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Croquet is a satisfying sport utilising tactics and touch in equal measure. It combines strategy and precision and is a bit like snooker on grass or a combination of chess and golf. Croquet can be enjoyed by all ages and sexes on an equal basis.

For an example of croquet played by an expert see this video.

This site collects together information concerning Association Croquet in over 700 articles and presents coaching information intended for both complete beginners and world champions.

There are two main forms of croquet: Association (or International) Rules croquet and American Rules croquet. The majority of the tactical information on this site is for the Association Rules game.

See Croquet World Online, for American Rules information.

How to use this site.

The main information categories are shown in the menu on the right. If you are looking for a specific piece of information use the Search function. If you would like to browse the site click on the Map button by the search box on the right.

Please note external links open in fresh windows hence you may need to permit pop-ups. The menu strip on the right of the pages will not be printed out if you print a page.

New Coaching Articles

Two new articles attempt to collect pieces of wisdom which will benefit improving players.

The first is "Rules of Thumb" - general things to do or avoid from 'joining up in the middle of the lawn' to 'avoid making your last hoop off partner ball', and much more. Some of the advice will go against general coaching, e.g. don't run hoops to length, and there is one "never!" (Really never!!!!!) Mostly it identifies weak and strong tactical moves.

The second is "Defensive Play". Most coaching trains people to attack and build breaks. But what to do either when the break is not there to be built, or you are playing on thin ice at some time in a turn? This does not appear to be collected elsewhere in the literature. Sure, there are articles on defensive openings or leaves, but no collection of prudent manoeuvres outside these times. This article like the last gives little cameos of judicious play at any time in a turn.

Whilst the individual entries may be brief, hopefully they will prompt the reader to seek more information.

AI has a Lot to Learn About Croquet

A rabbit run? Giving Microsoft's DALLE-E 3 (AI image generator) the phrase "rabbit running through a croquet hoop" produced the images above. It has no concept of a croquet hoop! It was no better if "wicket" (American name for a hoop) was substituted. Click on image for larger version.

"The Sun is Shining; I'll have Red & Yellow or Pink & White"

Do croquet balls get significantly bigger on a hot day? Some certainly get hotter than others. Two papers cover the topic:

• Thermal Expansion of Croquet Balls
• Solar Heating of Croquet Balls - II

Virtual 3D Croquet Lawn

Oxford Croquet's research laboratory is pleased to offer its state-of-the-art coaching aid. This is a 3D lawn which can be rotated and zoomed in real time as standard manoeuvres are demonstrated with a commentary. It is much easier to understand these lines of play from the animations rather than a stack of diagrams.

End of the Home Advantage?

Modern technology can map out the bumps on croquet lawns from the air. The use of LIDAR data for investigating the topography of croquet lawns was investigated.

Complete croquet books online

• Plus One On Time: Croquet Tactics from novice to medium ability players by Don Gaunt.
• Expert Croquet Tactics: Keith Wylie's book is the bible of Association Croquet strategy for A-class and International players.
• Croquet Management: Classic tournament management manual by two very experienced managers, Gaunt and Wheeler.

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