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One-Ball Strokes

Of these, after the roquet, just described, the most important is THE RUSH, which is simply a roquet played hard, so as to send the roqueted ball to some distant spot where the croquet may be taken to greater advantage than it could be if the ball were merely hit gently. This apparently simple feat is found very difficult by some beginners, from the liability of the striker's own ball to jump over the other when hit so hard. To avoid this, care must be taken not to hit down onto the ball, but low down, and if possible slightly under its centre, and a sharp tap must be given. A good deal of practice is often required before this stroke is thoroughly mastered. When the player can rush in a straight line, he may try rushing at an angle, or the "cut," as it is called, so as to send the object ball to one side or the other, as may be desired. If, for instance, it be desired to rush the ball to the left, the right side of it must be struck by the striker's ball. This of course can only be attempted at comparatively short distances.

THE LEAPFROG OR JUMP STROKE is useful for making one's ball jump over a ball or hoop which intervenes between it and the one to be roqueted. This is done by standing a foot or two to the left of your ball and striking down on it very sharply, just the opposite, it will be observed, of what is done in the rush.