The Equipment  Need to Play Pétanque

The Boules

Buying boules to suit you.   It is quite possible that you may have never played pétanque before and do not own a set of boules or you may already own a set of boules. It is also very likely that you will eventually want to buy a set you consider more suitable as your game develops.

If you have the opportunity, try using boules of different sizes and weights and get  feel” for what is suitable for you. The information provided in the section will help in that decision.

Categories Of Boules

There are 2 categories of boules.  These are:

1.Competition Boules

These vary in size from 70.5 mm to 80 mm in diameter and between 680 gms and 800 gms in

weight and are sold in sets of 3. (These must be identical). They must be  made by manufacturers  recognised by the Federation Internationale de Pétanque et Jeu  Provencal

                            Leisure Boules

These are boules without weight or identification code markings and vary in size and weight from manufacturer to manufacturer. They cannot be used in certain Pétanque  competitions. 

Both leisure and competition types of boules have different types of pattern, although some boules have no pattern at all. The groove pattern affect  your grip on the boule, the spin  as you throw, and the way it rolls on impact. It also differentiates your boules from the others player!. In the general , the smopother surface the smoother  it leaves thehand; the more striation , the easier it is to grip and the  more it grips the ground.

If  you roll the boule or are a pointer, you should choose one with more striation; if you throw the boule, you should choose a smoother surface. The groove patterns assists in distinguishing which boules  belong to which plsyer when it is time to add up the score. For this reason most leisure sets are sold in groups, 3 or 2 boules each with 1, 2,3 or 4 grove

Boule Marks

If you want to play in tournaments the boules must have specific marks clearly visible. This includes:

1.The manufacturer's trademark (e.g.; JB, Obut, Boule Bleu, Integrale, etc.)

2,Identification number, e.g.; E9 weight, e.g.; 700.

3. optional engravings of a player or team's initials, name, or logo, all of which help in identifying your    own boules during a match.  As potentially you could have all competitors in a match using boules    that have the same pattern, these markings are very important in distinguishing each player’s boules.     Leisure boules do not have these markings.

Steel Types And Hardness

Competition boules are also made from different types of steel.  Some are stainless steel or steel alloy,  which don’t rust others are normal steel, often chromed.  Leisure boules are usually mild steel and will rust.

Both types of steel are tempered to different degrees of hardness that is measured in kilograms per millimetre (kg/mm).  The softer the steel the less rebound when your boules is hit by another boules.

A.Hard boules 130-140 kg/mm.

 These are:the most durable and will last for many years of constant use making them excellent as a practice boule,

1.good for pointing on smooth and softer surfaces,

2.Not generally used for shooting, and

3.very “lively”, as they do not absorb shock as well as softer boules and tend to rebound easily.

B. Semi-soft boules (120-125 kg/mm).  These are:

1.Reasonably durable, having a lifespan of between 2-5 years,

2. Good for most surfaces, and

3.Good for shooting as they absorb shock well.

C. Soft boules (110-115 kg/mm).  They are:

1.Not durable and may need replacing after on a yearly basis.  Can also give off splinters when used on terrains with large, rough stones,

2.Good for most terrains, and

3.Good for shooting and pointing on hard stony grounds when pointing using a high “lob”,

as they absorb shock very well.

Note:    The lifespan of the boule is dictated by it’s ability to retain it’s shape and by taking proper care particularly with regard to rust.

Selecting The Right Boules For You When choosing the boules to for yourself to use you must consider:

1.Your Strength And The Weight Of The Ball.

The weight of a boule affects how accurately you throw, how tired you get, and how the boule  reacts on impact. In general, the heavier the boule, the less it moves after impact; the lighter the  boule, the easier it is to throw. A boule that is too heavy for you will tire your arm faster and cause you to throw short of your target; a boule that is too light, may cause you to overthrow  your target. If you roll the boule, you should choose a heavier one since they take a straighter path

 2. He Size Of Your Hands And The Diameter Of The Boule

      The diameter of a boule affects how much control you have and how comfortable you feel

 throwing it.  If the boule is too small or too large you will have less control when throwing it   and your hand will tire out more quickly.  In general, the smaller your hand, the smaller the   boule.

3.  Whether you are a “shooter” or a “pointer”

     Pointers usually prefer smaller, heavier boules and shooters usually prefer larger, lighter ones.

4. The Surface You Usually Play On If you play on a hard, rocky surface for example, you may choose a “soft” boule for less rebound

5.  How often you play

     If you play every day you may choose “hard” boule for durability.

6. How much you can afford.

7.Whether you are likely to enter competitions or not.

A compromise must be found to suit each individual. Observation indicates that 680-710 gm - 73-76 mm boules is common among shooters and 720/740 gm - 70-73 mm is common among pointers.

Caring For The Boules .

1.After playing on grass - wipe clean and keep dry.

2.After playing near beach or putting them away for a few weeks - wash in fresh water, dry and  wipe with light oil (unless the boules are rustproof).

3.If you are putting the boules away for longer - wash in fresh water, dry and wipe with light oil then    wrap in a dry material.  Store in a dry place.

4.Boule Engraving. Most of our semi soft and Soft boule can be engraved with your name

( up to 15 Characters ) or your initials 

Other Equipment

1. Cochonnet

The cochonnet must be entirely made of wood (or the newly approved VMS resin) and with a diameter in the 25 mm - 33 mm range. It can be painted any colour. The bright fluorescent colours work very well as they are easily seen at a distance, even in low light conditions.

2.Measuring Devices

Measuring the distance between the cochonnet and the boules is an important part of the game. When measuring always set your device from the centre of the boules and cochonnet. There are a number of devices that can be used.

3.Tape Measure

A standard 3-5 m measure is a good size and convenient to carry. There are special pétanque

tape measures with a small “lug” on the tape measure body for placing against the entre of the
boules.

4.String Marker

This device is often supplied with leisure boule sets and whilst not the easiest to use or most accurate is handy nonetheless. It consists of 2 plastic ends each with a split that a piece of string passes through.

6.Telescopic (“Car Aerial”) Measure

The telescopic measure is a very handy and accurate device for shorter distances.

7.Calliper Measures

The most accurate for short distances. Throwing Techniques and Tactics