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Introduction
There can be
few travellers to France who have not encountered the game of
petanque or boules. It is played everywhere - village
streets, country lanes, alongside busy motorways and in back
yards. But you no
longer have to be in France. This popular social game is
played in towns and cities throughout New Zealand by young
and old alike.
In the last
ten years the game of petanque has become well established
in New Zealand. Clubs have sprung up all over the country
and the number of players has continued to grow steadily
each year. Most clubs meet on a regularly basis for
practice, casual games or tournaments. |
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How do you play?
The game of
petanque is about throwing small metal balls (boules) at a
jack (cochonnet). Points are scored by positioning the
boules as close as possible to the cochonnet. The game can
be played as singles, doubles or triples.
One of the
joys of the game is that it is very simple without too many
rules. However if you want something more challenging,
petanque can be a highly tactical game
Where can I play?
There are
over 45 clubs throughout New Zealand. Clubs will usually
help with some ‘start up’ lessons and even lend you some boules free of charge, if you don’t have any of your own. There are
also a number of public terrains around the country, if you
just want a casual game with friends or family. Your local
community organisation should be able to tell you the
whereabouts of these facilities.
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How much does it cost?
Pétanque is
a very inexpensive sport to play - there is no special
clothing or footwear required, and usually no high-cost
facilities to maintain. Club membership fees are typically
in the range of $30 - $60 a year.
You can buy
a set of leisure or practice boule from as little as $30,
or, if you choose, pay up to $300 or more for ‘top of the
range’ competition boule. Your local club can help with
advice on purchasing boule.
Benefits of Petanque
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Petanque can be played by any age group. Petanque is a recognised
sport in primary schools, while many clubs have
active members who are well into their 80s.
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Petanque is an
integrated, non-gender specific sport - men and women
compete on an equal basis, with or against each other.
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Petanque can be
played indoors (covered terrains) or outdoors.
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Petanque can be
played on a variety of surfaces (just about anything
except grass, concrete or tarmac).
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Petanque can be
played all year round.
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Petanque is suitable
for the disabled.
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Petanque is not
too physically demanding - doesn’t require extreme
levels of fitness.
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Petanque develops:
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