|
Who thinks that croquet
is only for wealthy and upper-class people? Do you know
that playing croquet is cheaper than playing golf?
Croquet has proved to be excellent fun
and a great international sport for all ages. Despite its
image of being played by elite classes or older people,
this sport has serious enthusiasts from all backgrounds
and ages looking for fun. It’s a wonderful game to spend
with family and friends. Everyone can play together even
your nana!
If you are thinking of buying a croquet
set, this guide is definitely for you!
Introduction to Croquet.
It is believed that the Irish, who played
a similar game called Crookey, brought the game to England.
John Jaques introduced the game of Croquet at the “Great
Exhibition” of 1851 and began selling complete croquet sets.
It quickly became a very popular sport amongst the society
and it was found in most of the Commonwealth countries.
John Jaques sets still remain the most popular croquet equipment
today.
Nowadays, croquet is a well-developed sport,
with recognized clubs and associations, and is played competitively
in over twenty countries. It can be played strictly socially,
with family and friends, or competitively. If your aim is
to become a professional player, competitions are held at
every level.
There are many variations of croquet but,
every one of them, share some basic similarities. The most
popular versions are the Association Croquet and the Golf
Croquet. Although, the World Croquet Federation also recognises
short croquet, two-ball croquet, U.S. six-wicket croquet
and U.S. nine-wicket croquet as competition variations.
You can play in your garden or backyard,
in the park, in croquet lawns, or wherever you find a flat
piece of grass!
Why Play Croquet?
It might not be a physical sport that requires
strength and muscle but it exercises the mind! If you are
still unconvinced of the benefits of Croquet read further.
-
Croquet is a great tactical
sport.
-
Strategy and discipline
are important aspects to the game. Players must plan
strategies well in advance.
-
It’s excellent to exercise
the mind. Results depend on skill, tactical
ability, judgment and intelligence.
-
Even though it does not have much
of a physical benefit, it is found an excellent sport
for older players as you exercise walking about for
three hours.
-
Croquet is fun,
laid back and easy game; and you can
drink refreshing smoothies while you play!
-
It demands good manners for all
the players and spectators.
-
It offers equal opportunity
as men and women of all ages can play together.
-
It can be played socially
with friends and family or competitively;
locally nationally or internationally.
-
Injuries are unlikely to happen.
Equipment specifications
First of all, you must decide what you
want the equipment for. Are you going to play occasionally,
with family and friends? Or are you considering playing
at competition levels? Croquet can be played at many different
levels. Therefore, the equipment used by players varies
in price, weight, quality and size.
There are four balls:
red, black, blue and yellow. The regulation balls are 35/8
inches of size and weight 1lb.
The mallet is the essential
piece of the equipment. The typical weight is approximately
3lb. The classic ones are made of wood with cylindrical
heads. Basic mallets have approximately 9’’ long heads but
you can find smaller heads that are perfectly suitable for
garden play. For competition purposes the heads tend to
be rectangular with hard synthetic end-faces. Shafts can
be made of wooden, fibreglass, carbon fibre, metal or nylon.
Hoops. They come in different
materials but the best are made of solid cast iron and they
set rigidly in the ground.
To make your live easier, we have found
that the most popular Croquet Sets makers are:
George Wood Garden Croquet Sets
John
Jaques Croquet Sets
Townsend Garden Croquet Sets
Our Recommendation
For high quality croquet sets at competitive prices we recommend
SweatbandOutdoors.co.uk.
No matter what your requirements are, Sweatband Outdoors
are sure to have what you are looking for.
Below are just a few of the best deals on offer:
| Entry
Level |
 |
|
With
this John Jaques Set we guarantee hours of fun for the
little ones. It includes 4 smaller size hardwood mallets
33'', mid-size set of 4 balls, hoops, winning post and
simplified rules.
For more information please click HERE. |
 |
John
Jaques Richmond Set - £179 |
|
This quality entry level croquet set is an excellent
choice for those looking for a relaxing afternoon
playing croquet with some friends!.
For more information please click HERE |
| Tournament
Sets |
|
The
Croquet Association Set (4 player) - £449
|
The most popular of the Wood mallets
Croquet sets made for the croquet connoisseur who
appreciates fine equipment and is looking for the
highest quality product.
For more information please click HERE. |
 |
John
Jaques Hurlingham Set - £1,699 |
An
elite competition set with 2 Colonial and 2 Laser Tuftex
L.V. mallets. It also includes association hoops and
hoop drill flags, Championship balls with carrying bag,
winning post, yard line pegs, clips, ball markers and
smasher. Perfect to play in style!
For more information please click HERE. |
|