Croquet Sets

Most children enjoy croquet from around six or seven, when they have the coordination to swing a mallet and follow simple rules. Jaques produces shorter, lighter junior mallets specifically sized for younger players. From eight upwards, many children can use a standard set alongside adults, making croquet one of the few garden games that genuinely works across generations.

Wooden mallets strike the ball cleanly and consistently; plastic heads flex on impact, which makes accurate shots harder and less satisfying. Beyond playability, solid wood handles well in the hand and ages gracefully rather than cracking after a couple of seasons. A good wooden set bought once typically lasts a family for twenty or thirty years, which makes it better value long term.

Consider three things: lawn size, player ages and how competitive you want to be. A four-ball set suits most family gardens and covers the standard game. If you have children under ten, look for sets that include shorter junior mallets. For serious play or larger groups, a six-mallet set with steel-wound balls and solid brass-capped hoops is worth the investment.

Mallet heads in ash or boxwood, hardwood shafts and balls that are either composition or solid wood are the marks of a set built to last. Hoops should be heavy gauge steel so they hold position in the ground without bending. Avoid sets where the mallet head is hollow or the hoops feel light; those rarely survive a full summer of regular play.

Keep the set in its carrying case or a dry shed between uses. Bring mallets indoors or under cover during prolonged wet weather, as standing damp will eventually cause shafts to swell or crack. A light wipe with linseed oil once a season keeps wooden heads and handles in good condition. Store balls off the ground to avoid flat spots developing over winter.

Croquet sets make excellent gifts for families, garden lovers and anyone who hosts outdoors regularly. When choosing as a gift, check that the recipients have a reasonably flat lawn of at least ten metres in length, as the game needs space. A four-mallet set is the most versatile gift choice, covering the standard four-player game without requiring a competition-sized lawn.

Garden sets are designed for informal family play on typical domestic lawns; mallets are often lighter, hoops slightly wider, and the rules relaxed. Association or full-size sets meet the standards of the Croquet Association and are built for competition play on larger, well-maintained lawns. Unless you are playing in club matches, a quality garden set gives you everything you need for years of enjoyable play.