GC America

from 2022 Croquet News Volume 4: Essick Interview

Let’s Talk Tactics

A Simple Practice Concept for Players and Instructors

By Cheryl Bromley

Every time we step on the croquet lawn for a game, the opponent typically will be one of three types of players: One who is more skilled and experienced, one who is less skilled and less experienced or one who may be equally matched with our playing level.

We all have our various ways of practicing to increase our skills as well as methods of teaching to help students improve, and I’d like to add one more option that you may or may not have tried.

Quite simply, play all four balls in a practice match against yourself. Or, if you are teaching, have your student play all four balls rather than competing against you and discuss tactics and shot selection along the way.

Practicing against oneself is beneficial in many ways:

1. You know your “opponent’s” (your) game well and know what goes on in “their” (your) head.

2. Playing all four balls requires you to think ahead and consider what each ball might do when it becomes its turn.

3. Because you are playing against yourself, you are equally matched and, naturally, will push yourself to do well.

After all, you’ll have continuous attempts to execute your shots.

The next time you get on the lawn to practice, I encourage you to give this a try and add it to your regimen. If you also teach croquet, you might recognize what an eye-opener this can be for your students.

What’s Been Happening and What’s Ahead in GC?

As we transition into the fall and winter seasons, I thought I would share some of the things I’ve experienced and take a look forward to the exciting events on the horizon. Golf croquet is firing on all cylinders just like a Matthew Essick jump shot! What an exciting time we find ourselves in.

Player Development Training Program: Thanks to the efforts of Michael Albert, Jeff Soo, David Maloof, Damon Bidencope and others, I may be remiss in mentioning, this new program has really gained traction and is making great strides in developing young talent and generally enhancing players’ abilities with world-class coaching. I had the privilege of participating in a training weekend at Peachtree Hills Place in Atlanta, Ga., and found it to be so beneficial to have such great support from the coaching staff. By the way, playing at Peachtree Hills Place is like playing in the courtyard of a castle. What a beautiful place.

First Midwest GC Regional: The Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club played host to the first-ever Midwest GC Regional at its beautiful ScissorTail Croquet Club. Players were treated to first-class hospitality, beautiful weather and fantastic croquet.

Milwaukee Croquet sees record growth: We added 35 new members this year to my home club roster in Milwaukee, Wisc., and expanded our weekly league offerings and other player opportunities. Also, a few more of our members joined the USCA. We are having fun on the shores of Lake Michigan!

Chesapeake Bay Club expands to 24 lawns: It was an absolute thrill to be at the dedication of the new croquet lawns in Hartfield, Va., on October 19, making it the largest croquet facility in the world. On the heels of a successful women’s boot camp, the Big Oyster tournament was held, which drew 40 men and women with a number of players making the trip from Toronto. Brothers Sherif Abdelwahab and Ahab Dincer battled it out in the final with Abdelwahab taking home the Big Oyster Singles Title with his tremendous shot-making.

Without skipping a beat, the Women’s International Friendship Cup was held featuring 38 women from around the country and featured our honored guest, Abeer Mostafa from Egypt.

For all the upcoming croquet schools and tournament happenings, including the USCA GC Club Teams in December at the National Croquet Center, check out the calendar on the USCA website, www.croquetamerica.com.