How do I become a pétanque champion from start to finish?

The beginner basics to get started

OK, first of all, it’s pronounced, ‘pay-tonk’ in French and ‘pay-tanka’ in Spanish. It's definitely not called French Boules, as this is just a quirky made-up name which if you search the hashtag on Instagram will more likely show you images of bread.

Understand how to throw the boule correctly and the dimensions of the playing area known as a piste or terrain. For best results, watch the pro players on Youtube to see how they position themselves.

Learn where to stand when your opponent is playing. The best place is not next to, or just behind your opposition. Instead, go and stand at the other end of the piste whilst they are in the circle. Think of it how two batsmen in cricket keep at opposite ends. 

Learn about the equipment, including leisure vs competition standard boules, le but (small target ball) or jack in the UK.

The playing surface

Study the playing surface. Don’t be foiled by those who say “You play it on the beach”! Pétanque is played on a range of different surfaces. Mostly a hard surface with a light scattering of gravel thrown on top. The size of which can be dust, 5mm, 10mm, 20mm and even 50mm. Heck we’ve even seen a piste made with half house bricks.

The more you play on different surfaces, the better you get. Over time you learn how to avoid a big rock or use them to your advantage. If you say “I hate playing on that difficult piste with big stones, because your boule flys off anywhere, then you’ve already conceded. Have confidence, to embrace the challenge and learn. The more you stick with it the better player you will become. 

So many rules for a sport?

Familiarise yourself with the basic rules of pétanque. Ask your club or region for an official rule book. It’s hard to learn every rule and they do change so just do your best to absorb or ask when you need help. Why not decide to umpire a game if you don't feel like playing. This will help you are the players get better.

Get the right equipment

Invest in a set of quality boules that feel comfortable in your hand. The weight and size of the boules can vary, so choose ones that suit your playing style. Simply do some research online and talk to people who play for advice.

Note that if you stick with the sport, you will probably either buy a new set of boules every couple of years because you have become addicted. Or you will play with a beloved set forever. It really doesn't matter. The main thing is you just get playing.

Get yourself some kit. Your club should have an official sports kit. Remember we are not in a hot climate, so you’re going to need the club's jacket, ziptop, shirt and sport pants. No good just buying a shirt and then wearing it lost under a hoodie. One area pétanque traditionally lags behind other sports is kit, and it's so important to build a team mentality.

Find a club and space where you can play

Look for pétanque clubs or groups in your area as playing with experienced seasoned players can help you improve your skills rapidly. 

Competitive play

Don’t be put off by the word competition. Many say in their first year of playing “I’m not interested in competition” only to realise that a lot of these days are just structured sessions held at your club which are fun. Most are at another club and this is a great chance to travel and play at a different piste. Nobody cares if you come last because you will meet new friends and such a great day. 

Bad habits and showing respect for your opponents

Remember, don't fall into bad habits early on when playing and don’t just copy other people's bad habits. Bad sportsmanship include;

• Walking into the area where the boules have landed around the jack, when it's not your turn to play.
• Shouting to your opposition to ask them are you nearer the jack. It’s for you to go and have a look.
• Not standing with your partner or teammates as a group can harm the game's outcome for you. How can you talk tactics when you are not standing together? If there’s no teamwork or discussion you're not really engaged or invested in the game.
• Stand in a respectful place. The best place being at the opposite end when your opponent is playing. The swap when it’s your turn.
• No sudden movements or sounds. In fact this is a bit of a funny point. Although something like that can put you off your shot it's not straightforward. Decent players can zone out from sounds around them as they are focused on the job in hand. Movement can be off putting but the more we are expected to freeze like deer in the headlights it reinforces that everyone should stay still. Spectators or people not playing in your game do not have to freeze-frame whilst you play.
• Doing a flamingo impression when you throw and being on one foot. Remember, you should have both feet on the ground.

Be a part of your club and show up as much as you can as others will appreciate your commitment. Sadly, pétanque is a game full of individuals who come and go. That can be ok up to a point, however, the future of the game is that of a team sport where rival clubs go head to head.

Practice regularly, stay as fit and healthy as you can

Dedicate time to practice regularly each week. Focus on your throwing technique, aiming, and controlling the force of your throws. This includes throwing low and high, sometimes over barriers to get used to the different styles of play and build inner strength.

Work on your pointing (placing the boule close to the jack) and shooting your opponents' boules away. Plus, even shouting the jack or moving it with the boule as you will sometime need this skill in a game. A lot of women are put off from shooting as people think shooting is all about muscle. Instead, it's about technique. Accuracy and not power.

Training for up to 30-60 minutes two or three times a week means you will improve fast. You can go to a club on your own with a couple of sets and train. Equally, meet other on an adhoc basis and do drills then perhaps a game.

Pétanque requires a level of physical fitness, especially in terms of balance and endurance. Engage in exercises that improve your flexibility, strength, and stamina. Sometimes you can be playing 8-10 hours in a day. Remember to eat and rehydrate with the correct food and drinks. 

If someone calls it the “leisurely game of pétanque” then they haven't been playing it right!

Develop mental resilience to handle pressure and setbacks during games. Confidence, focus, and a positive mindset are crucial in competitive sports. As Ted Lasso says “Be a goldfish”. Forget the bad stuff in seconds and think about what you can learn from defeat. Alternatively, be humble in a win and show respect for your opponent. 

Understand the strategy to influence a win

Learn about different playing strategies, including when to point and when to shoot. Less experienced players can continue to try and shoot an opponent's boule as they are blinded by determination. They then have no boules to defend with and quickly lose the end or game as a result. Sometimes, if you have two shots and miss, it's often time to defend by pointing.

Understand the importance of positioning and angles in the game. It's not always about super close to the jack. If your opponent's boule is 1 metre away, yours can be 99cm away and still win the point. Just do enough to get closer than theirs.

Study games of experienced players to gain insights into advanced strategies. A good way to do this is to search for games on Youtube of professional players. Mimic the way they move around the piste, throw and communicate. Alternatively, partner up with other players with different experience. It’s tempting to team up with the same person but your missing out on learning. 

If you can, travel and play abroad

English football is different from South American football. It’s the same for pétanque. The rules may not change but the style of play might. Petanque is a massively popular sport, with big sporting federations behind it and millions of players worldwide. Go and participate in the famous Mondial La Marseillaise, enter events or find clubs whilst you're on holiday. This experience will make it an exciting and rewarding experience. Just turn up at a piste or boulodrome and challenge people to a game.

Remember that becoming a pétanque champion takes time, dedication, and a genuine passion for the game. Stay committed, keep learning, and enjoy the journey of improvement.