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.

Pointing — placing your boule close to the cochonnet — sounds simpler than shooting. In practice, it demands a refined feel for distance, terrain, and spin. The three classical pointing techniques offer different tools for different terrain conditions.

La Roulette

The roulette is the simplest technique: you release the boule low to the ground with minimal backspin, allowing it to roll most of the way to the jack. The release point is close to the ground — some players barely lift the boule before swinging.

When to use it: Flat, compacted terrain with no obstacles between you and the jack. The roulette is fast to execute, repeatable, and consistent on good terrain.

The challenge: Any bump, hollow, or loose stone in the path changes the boule’s trajectory unpredictably. On uneven terrain, the roulette gambles on clean ground.

La Demi-Portée

The demi-portée (half carry) lifts the boule higher — roughly to half the distance between you and the jack. The ball arcs through the air, lands midway, then rolls the rest of the way. You apply moderate backspin to control the landing and minimise rolling.

When to use it: Terrain with an obstacle or rough patch in the first half of the path. The demi-portée carries the boule past the problem area and then relies on the cleaner ground closer to the jack.

The challenge: Judging exactly where the ball should land requires practice. Land too close and the boule rolls too far; land too far and you risk landing in rough terrain you were trying to avoid.

La Portée

The portée (full carry) is the most demanding pointing technique: you loft the boule high through the air and land it as close as possible to the jack, applying heavy backspin to stop it quickly. At its best, a perfectly executed portée drops within 10–15cm of the target and stays there.

When to use it: Rough terrain throughout, or when a friendly boule already near the jack must not be disturbed. The portée also works when there’s a gap between obstacles that you need to thread.

The challenge: High arcing throws require precise release timing and strong wrist action for backspin. Inconsistency is more punishing: a slightly mis-timed portée can overshoot dramatically.

Choosing the Right Technique

Read the terrain between you and the jack before deciding. Ask:

Is the ground flat and clean all the way? → Roulette
Is there a rough patch in the first half? → Demi-portée
Is the entire path rough, or is there something already near the jack? → Portée

Most intermediate players default to one technique and use it in most situations. Expert pointers switch techniques mid-game depending on what the terrain demands — sometimes even switching between ends of a three-game match if the terrain changes.

Understanding where the cochonnet is placed is just as important as choosing your technique. Our article on the cochonnet and jack strategy explains how your opponents will exploit terrain to make your pointing harder.

Practice Drill

Mark three target zones at 7m: a landing zone at 3.5m, one at 5m, and the cochonnet itself. Practice each technique by trying to land consistently in its intended zone. Once you can repeatably hit your target zone, link the technique to its game situation and you’ll have a genuinely versatile pointing game.