Run the round

How to play Guard the Hoop

Step 1

Practice croquet path-clearing without crowding.

Step 2

Judge the guard result against the scoring rule before anyone resets.

Step 3

Reset the guard setup, rotate evenly, and stop at the agreed finish condition.

Guide details

Run it cleanly

Scoring

How the result works

2-8 players, about 15-45 min at Lawn Course. Pick turns, keep croquet scoring visible, stop at target.

Example: Practice croquet path-clearing without crowding.

Host tip

Keep it clean

Moving the start mark or changing score values after play begins. Keep one score card for the full round.

Safety: Keep the target lane and follow-through area clear, retrieve only after the attempt ends, and use venue-safe equipment.

Best for

Who it fits

2-8 who want a 15-45 min round.

Energy

Pace

Low

Board Croquet

Category Croquet

Best for 2-8 who want a 15-45 min round.

Players 2-8

Time 15-45 min

Gear Croquet mallets, balls, wickets, and stake

Space Lawn, garden, or marked croquet course away from glass and roads

Energy Low

Setup Start from Croquet Board and tell the group the activity is Guard the Hoop.

Twist it

Variations to try

Quick mode: play one short timer round, record the result, then decide rematch or switch.
Team mode: split into two teams and rotate turns so mixed skill stays playable.

Moment fit

Use it in these hubs

Guard the Hoop also fits these setup-first pages when the group starts from the situation instead of the board.

Basketball court games

Group share

Send the setup

We're playing Guard the Hoop from Studboards. Practice croquet path-clearing without crowding. Fits: Players: 2-8 | Time: 15-45 min | Gear: Croquet mallets, balls, wickets, and stake Safety: Keep the target lane and follow-through area clear, retrieve only after the attempt ends, and use venue-safe equipment. View Idea: https://www.studboards.com/sports/croquet/croquet-guard-the-hoop.html

Guard the Hoop

Quick start.