Croquet has a reputation for being complicated. It isn't. At its heart it's a simple idea: use a mallet to knock a ball through a series of hoops, before your opponent does the same. Everything else is just detail you pick up as you play.
We play golf croquet — the quick, sociable version that almost everyone starts with. The rules are short, the game moves fast, and you'll be competitive in your very first session. Here's everything you need to know.
Simple croquet rules: the game in five steps
- Pick sides. Two players (each plays two balls) or two pairs (each player plays one ball). Blue and black play against red and yellow.
- Take turns in colour order: blue, red, black, yellow. One shot each, then the next colour.
- Everyone aims at the same hoop. The first ball through it, in the right direction, wins that hoop.
- Move on together. As soon as a hoop is won, all balls play for the next one.
- Most hoops wins. A full game is 13 hoops, a short game is 7.
The aim of the game
In golf croquet, every player aims for the same hoop at the same time. The first ball to pass cleanly through that hoop wins the point, and then everyone moves on to the next hoop. The winner is the player or team that wins the most hoops — usually a game of 7 or 13.
It sounds simple, and it is — but golf croquet rewards a bit of tactical thinking, which is why skill and cleverness beat brute strength. That's also why it's one of the very few sports where players of any ability can compete as genuine equals.
What you need (spoiler: nothing, to start)
When you come to one of our taster sessions you don't need to bring a thing. We provide the mallets, balls and hoops, and someone will show you the ropes. For the record, a standard set-up uses:
- Mallets — one per player, used to strike the ball.
- Balls — traditionally four: blue, red, black and yellow.
- Hoops — metal arches set into the lawn that you aim to pass your ball through.
- A centre peg — the post in the middle of the lawn; the colour order of play is printed on it so nobody loses track.
Golf croquet rules (the version we play)
Golf croquet is quick to learn because the rules are short:
- Everyone plays for the same hoop. All players aim at the same hoop at the same time.
- One shot per turn. Players take turns in the colour order (blue, red, black, yellow) — one stroke each, no extra shots.
- First through the hoop wins it. The first ball to pass cleanly through scores that point, and then everyone moves on to the next hoop.
- You can block and clear. Because you only get one shot, a lot of the fun is in positioning — knocking an opponent's ball away from the hoop, or guarding your own line.
- The winner is the player or team that wins the most hoops (typically 7 or 13).
That's genuinely the whole game. It's quick, sociable, and you'll be playing within minutes.
Key croquet terms
- Running a hoop — successfully passing your ball through a hoop in the right direction.
- Clearing — knocking an opponent's ball away from the hoop so they can't score it.
- Blocking — positioning your ball to guard the hoop or your own line of play.
- Jump shot — lifting your ball over another to clear the hoop (one for later, but fun to watch!).
Golf croquet vs association croquet
There are two main ways to play croquet. The equipment is the same; the rules are not.
- Golf croquet: everyone plays for the same hoop, one shot per turn, and the first ball through wins the point. Games are quick and easy to follow, which is why most people start here and why it's the game we play.
- Association croquet: each ball runs the full course of hoops in order, and a good shot earns you extra shots, so skilled players chain them together into a long "break". It's slower and more strategic, and hugely rewarding once it clicks.
If you've heard croquet described as "golf but with a hammer", golf croquet is the version people mean: like golf, you're racing to get your ball through each target in as few attempts as possible.
Croquet for beginners: how to actually get started
Reading about it only gets you so far — croquet is best learned with a mallet in your hand. With South East Community Croquet, getting started is simple:
- Register your interest online (it takes about 30 seconds).
- Come along to a free taster session at your local group in Dunmore East, Passage East or Cheekpoint.
- Turn up and play — we provide the equipment and show you the basics.
How to aim and hit a croquet ball
Hitting a croquet ball well is about a straight, smooth swing rather than strength. These are the basics we show everyone at their first session:
- Grip: hold the mallet with both hands near the top of the shaft, knuckles of your top hand facing forward. Keep the grip relaxed.
- Stance: stand behind the ball, facing the target, with your feet either side of the line you want the ball to travel along.
- Line up from behind: before you settle, look from behind the ball to the target and pick a spot just in front of the ball on that line. Aim the mallet at the spot, not the far target.
- Swing like a pendulum: move from the shoulders, keep your wrists firm and let the mallet swing straight back and straight through.
- Watch the ball, not the hoop: keep your eyes on the back of the ball until after you've hit it, then follow through towards the target.
- Running a hoop: get your ball straight in front of the hoop first. From an angle it will usually bounce off the wire, so a short positioning shot often beats a long hopeful one.
A few quick tips for your first game
- Stand square to your shot. Line your body up behind the ball, facing where you want it to go.
- Swing, don't jab. A smooth, gentle pendulum swing controls the ball far better than a hard hit.
- Think one shot ahead. Where does this shot leave you for the next hoop?
- Don't worry about getting it wrong. Everyone misses hoops. It's a friendly game and good company is the whole point.
That really is enough to enjoy your first game. The rest you'll pick up on the lawn — and we'll be there to help.
Croquet questions beginners ask
What is the game where you hit balls through arches called?
That game is croquet. Players use a wooden mallet to hit balls through hoops, which are small metal arches set into a lawn. The most popular form for beginners is golf croquet.
How many people can play croquet?
Croquet is played by two people or by two pairs. In singles each player plays two balls (blue and black against red and yellow). In doubles each player plays one ball.
How long does a game of croquet take?
A game of golf croquet usually takes under an hour. A short 7 hoop game is quicker, while association croquet games can run for several hours.
Is croquet hard to learn?
No. Golf croquet only has a handful of rules and most beginners are playing a proper game within minutes. Skill and tactics matter more than strength, so people of all ages and abilities can play together.
Do I need my own croquet set to start?
No. At our free taster sessions we provide the mallets, balls and hoops, and show you how to play.
Where can I play croquet in Waterford?
South East Community Croquet runs free sessions in Dunmore East, with groups forming in Passage East and Cheekpoint. Register your interest at secc.ie and we'll be in touch.
Fancy giving it a go?
We're running and forming community croquet groups across the Waterford coast and welcoming members of every ability. It's free, and no experience is needed.
Register your interest