The name pétanque comes from the Provençal for “feet planted”, a reminder that the game is played from a fixed position. Wikipedia’s history of the game traces it to La Ciotat around 1907, when a player with rheumatism could no longer run up to throw.
A still, repeatable body position is what makes a good throw repeatable. Here is how to set it up.
What the rules allow in the circle
Article 6 of the FIPJP rules says both feet must be entirely inside the circle, not on the line. They must not leave the circle or come completely off the ground until the thrown boule has landed.
You may lift your heels, bend your knees or squat, provided your feet stay in contact with the ground inside the circle. Our page on the rules covers the rest of what happens in the circle.
Squatting or standing
Squatting to point
Many pointers crouch low with heels raised and knees wide. Your eyes sit closer to the ground, so you read slopes and ruts better.
The squat also shortens the swing, which helps on short ends of 6 to 7 m. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet so you do not rock back at release.
Standing to shoot
Shooters stand with knees slightly flexed, because a longer swing and a clear view of the target boule matter more than a close look at the ground. The step forward comes only after the boule has landed.
A small bend at the hips lets the arm swing freely past the body. More detail on the throw itself sits on our shooting technique page.
Standing to point
Players with sore knees point standing; it works well on long ends. Bend slightly forward so the arm swings straight under the shoulder.
Feet, knees and hips
Feet
Feet together or a small stagger with the throwing-side foot forward are both common. Pick one and keep it for every throw of that type.
Knees and heels
Soft knees absorb the swing; locked knees make the whole body sway. In a squat, keep the heels up and together for balance.
Your hips stay square to the target. Turning them mid-swing sends the boule left or right even when the arm is straight.
A quiet upper body
The arm swings like a pendulum from a still shoulder. Everything else stays calm: head steady, eyes on the landing spot, the free hand relaxed or holding your next boule.
Check these points in practice, ideally on a phone video from the side and from behind:
- Shoulders level at the start of the swing
- Head still until the boule lands
- Arm finishing toward the target, not across the body
- No step or lean until after landing
Mistakes that pull throws wide
Most misses from a good grip come from the body, not the hand. These are the ones to look for first:
- Shoulders turning during the swing
- Rising out of the squat before release
- Standing on the circle line, which is a fault
- Changing position from one throw to the next
Build the position into your practice with our drills and pair it with a good hold from grip and stance.
Frequently asked questions
Can you lift your heels in the pétanque circle?
Yes. The rules only forbid feet leaving the circle or coming completely off the ground before the boule lands.
Should beginners squat or stand?
Start standing with soft knees, since it is easier to repeat. Try the squat for short pointing once the swing feels consistent.
Why do my throws go left or right?
Usually the shoulders or hips turn during the swing. Film yourself from behind to see it.
Does the free arm matter?
A little. Keep it relaxed; holding your next boule in it helps some players stay balanced.
