Equipment to Play Petanque

Buying boules to suit you

It is quite possible that you may have never played petanque 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 to you personally as your game develops. If you have the opportunity, try using boules of different sizes and weights and get a ‘feel’ for what is suitable for you.

The information provided in the section will help in that decision.

Two 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 Petanque et Jeu Provencale (F.I.P.J.P.).

2. 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 Petanque New Zealand tournaments.

Boule patterns

Both leisure and competition boules have different types of patterns, although some boules have no pattern at all. The striation pattern (stripes or grooves) affects your grip on the boule, the spin as you throw, and the way it rolls on impact. It also differentiates your boules from other players.

In general, the smoother the surface, the smoother it leaves the hand; the more striations, 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 striation pattern assists in distinguishing which boules belong to which players when it is time to add up the score. For this reason most leisure sets are sold in groups, 8 or 6 boules each with 1, 2, 3 or 4 striations.

Boule marks

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

1. the manufacturer's trademark (eg JB, Obut, Boule Bleu, Integrale,etc)

2. identification number, eg E9

3. weight, eg 700.

4. 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 players 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, which is measured in kilogram per millimetre (kg/mm). The softer the steel the less rebound when your boule is hit by another boule.

Hard boules (130-140 kg/mm)

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

2. good for pointing on smooth and softer surfaces.

3. not generally used for shooting.

4. very 'lively', as they do not absorb shock as well as softer boules and tend to rebound easily.

Semi-soft boules (120-125 kg/mm).

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

2. good for most surfaces.

3. good for shooting as they absorb shock well.

Soft boules (110-115 kg/mm).

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

2. good for most terrains.

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 its ability to retain its shape, and by taking proper care particularly with regard to rust. 

Selecting the right boules for you

When choosing the boules 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 out 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. The 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 prefer hard boules with a heavy weight, a small diameter and more patterns to ensure good grip on difficult surfaces. Shooters prefer generally soft boules for their own special quality to sustain the impacts. A low weight (<720gm) with a minimum pattern and a larger diameter (>74mm) ensures a bigger striking surface. Whether you are a pointer or shooter you should be able to hold the boule comfortably with the fingers and the palm of your hand.

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.

Caring for the boules

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).

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.

The cochonnet

The cochonnet must be entirely made of wood (or the newly approved MS resin) and with a diameter in the 25 mm – 35 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.

Measuring devices

Measuring the distance between the cochonnet and the boules is an important part of the game. There are a number of devices that can be used:

1. Tape measure.

2. Folding Ruler with extending end.

3. Telescopic measure.

4. Calipers.