Association Croquet: 2023 courses
Power up your coaching skills!
Sunday 16 April 2023
Good coaches are at the heart of the development of croquet, and this one-day workshop is for experienced AC coaches wanting to refresh and improve their skills by exploring successful ways of coaching individuals and groups which they can then include in their own practice. As well as updates on the Laws, safeguarding, and other developments, the day will cover ideas in using visual aids in croquet coaching, group management and delivery skills, and different approaches to coaching common topics. There will be plenty of opportunity to share ideas and learn from others.
Cost: £35. Course code PC. Course leader: Roger Staples
One-to-one coaching with Cliff Jones
Tuesday 18 April 2023 – course full, waiting list in place
Start the season by booking an hour (or more!) of individual tuition with Cliff, one of the foremost croquet coaches in the country. Use the time to work on any aspect or aspects of croquet technique, mindset or strategy that you choose. This is open to both AC and GC players. Please contact the Course Secretary to discuss timings and costs.
Cost: POA. Course code C1. Coach: Cliff Jones
Strokes and strategy for developing AC players
Sunday 23 April 2023
This one-day course is aimed at AC players with handicaps in the 9-14 range; players outside this range may be considered on merit. The course will reflect the needs of the group, but will be desitned to help you promote your play to the next level by evaluating possitlbe moves in common situations, knowing which shot to play to achieve it, and, through Cliff’s tried and tested ‘how to’ checklists, developing the consistency neded for success. there will be ample opportunity to put into practice what is being covered and for individual help, guidance and support. A PDF of a comprehensive Handdbook by Cliff is included; printed copies will be available to purchase on the day at cost..
Cost: £35. Course code SSA. Coach: Cliff Jones
Back to Basics
Wednesday 10 May 2023 – course full, waiting list in place
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 for players of all abilities. Get your technique right and start being a winner!
Cost: £35. Course code BB. Course leader: Alan Locket
Move your AC to the next level
Wednesday 17 May 2023 – course full, waiting list in place
This one-day course is for players with handicaps around the range of 6-12 who are looking to consolidate their game and be ready for Advanced play. The day will explore the special characteristics of Advanced play and its implications for tactics, and look in detail at a standard Advanced leave and the moves needed to achieve it. More generally, it will also look at techniques applicable to both Advanced and standard play such as using corner cannons to advantage, digging a ball out of a corner, and ways of sustaining a three-ball break. The course should appeal whether or not you plan to proceed to Advanced play, and no experience of it is needed.
Cost: £35. Course code AC. Course leader: Mary Knapp
Become a CA Club-Level Coach
Saturday-Sunday 20-21 May 2023 – course full, waiting list in place
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 CA 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 CA members: please discuss with the Course Secretary. Some Federations may
also offer further support.
Cost: £65. Course code CC. Course leader: James Hawkins
Break building with bisques
Tuesday 23 May 2023
Playing good breaks, and using bisques wisely, are central to winning games. This one-day course is for higher-handicap AC players familiar with basic technique who are now looking to play more sustained breaks and understand how tomake best use of their bisques to do it. The day will include when and how to invest bisques to set up a break; bisque budgeting; identifying break opportunities and capitalising on them; and understanding where best to place balls to create a break and sustain it. Every opportunity will be taken to discuss how best to put what is being covered into practice on the lawn..
Cost: £35. Course code BRB. Course leaders: John Harris and Dave Hudson
Learn Short Croquet in one day
Tuesday 13 June 2023
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: £35. Course code SC. Course leaders: John Harris and Dave Hudson