LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Readers are reminded that the views expressed in the letters pages of the Gazette are those of the authors only, and not those of their clubs, unless specifically indicated.
AC COACHING RESOURCES
As someone who is a provisional Club Level Coach, part way through completing my 5 follow-up coaching sessions, I am absolutely staggered to discover that I cannot find any reference to Roger Mills’ book – Bisques, Breaks & Beyond (BB&B). As far as I know, it is the only book that meets the needs of new and improving AC players. And it is the only resource in any form that gives a clear, simple, formulaic solution to the questions 'when should I use a bisque?', 'how many bisques should I use?', and 'how should I use them to build a 4-ball break?'.
It still surprises me that there is no mention of it on CqE's coaching pages, and it is not even mentioned among the list of additional resources on page 45 of CqE's AC Coaching Manual for Beginners! Given that CqE has long recognised the need to revitalise AC and the significant role that coaching needs to play in that effort, I just don't understand why CqE has not promoted the book. In researching all available AC coaching material towards my planned coaching courses, I am always drawn back to
Roger’s book, which is packed with examples to get you thinking, followed by workable exercises and solutions that follow on. The diagrams are impressively clear and on the same page as the accompanying text. The e-Practice Pack, which can be downloaded to a phone or tablet and taken on lawn, is a unique bonus. Come on Croquet England, give BB&B the status, recognition & promotion it deserves. Andy Wilson-Chalon – Chester & Bowdon Croquet Clubs
AC COACHING RESOURCES RESPONSE
Andy Wilson-Chalon is of course quite correct to draw attention to Roger Mills’s Bisques Breaks and Beyond book, first published 2024. It supersedes his earlier book on the subject and has quickly established itself as a "go-to" book for developing AC players. This is not only for its clear and original analysis of how to use
bisques to maximum effect, but also for the additional material in the new edition on honing four-ball break skills. The online AC Coaching Manual – Beginners, has already been updated to include Bisques, Breaks and Beyond in the section on further learning for students and coaches. Meanwhile, Roger’s book is advertised through the
Croquet England Shop and is readily available there, with a small discount for CqE subscribers. John Harris on behalf of the Croquet England Coaching Committee
GC RULES
Being in the jaws of an odd numbered hoop is perceived as being a disproportionate advantage - really ? Surely it's one of the game's best tactics? The whole point of being able to jaws a ball (especially in an odd numbered hoop), is to get to the next hoop ahead of your opponents (who at that point can only go half-way). This is surely one of the best advantages in the GC game, whether in level or handicap play. How could you ever determine if someone had got into that position intentionally (malice aforethought), by a happy accident (luck) by a partner ball by the opposition or by not following through on a hoop run (bad luck or incompetence) ?
It's a very valid tactic and a clear advantage, being only countered by a jump shot, a promotion of a partner ball to behind the hoop to thwack out said ball or by snuggling up to the nestled ball to make the next shot very awkward. You could also use your partner ball to knock it through to run the hoop (although generally I do not advise this unless the opposition is in a position to clear the nestled ball as it usually results in a hampered shot). Sandra Guildford
Club Level Coach and Membership Secretary at Woking, Surrey
www.croquetengland.org.uk | 7
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