Croquet: Many people around the world enjoy popular game

FIND A HOBBY

MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD ENJOY POPULAR GAME

Try it in your back yard with 2-4 players

by Harleena Singh, Staff Writer

In croquet, players use a mallet to hit wooden or plastic balls through hoops or wickets embedded in a grass playing court. People of both genders and all ages play croquet. Many Americans, adults and children alike, play nine-wicket croquet in public parks and back yards across the United States. Six-wicket croquet, a complex sport played at croquet clubs all over the world, requires only four balls and two to four adult players.

In the United States, three forms of croquet are played: International Association croquet; American six-wicket croquet; and American nine-wicket croquet. All three forms use the same equipment and lawn, but nine-wicket

NEW PLAYER TIPS

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Find a natural, comfortable grip.

Research the correct grip and posture.

Swing the mallet in a pendulum motion.

Avoid swinging from your wrists.

Keep your head down while swinging.

You may spoil the shot if you raise your head too early.

Don’t lean too far forward.

Position your feet so the mallet can be drawn back without striking your ankle or foot.

CROQUET continued from Page 5 croquet has nine hoops or wickets and two pegs or stakes. A simplified version of Association croquet is golf croquet, which is also played in many countries. National Croquet Day is celebrated June 5 in the United Kingdom.

Almost anyone can play croquet, including those in wheelchairs and those who use walkers. Croquet has therapeutic benefits for people with dementia. It gives participants the benefits of social engagement, cognitive stimulation and physical exercise while having a good time. James Creasey founded Jiminy Wicket, a Colorado-based nonprofit that introduces the game to Alzheimer’s patients in longterm care facilities and senior centers. According to Creasey, croquet is the ideal sport for people suffering from dementia. The four balls are easy to identify because they are different colors. The grass on a croquet lawn is flat so the ball goes in a straight line and leaning on the mallet helps with balance. Moreover, croquet is low cost and intergenerational.

“For me, the social factor is a huge part of my attraction to the game,” said Tom Teater, who regularly plays in the annual Henry Clay Croquet Tournament at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate in Lexington. “The slower pace of croquet really allows players the opportunity to talk and enjoy the company of friends. I enjoy the competitive aspects of the game. The size of your opponent doesn’t matter on the course; it is all about skill and commitment to practice time.”

But even as he competes, Teater experiences a Zenlike calm. “I find croquet to be very relaxing,” he said. “It is one of the few times I find myself totally relaxed, playing with friends and being outdoors on a beautiful summer afternoon.”

About the Author:

Harleena Singh is a professional freelance writer and blogger who has a keen interest in health and wellness. She can be approached through her blog (www.aha-now.com) and Web site, www.harleenasingh.com. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

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ALMOST ANYONE CAN PLAY CROQUET,

INCLUDING THOSE IN WHEELCHAIRS AND THOSE WHO USE WALKERS.