Where can I play?

While it’s possible to set up a court on any reasonably flat patch of grass, croquet is a much better game played on a regulation court with the right kind of grass. Indeed, there’s really no comparison. If you live in the US, please contact us or the USCA for more information on the croquet clubs in your area.

Where can I get a copy of the rulebook?

There are three different games that are played on the regulation croquet court. Rules for all of these are available online. If you join the USCA you will receive the American Six-Wicket rulebook. You can also buy American Six-Wicket and Association Croquet rulebooks from the USCA.

Online rules:

• American Six-Wicket Croquet
• Association Croquet (aka “International Rules”)
• Golf Croquet Rules

Have the rules been translated to other languages?

A good place to start your search is the World Croquet Federation’s list of member associations.

What about that shot where you put your foot on the ball?

The foot shot is not a part of the modern sport of croquet. Don’t worry; our game offers a much wider variety of shots than does the backyard game.

Where can I take lessons?

Croquet NC occasionally offers clinics. The USCA runs three-day “schools” at its headquarters in Florida several times each winter. Check the croquetNC calendar for more information on these clinics.

The Pinehurst Resort has a full-time croquet and lawns sports professional. There are other players who give instruction on a more informal basis. Please contact us for more information.

What equipment do I need?

Most croquet clubs supply all of the equipment you will need to get started. You also need suitable shoes (flat soles, more or less) and appropriate clothes (what is appropriate depends on the club). A broad-brimmed hat is an excellent idea.

If you play much you will want to purchase your own mallet (see below). To play in tournaments you will need white clothes. Tournaments do not stop for rain, so rainwear is also an excellent idea.

What kind of mallet should I buy?

A proper “class A” mallet is the only kind of mallet you should use on a regulation court. Mallets from informal sets, even the higher-priced sets sold at Brookstone and other such places, are too light and flimsy to use with regulation croquet balls on a full-size court.

You should play for a while before buying a mallet. If possible, get an expert’s opinion as to the proper mallet weight and shaft length for you. These depend on your height, your grip and stance, and your own preference as to what feels right.

Good basic mallets can be purchased new for less than US$100. Fancy ones can cost upwards of $500. Many expert players use basic mallets, so don’t feel that you must buy “the best”.

Where can I buy equipment?

Two good places to look are the National Croquet Center Pro Shop and Oakley Woods websites. In most areas where there are croquet clubs there are also small independent mallet makers—ask other players what they are using.

What’s with the white clothes? Are you all housepainters or hospital orderlies or what?

Tradition doesn’t have to be logical. We wear whites for tournaments because that’s what croquet players do. For casual play most of us don’t.

Last modified on 2 March 2017