Intermediate players often stall because practice turns into throwing boules at random. A routine with fixed blocks, distances and scores fixes that.
Below are three session plans you can run exactly, plus game scenarios and a weekly structure.
What makes a routine work
Each block has one goal, a set number of throws and a score you write down. That record shows which part of your game is slipping before a match does.
Warm up at short distance first. End with pressure work while you can still focus.
Three session plans
The 60-minute all-round session
| Block | Time | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Easy pointing at 6 to 7 m |
| Pointing | 20 min | Three-zone score, 20 boules, twice |
| Shooting | 15 min | Sets of ten at 7 m |
| Pressure | 15 min | Last-boule scenarios |
The three-zone score and other pointing drills are explained in our post on sharpening pointing accuracy.
The pointer’s session
| Block | Time | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Easy pointing at 6 m |
| Distance ladder | 15 min | 6 to 10 m, three boules per step |
| Beat the point | 10 min | Opposing boule at 20 cm, then 10 cm |
| Behind the jack | 10 min | Stop 20 to 50 cm past the jack |
Keep a partner nearby if you can. Placing the jack for each other doubles the value of the session.
For more pointing ideas, see our 10 drills that work.
The shooter’s session
| Block | Time | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | 10 min | Relaxed shots at 6 m |
| Sets | 20 min | Sets of ten at 7 and 8 m |
| Test | 15 min | One precision shooting series |
The FPUSA precision shooting rules allow 15 minutes for the 20 shots, so the test block matches the real event. Our post on consistent shooting covers the routine behind each shot.
Game-situation practice
Point or shoot?
Set up an end where an opponent’s boule sits 15 cm from the jack and you have two boules left. Play it ten times pointing and ten times shooting, then note which option wins more often.
Change the gap and the boule count each week. The right answer shifts with both.
Playing from behind
Start ends at 8 to 12 with your team to throw. Pressure feels different; rehearsing it makes the real thing familiar.
Building a week
Two focused sessions and one game night a week suit most club players. Rotate the pointer’s and shooter’s plans with the all-round session so no skill goes stale.
Once a month, play full games with the shoot-once-per-end rule from this collection of training games. It keeps both skills sharp in real conditions.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a practice session be?
Forty-five to 60 minutes of focused work beats a longer, looser session. Stop when your focus drops.
Should I practice alone or with a partner?
Both. Solo sessions give more throws; a partner adds random jack placement and game pressure.
How do I know I am improving?
Compare your written scores month to month. Our drills page has more ways to measure progress.
