You Will Win In Croquet if Your Master These 3 Shots
Learn the three shots that form the foundation of winning croquet. An expert guide to the strategic lag, the controlling roquet, and the confident hoop run.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Reg Bamford is, to many, the greatest croquet player of all time. His record is unparalleled, and his technique is the stuff of legend. It can be tempting to chalk up such dominance to innate genius, but the reality is far more practical, and far more useful for the aspiring player.
In the following video, watch Bamford hit the peg from half-court sixteen consecutive times. It is an extraordinary display of consistency. Pay attention not just to the results, but to the process.
It’s mesmerising. But what’s the secret? How does someone achieve that level of precision?
As we've learned from the coaching of top players like Mary McMahon, the secret isn't a secret at all. It is the relentless, disciplined perfection of a simple, repeatable routine.
Bamford’s 16 perfect shots are not 16 different acts of perfect play;
his 16 shots are one perfect process, executed 16 times.
To help you learn from this masterclass, here is a four-point checklist of what to watch for.
1. The Identical Routine
Watch the first three shots, then skip ahead and watch the last three. Notice that his pre-shot routine—the "stalking" of the mallet—is a carbon copy every single time. The way he steps away to the side, visualises the shot, and approaches the ball is identical. He is neurologically programming the shot to feel exactly the same, removing any variables before the swing even begins.
2. Minimalist Movement
Observe his upper body during the swing. There is no dramatic twist or lunge for power. His torso remains quiet and stable, acting as a simple, solid platform for his arms to swing from. All the power is generated through a clean, pendulum-like motion, not through body rotation. This minimalist approach eliminates a huge source of potential error.
3. The Stable Foundation
Look at his feet. They are planted in the exact same square position for every shot. His weight is perfectly balanced between them. This creates an unshakeable foundation. By locking in his lower body, he ensures that the only thing moving is the mallet, swinging on the exact same plane, time after time.
4. The Still Head
This is the golden rule in action. Just as Mary McMahon teaches, Bamford's head remains absolutely still throughout the swing and, crucially, after the ball has been struck. He does not look up to see the result. He trusts his process, completes his follow-through, and only then lifts his head. This discipline is the final piece of the puzzle that guarantees the mallet follows the intended line.
This video is the ultimate proof that greatness in croquet is built on a foundation of absolute, unwavering consistency. The goal is not to have a hundred different shots, but to have one perfect, repeatable routine that you can trust under pressure.
Build Your Own Routine with an Expert Coach
Watching the best is inspiring, but building your own consistent routine requires expert feedback. A coach can analyse your setup, swing, and follow-through to help you eliminate variables and build a process you can rely on.
Book a coaching session today to develop a more consistent and confident game.
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