympic Games. Particularly popular with women, it has spread to over 29 countries around the world, and is a very accessible and egalitarian sport. 
There are four variations played around Australia today.


Association Croquet

The traditional game, dynamic and mentally stimulating for all ages. In each turn a player positions the balls to make points for their side while restricting their opponent’s chances of doing the same at the end of the turn. Have a look at this video from Bassington Croquet Club for a detailed description.



Golf Croquet

Golf Croquet is the fastest growing version of Croquet due to its simplicity to learn and play. There is however, a certain amount of strategic skill required to be successful. Points are scored by running a hoop and the player or pair that wins the most hoops is declared the winner. Check out this video from Toronto Croquet Club for more information.

 

Gateball

A fast-paced, non-contact, highly strategic game played by 20 million people across the world. The game lasts for 30 only minutes, and the winner is the side with the most points at the end of the game. Check out this pamphlet: Gateball for Beginners from the Gateball Australia website.

 

Ricochet


Developed in Australia as an introduction to Association Croquet, this game enables players to continue a turn through ricochet shots off other balls. This longer variation is popular in NSW and Queensland in particular. Have a look at this video from Toronto Croquet Club for more information.