Stories & Tips
News, guides and stories from the world of pétanque and boule.
Mastering the Tire Shot: Pétanque's Most Spectacular Move
The tire — shooting an opponent's boule out of play — is pétanque's most dramatic skill. Here's how to develop a consistent, accurate tire technique.
Choosing Your First Set of Boules: A Practical Guide
With hundreds of boule models on the market, buying your first set can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise and helps you choose based on how you actually play.
Spring Is Here: How to Get Back on the Court After Winter
After months of cold weather and indoor life, pétanque season is back. Here's how to warm up your game, avoid early-season injuries, and make the most of the first weeks back on the terrain.
The Cochonnet: Why the Little Pig Rules the Game
The cochonnet — pétanque's small target ball — looks like an afterthought. It's anything but. Understanding how to place the jack strategically transforms your game.
Five Pétanque Courts Worth Travelling For
From the original boulodrome in La Ciotat to a hidden gem in a Berlin park, these five courts offer experiences that go well beyond the game.
Pointing Techniques Explained: Roulette, Demi-Portée, and Portée
Most beginners know they should 'point' boules near the jack, but few know there are three distinct techniques — each with different situations where it excels.
How to Organise a Pétanque Tournament: A Complete Guide
Running a tournament is one of the best ways to build your local pétanque community. Here's a practical guide to formats, logistics, and the small details that make a day memorable.
Pétanque Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules That Matter
Pétanque has official rules, but the game runs on unwritten ones. Knowing them makes you a player others want to compete with — and against.
Building a Backyard Pétanque Court: From Lawn to Piste
You don't need a club to have a court. A proper pétanque piste in your garden costs surprisingly little and can be built in a weekend with basic tools.
Women in Pétanque: How the Sport Is Changing
Pétanque's image as an old men's game in shaded squares is giving way to a more inclusive reality. Women's participation at every level is growing — and changing the sport.