How to Play Old-Fashioned Lawn Games
What better way to celebrate summer vacation than by playing some old-fashioned lawn games. Badminton, croquet and horseshoes have been entertaining families for years. These games are not only fun, but quick and easy to set up during your next summer BBQ or picnic. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 2 rackets
- Birdie (shuttlecock)
- Net
- Croquet hoops
- Croquet balls
- Croquet mallet
- Eight horseshoes
- Two metal stakes
- Copy of scoring guidelines for horseshoes
Instructions
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Play Badminton
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1
Set up a net in the middle of the lawn. It should be a level area away from any low tree branches or power lines.
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2
Each player should stand on either side of the net in opposite corners.
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3
The first player should serve with an underhand swing.
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4
If a player hits the birdie out of bounds or misses it altogether, the server gains a point or the receiver gets to serve.
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5
The first player to reach 15 points wins.
Play Croquet
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6
Set the 6 hoops into the ground according the chart that comes with the set.
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7
Assign each player a colored ball and mallet.
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8
Take a turn trying to hit the ball through each hoop. The first player to get their ball through the hoop gets a point.
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9
Move on to the next hoop once someone has hit their ball through the previous hoop.
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10
Win by getting the most points at the end of the match.
Play Horseshoes
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11
Set up the metal stakes 40 feet apart.
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12
Divide players into teams of two.
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13
Toss a coin to decide which team will pitch first.
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14
The first player throws two horseshoes, followed by the second player on his team.
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15
Once both teams have played, they swap playing ends.
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16
The first team to reach 21 points wins.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Croquet can be played either individually or in pairs.
Scoring for a match of horseshoes can be complicated. Beginners should keep a copy of the rules handy as they are playing.
"Official" horseshoe games have pits dug around the stakes. There is no reason you can't just play on your lawn, sans the gravel and dirt.
