| croquet Hoops | | | | the ball slip through. This variety is favoured by |
| Earlier, the professional game of croquet required a | | | | Omega and Aldridge. Omega uses offset rotatable |
| player to pass the ball through twelve croquet hoops. | | | | carrots to offer an adjusting mechanism to set the |
| Over the years the game has developed into a | | | | hoop gap correctly. Both traditional and modern |
| backyard activity as well as a professional sport and | | | | croquet hoops are used for tournaments and are |
| is enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. | | | | therefore more expensive. |
| This has resulted in the American six-wicket croquet | | | | Garden hoops |
| version which allows for only six hoops on the | | | | These croquet hoops have a wider gap, thinner |
| course. | | | | uprights, extended legs and no ‘carrots’. You |
| Traditional croquet hoops | | | | should opt for thicker uprights as they are more firm. |
| Championship croquet hoops are traditionally made | | | | A professional player may not favour the garden |
| from 5/8” diameter metal. They form a 12” | | | | variety especially for hoop running practise as hard |
| high hoop. The gape of the wicket is usually 3-3 | | | | shots get through quite easily. It is best for garden |
| 4” between the jaws. Generally the hoops are | | | | play. |
| painted white but they can also be of bare metal. | | | | Do you need extra hoops? |
| The first hoop usually has a blue top and the last | | | | The game of croquet relies heavily upon the |
| hoop a red one. The final hoop is commonly referred | | | | presence of the croquet hoops. Due to the fact that |
| to as the rover. You will find a carrot shape at the | | | | hoops are a means to score points and are |
| end of the hoop leg. These carrots are normally | | | | landmarks for positioning in the game, they do come |
| heavy and form a conical shape. Traditional croquet | | | | under fire often. It is not uncommon for a croquet |
| hoops are made from cast iron and have a rough | | | | hoop to be battered by the mallet of an over |
| finish. These are favoured by both Jaques and | | | | ambitious player attempting to get his or her ball |
| Townsend. | | | | through the wicket. If you are having a tournament |
| Modern croquet hoops | | | | with friends, you should Croquet Mallets as backups |
| These are made from welded steel bars and they | | | | just in case you happen to lose or break one. |
| offer a smooth finish. However, these hoops may let | | | | |