A regulation croquet mallet is 36 inches (90 centimeters) long, and players who are tall enough to use a mallet that size comfortably are urged to do so. Because croquet is played on dense grass, hitting the ball harder makes it roll straighter and this is generally beneficial to any player's game. Mallets do come in all sizes though, and players who cannot use a regulation mallet comfortably can still play well and enjoy the game.