TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Reg Bamford’s 16 Perfect Peg Shots Can Teach You About Croquet

We break down world champion Reg Bamford's 16 perfect shots to reveal how a simple, repeatable routine builds legendary consistency.

Croquet Queensland Media

Aug 15, 2025

Reg Bamford is widely considered the greatest croquet player of all time. But what makes him great isn't some mystery. It's visible in every shot he plays.

In this video, Bamford hits the peg from half-court sixteen consecutive times. Watch the process, not just the results.

As Mary McMahon teaches, consistency comes from a simple, repeatable routine. Bamford is the proof.

These aren't 16 different acts of brilliance. It's one process, executed 16 times.

Here's what to watch for.

1. The Identical Routine

Watch the first three shots, then skip ahead and watch the last three. His pre-shot routine is identical every time. The way he steps away, visualises the shot, and approaches the ball doesn't change. The shot feels the same before his mallet moves.

2. Minimalist Movement

Watch his upper body during the swing. No twist, no lunge. His torso stays quiet and stable. All the power comes from a clean pendulum motion, not body rotation. Less movement means fewer things to go wrong.

3. The Stable Foundation

Look at his feet. Same position every shot. Weight balanced evenly. His lower body is locked, so the only thing moving is the mallet, swinging on the same plane every time.

4. The Still Head

Just as Mary McMahon teaches, Bamford's head stays still through the swing and after the ball is struck. He doesn't look up to see the result. He finishes the follow-through first. That's what keeps the mallet on line.

Sixteen shots. One routine. That's the lesson.