Croquet was first invented in 14th century France, and it continues to be popular to this day. There are now over 350 croquet clubs in North America to choose from but before getting started, it is important to have the right equipment. Matthew Minarik explains why a quality croquet mallet is vital to the game and how to choose the best mallet for you.
What to Look for in a Croquet Mallet
Croquet involves hitting sets of different colored balls through hoops on the ground by using a mallet, so it is no surprise that having a high-quality mallet is vital to playing well. No one wants their mallet to break or fall apart in the middle of a game. Discussed below are the most important items to note when shopping for a mallet.
Weight
The weight of a mallet is important because it affects how a strike plays out from a player’s swing. The typical mallet is two to three pounds although it can be lighter or heavier, depending on preference. Something to note is that lighter mallets are great for delicate strokes, but they are not great with long shots.
The head weight of the mallet is the most important, but make sure that it is not too heavy. A player should be able to swing the mallet easily without feeling like a struggle.
Length
The length of a croquet mallet will vary based on the height of the player. There are a few ways to determine the best length.
- Find a mallet that’s obviously too long. Adjust the grip to a height that feels comfortable and that will be the length that is best for the individual player.
- A general rule is that the length of a croquet mallet should be the distance from the wrist to the ground when the arm is hanging by your side. Add one inch to this and that should be the ideal length!
The length always includes the head and goes to the tip of the handle. It is best to aim for a longer mallet because the handle can always be cut shorter. It is harder to add length to a too short handle!
Head Length
The head length of a mallet should be nine to ten inches long for beginners. As a player gains more experience, then the length can be increased. Longer mallet heads might seem easier because there’s more space to hit a ball, but it adds additional weight, which can cause an unconscious turning of the wrist.
There are also two different shapes to choose from: a round head or a square head. More serious players tend to use square heads because it reduces the head width and makes it easier to line up the head with the hoops.
Mallet Head Protection
If someone is serious about playing croquet, it would behoove them to get end-faces or ring bindings for the mallet head. This helps to prevent wood splitting and ensures that the mallet lasts a long time.