Association Croquet: 2024 courses
Tips and technique for higher bisquers
Tuesday 23 April 2024
This one-day course is for high handicap AC players who understand many of the basics but want now to consolidate and develop their game. We will look at how to build a break, with tips on ball positions and best use of bisques. We will also look at opening moves and tips for leaves and pegging out. The day will include a Shots and Strokes workshop. As much time as possible will be spent on the lawn, with plenty of opportunity for individual practice, help and guidance.
Cost: £38. Course code TTH. Course leader: John Harris
Back to Basics
Wednesday 24 April 2024
Getting the basics right can make all the difference to your game. This practical one-day course is designed to help you understand the principles of a good stance and grip, how to play roquets or clearing shots, and how exactly to master hoop running. AC and GC players will then be coached separately in shots specific to each game. The day will be largely outdoors and will offer plenty of opportunity to put principles into practice. The day is for both AC and GC players and is aimed primarily at players with handicaps AC 12+ and GC 10+. Get your technique right and start being a winner!
Cost: £38. Course code BB. Course leaders: Alan Locket and Penny Clark
Become a Croquet England Club-Level Coach
Saturday-Sunday 27-28 April 2024
This two-day course, led by the author of Complete Croquet, is for both AC and GC players aiming to develop their coaching skills and seeking Croquet England accreditation to coach within their own club. Coaches also find that coaching others can help them significantly develop their own game. To complete their qualification candidates go on to coach five sessions at their own club. You are expected to have a working knowledge of the Laws of AC or the Rules of GC. A subsidy of £25 per person may be available for Croquet England members: please discuss with the Course Secretary. Some Federations may also offer further support.
Cost: £70. Course code CC. Course leader: James Hawkins
Call THAT a four-ball break?
Tuesday 7 May 2024
This one-day course is aimed at AC players with handicaps in mid or lower double figures; players outside this handicap range who feel they might benefit from it will be considered on merit. The day will look first at the six core technical skills that underpin a well-managed four-ball break, with simple routines for ongoing practice. The day will then consider each hoop of the four-ball break in turn, looking at target positions of pilot ball, pioneer ball and pivot ball hoop-by-hoop and the strategic thinking needed to keep the break tidy and easy to play. As much time as possible will be spent on the lawn; a detailed booklet allows players to continue consolidating and developing their learning afterwards.
Cost: £38 (£35 if booked as a pair with Don’t leave me this way…, Wednesday 8 May). Course code FBB. Course leader: Sarah Hayes
Don’t leave me this way…
Wednesday 8 May 2024
This one-day course complements Call THAT a four-ball break and, like it, is aimed at AC players with handicaps in mid or lower double figures; players outside this handicap range who feel they might benefit from it will be considered on merit. The day will focus on what makes a good leave designed to make it tricky for your opponent and, if all goes to plan, give you an advantage in your next turn. Various leaves will be explored, together with how best to set them up. As with Call THAT a four-ball break the day comes with a detailed booklet. As much time as possible will be on the lawn, with ample opportunity for practice and guidance.
Cost: £38 (£35 if booked as a pair with Call THAT a four-ball break, Tuesday 7 May). Course code ACL. Course leader: Sarah Hayes
Next steps in Advanced AC
Friday 10 May 2024
This one-day course is for more experienced AC players who have investigated Advanced Rules play and now want to broaden and develop their understanding of this version of the game. The day will include a brief recap of Law 39 and the diagonal spread leave before going on to look in detail at other solutions for concluding the first break – the Old Standard Leave, the vertical spread leave and the cross-peg leave – and the three-ball break in the context of Advanced Play. As much time as possible will be on the lawn with plenty of opportunity for consolidating new learning through practice and individual guidance.
Cost: £38. Course code AAP. Course leader: Mary Knapp
Learn Short Croquet in one day
Tuesday 11 June 2024
This one-day course is open to players of both codes, but should appeal particularly to GC players who want their skills to give them a head start in Association Croquet. It is also for coaches looking for a straightforward way of introducing this accessible version of AC into their own clubs. The day covers distinctive aspects of the AC game including croquet shots and building a break; it offers a full introduction to Association Croquet and aims to help participants play with understanding and pleasure. The day will include guidance on how the skills of AC can be easliy learned, a supported game, and plenty of opportunity for individual help and guidance.
Cost: £38. Course code SC1. Course leader: John Harris
