Pointing Techniques

The art of pointing

Pointing is a skill (and an art!) that requires observation, assessment, accuracy, improvisation and memory. You have to contend with your opponent and the terrain. You must:

1. Observe and assess the terrain for slopes and undulations and whether the surface is hard, soft, smooth, bumpy. You are looking for the 'right spot' to land your boule, the right line and the 'speed' of the ground.

2. Observe and assess your opponents pointing so that you benefit from their experience as well as your own.

3. Accurately throw the boule to land in the 'right spot'. This spot may be metres away from the place that you want the boule to come to rest.

4. Remember where the 'right spots' are!

5. Accurately throw the boule to either:

   • avoid the opposition boules, (if it means knocking them closer to the cochonnet)

   • hit the opposition boules (if it knocks them out of the way!)

   • or hit your own boules to knock it closer to the cochonnet.

You must also decide the appropriate technique for the surface; whether to roll or lob the boule.

Note: If you are a beginner you will generally start off as a pointer but you should practice your shooting until you are confident to do it in matches. Then you may choose to specialise in either roll.

Pointing is a skill that is sometimes undervalued, with shooters attracting the glory, but pointing is really the essence of the game and a skilled practitioner is highly prized.

Squatting:

Some people squat down where they can see the undulations of the terrain and either 'roll' or gently 'lob' the boules. This is best for smoother surfaces and shorter distances.

                            Aim                                       Back                   Forward & Release

Standing:

This is better for longer distances or if squatting is uncomfortable.

                     Aim                             Back               Forward          Release (high or low)

Note: In both styles the non throwing arm is used for balance, often with un-thrown boule in the hand.

Rolling your boules in a manner not unlike lawn bowls requires a smooth surface without undulations and bumps and as such is often unreliable. The most common technique is a low lob that lands the boule a few metres short of the cochonnet (on the ‘right spot’) and allowing it to roll into the desired resting place. This reduces the risk of the boule deviating. This can be done in a squatting or standing position.

A more difficult, but highly effective technique is a high lob with extra backspin, dropping closer to the cochonnet with minimal roll on. This requires a lot of backspin and is usually performed standing. It is effective on all surfaces. It requires considerable practice!