In Russia there is a National Petanque Federation, although it is rather difficult to call this sport widespread. Playing it is quite interesting, especially since you can do it almost everywhere. Petanque rules require participation from two to six people, inventory is also needed. But there are no special requirements for the site. How to play?
Petanque story
Games with similar rules were known in ancient Rome and Greece. Somewhere in priority was the throwing distance of round stones or wooden balls, in other places accuracy was appreciated. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the game was forgotten for a while, but returned to the Middle Ages and quickly gained popularity. In the XVI century, it was even banned for some time, since it was believed that it was better for people to devote time to more useful archery and fencing, developing strength and dexterity.
Despite all the obstacles, the game was not forgotten and under various names still exists in the countries of the Mediterranean and Great Britain. Well, in its present form, it found a rebirth in French Provence at the beginning of the 20th century.
The secret of popularity is simple - petanque rules do not imply age restrictions and serious sports training. And you can play it almost anywhere - on grass, gravel, earth, sand. On the pavement it turns out worse, but also possible. The inventory is also simple - up to 12 balls, as well as a target called a coupon. If desired, shells can be made from improvised means, for example, to collect suitable pebbles. Of course, this will not be quite a petanque, the rules of the game will not be respected, but most likely it will still be a lot of fun. In France and Belgium it is almost a national sport, which everyone from small to large is involved in. In a word, it is not surprising that people continue to play petanque.
Rules of the game
Participants are divided into two equal teams, each of which receives the same number of balls. Then the lot is thrown: to whom to throw a coupon on the ground - a small ball acting as a target. The throw is made from a specially defined circle with a diameter of about half a meter.
The team that won the draw or the previous round is eligible for the first throw. Each time a projectile of one team lays closer to the coupon than another, a transition occurs. With the participation of 6 players, up to 12 balls are used - two for each. International rules provide no more than a minute per move, but when playing with friends this can be completely neglected. The goal is that after all the throws, the balls of one team are closer to the coupon than the shells of the other. This can be achieved, including breaking the enemy’s position or even moving the target.
After the end of the set, points are scored - measurements are taken. Players find out how far from the target the nearest ball of one of the teams is, and how many rival shells are closer to the coupon. The result will be the set score. Usually the game lasts up to a set of 13 points. In general, the rules are very similar to curling, except that the site is not covered with ice, and the target is mobile.
Coupon
Translated from French, this word means "piggy". It is usually bright, because it should be clearly visible from the throw circle at a distance of 10 meters, relatively small - only 3 centimeters in diameter, and made of wood, that is, quite light.
The coupon and throw ball are very different both in size and weight in favor of the latter. According to international rules, the coupon can be moved during the first throw or as a result of subsequent actions of the players, but only due to interaction with the shells of the teams. It is forbidden to carry it manually. And if the target is off-site, it is taken out of the game.
Balls
Petanc has strict requirements for the shells that players throw during the game. Firstly, they should be metal, and secondly, be in diameter from 7.04 to 8 centimeters. Moreover, their weight is from 650 to 800 grams. It is forbidden to wet, heat or otherwise affect the surface of the ball. They should not be worn, but logos or, for example, player’s initials can be applied to them. As a rule, teams use balls of different colors to be clearly visible from the circle.
Strategies
There are 3 main game techniques that do not prohibit petanque rules.
- Place your balls as close to the coupon as possible. This is the simplest, but sometimes the most effective tactic. If the goal is this, then it is easiest to achieve it that way. You can defend your positions in various ways, for example, by placing your balls behind enemy shells. But this technique can be combined with another.
- Knock out balls of the opponent. This tactic requires some experience and understanding of the laws of physics. Nevertheless, this technique can be very productive if all approaches to the target are closed.
- Knock out the coupon. As a rule, this only works if the opponents have no balls left and their positions are well protected. Otherwise, such a move could result in a crushing defeat.
So, petanque rules are pretty simple. To achieve success, you only need to gain experience and develop an eye. And who knows there? Maybe very soon this game will become an Olympic discipline?