Sharpen your swing at home with mallet casting

Dear all,

Whilst we are at home suffering croquet absentitus, it is a good time to sharpen up your swing skills. The linked video shows examples of the swings of top players. Nearly all cast their mallets before striking the ball. The process of casting the mallet does help many players achieve the following:

1. Improved aiming. After stalking the ball, casting the mallet in a smooth swing backwards and forwards over a ball can help a player review that the aim is correct. The mallet should cover the target at the top of the forward swing. The mallet should also pass over the centre of the ball.

2. Correct swing speed. The pendulum swing will assist you in getting the correct speed for the mallet at point of contact with the ball and can eliminate your tendency to add muscle to your stroke.

3. Follow through. Let the weight of the mallet swing freely. By letting the mallet swing freely through the stroke with straight arms, you are swinging from the shoulders. This will help the follow through of your mallet after you stroke the ball. Remember: stroke, not hit!

Check out the swings of all these young players and see if you can become comfortable casting.