Petanque FAQ
Below are the most commonly asked questions about Petanque. Please feel free to email us with any questions not answered here.
1. Where does the word Petanque come from?
When throwing a boule (the French word for ball), one should keep both feet fixed in one position. No run-up or stepping forward. In Provencal language, that's called "pieds tanques", from the verb "tanquer" i.e. to anchor or tie down. This marked the difference with existing bowl games in Provence, like "boule Provencale" and "boule Lyonnaise" where one takes a number of steps prior to throwing the boules.
2. What is the difference between Petanque and Bocce?
We are often asked what the difference is between bocce, the Italian bowling game and petanque.
• Traditional bocce is more of a bowling game, whereas petanque is more of a tossing game, like horseshoes.
• Bocce players take steps before throwing, petanque players stand still.
• Bocce balls are usually rolled palm up, petanque balls tossed palm down, so they get backspin upon release.
• Petanque balls are the size of an orange, hollow, and always made of metal.
• Bocce balls are larger and solid, about the size of a grapefruit, colored (green & red are popular), and generally made of resin or wood.
• Bocce has different variations as to court size and layout. The court should be smooth and flat; some rules call for wooden sideboards to make it an enclosed area.
• Petanque can be played on almost any terrain; most players actually prefer an uneven terrain to make it more challenging.
• The counting of points and game tactics are very similar between the two games.
• Overall petanque is more flexible (no need to find a court), and the equipment is easier to carry around. For the record, there is a variation of bocce ("bocce volo") where balls are delivered palm down and metal balls are used. The players' run-up in this one is spectacular, similar to "boule Provencale", the forefather of petanque.
3. What ages can play Petanque?
Anyone can play Petanque if they are able to hold and toss the boules. There are no age limits, although below age 10, you may need to purchase youth boules, which will not be allowed in competition.
4. What equipment do I need to play Petanque?
Eventually you will need a set of three boules and a cochonet (the target ball). for more detailed information, please see our Equipment page.
5. What if I want to come play, but I don't have any boules yet?
That's okay. We have several extra sets of boules on hand, for those wanting to try the sport a bit, and get a feel for which boules feel best, before purchasing thier own sets.
6. If I want to come play, where do you meet, and what do I need to bring?
We meet on Sunday afternoons, usually around 2:30, and we've recently found a lovely spot on Monte Sano at the park. (directions will be added soon) Bring any snacks, food (there are two grills where we'll be meeting, and plenty of shade), and drinks (cokes, juice, water, beer, wine, etc) that you want. And don't forget your boules!!
7. How do I know what size, weight, or pattern of boules to purchase?
Boules come in different weights, hardness, size and patterns. Pointers usually prefer a slightly heavier, smaller boule with more patterning, while shooters usually prefer a larger, lighter weight boule with little or no patterning. The best advice, however, is to select a boule you're most comfortable with. We have more detailed information on this on our Choosing Boules page.
8. What is a Pointer?
A Pointer (Pointeur) is a player who attempts to place their boule closest to the jack (cochonnet), or to place their boule in a specific strategic location. The three basic types of throw for a pointer are:
• The Soft Lob (Demi-Portée), where the boule is thrown in a moderate arc and lands halfway between the player and the target location. The higher the arc, the less the boule will roll forward after landing.
• The High Lob (Portée), where the boule is thrown in a vary high arc, preferably with backspin, to land nearly vertical less than 2 meters from the target and stop at the intended location.
• The Roll (Roulette), where the boule lands on the ground less than 3 meters ahead of the player then rolls to the target location
9. What is a Shooter?
A Shooter (Tireur) is a player who attempts to strike the opponent’s boule and knock it away from the jack. The three basic types of throw for a shooter are:
• Shot on the Iron (Tir au Fer), where the boule is thrown in an arc straight at the target boule, striking it directly on the metal. This shot is the most difficult, is used on uneven terrain, and may result in a bounce over the target boule if landing short of the target. When the boule remains in place of the opponent’s boule after impact, this shot is the perfect shot known as Carraeu.
• Short Shot in Front (Tir Devant), where the boule is thrown in an arc to land between 20 and 30 centimeters in front of the target boule.
• Ground Shot (Tir à la Rafle), where the boule is thrown low and hard, landing a few meters in front of the player and rolling to the target. This shot is legal and can be effective, but may not be highly regarded by other players.
10. Where can I get Petanque equipment?
We have links to several sites where equipment can be purchased on our Links page.
