In its early days in Victorian England croquet was a game for the wealthy but competition from other sports - most notably tennis - the onset of two world wars, and a century of social change forced the game to adapt. Modern croquet is an intricate game of strategy, played socially within clubs and competitively at national and international level. The object of the game - to guide two balls round a circuit of loops - has changed little over the years but tactically, croquet has become much more complex, elaborate and fascinating. Complete Croquet is a comprehensive guide for the aspiring and improving croquet player. It deals with the basic skills, and how to avoid and eradicate common problems, as well as providing an in-depth coverage of modern tactics. The author focuses on the building blocks of break play, examining in detail how each element works before bringing it all together. There is advice on how to repair a bad situation when everything has gone wrong, how to exploit a good situation when everything is going well, and how to regain the initiative when the opponent is storming ahead. Whether your interest is in developing an understanding of top-class, championship-level tactics, in improving your play at handicap level, or even in just playing at home, Complete Croquet will prove to be invaluable. AUTHOR James Hawkins started playing competitive croquet in 1985, at the age of 17. He has played for many years at championship level throughout the UK and is qualified as an official handicapper, tournament referee and championship manager. James has held the title of the Croquet Association's Coach of the Year, has served on the CA,s National Coaching Committee, and now has responsibility for the training of new coaches around the country. He spent four years as editor of the Croquet Gazette, the official magazine of the Croquet Association, and is co-editor of the online magazine croquetworld.com SELLING POINTS . An authoritative and comprehensive guide to this intriguing and intricate game of strategy. . Essential reading for those interested in playing croquet at any level particularly the aspiring and improving player . Covers the basic skills as well as an in-depth coverage of modern tactics . Superbly illustrated with 195 colour photographs and diagrams . James Hawkins has been playing competitive and championship level croquet for over twenty-five years and held the title of the Croquet Association's Coach of the year ILLUSTRATIONS 195 colour photographs and diagrams *