Sorrento Croquet
There are at least four types of games played today, combining elements of chess (strategy) and pool (execution) played on grass. The first is the more traditional 9 wicket game that you might have played in the backyard. The second is "golf croquet," the simplest and easiest version to learn and the game played by the overwhelming number of players today in the US. The third is "association croquet"—the game most commonly played everywhere in the world, except the US.
The fourth is so-called "American rules" or six-wicket croquet—the game most often played on the courts in Sorrento and Woodlawn in Ellsworth.
One of the main reasons the founders of Sorrento's beautiful court—led by Fofie Van Winkle and Gavin Watson—worked so hard to get the court built several years ago was because the game can be learned and played by people of all ages, men and women, and can be fun and interesting for retirees from the golf course or tennis court.
What is Croquet?
What Do I Need to Get Started?
How Can I Learn the Game?
On the equipment side, all you need is a mallet and sneakers or shoes without heels.
There are several mallets available in the green box on the porch of the shed near the court, or you can go to the U.S. Croquet Association website and find recommended mallets for purchase online.
The court will be set up all summer so there is no need to worry about the wickets. The balls, clips, timers and "deadness boards" are all available on the porch as well.
Each week clinics are available to teach how to play both golf and six wicket croquet.
Instructors are drawn from experienced Sorrento players. Each week there will also be an "exhibition" game played by some of the better players from Sorrento and Woodlawn. You can learn a lot about the game by just watching.
Finally, you can take advantage of learning from one of the best instructors in the country, Bob Kroeger, who will be in Sorrento this summer to conduct clinics and to teach private and semi-private lessons.
Watch this site and the bulletin board at the court for further details.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES FOR PLAYING CROQUET
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Maintain 6 feet of distance between players
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No more than 6 people on the court at a time
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Limit of 3 people in the Cabana at any one time.
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All players will use a VIA mallet for the season. See Bob W. to get a mallet. Each player is responsible for their own mallet care and cleanliness. Do not share your mallet with anyone else.
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Do not touch the deadness boards; use the end of the mallet instead.
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Conventional clocks are not to be used. Games should be timed on someone’s watch or cell phone.
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Balls should be disinfected at the end of each use.
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Wipe and hand sanitizer is available court side.
