Gateball is an outdoor ball game, also known as croquet. On the flat ground or lawn, the ball is hit over the iron gate with a mallet. Gateball originated in France, and was introduced to Britain in the13rd century, Italy in the17th century, and then to the United States. Introduced to China in 1930s, it was only used as a game class in yenching university. Gateball originated in Japan in 1948, and was popularized as an activity for the elderly in 1970. Gateball occupies less land, saves money, is very safe, has simple technique, short competition time and small amount of exercise, and is suitable for middle-aged and elderly people to do physical exercise.