Closing our look at the petanque shooter and preparation in the circle

The key to a set up is not to add to a successful throw system. What can happen to the player is similar to superstitions. Oh I won that day and I patted the cat. I won again, remembered to pat the cat but I also listened to Take That on the way to the game. I won again, patted the cat. Listened to Take That, had a can of Lemonade...... You get the picture. It is the same with set ups. Get settled in the circle. Feel the boule in your hand. Balance with the other hand. Look at the target boule. Focus and imagine a positive outcome. Line up your shoulder, backswing and throw with smooth release. Anything else is up to you but we all know we have had a shuffle or two in the circle; we spin the boule in our hand to get a better grip. Look at the target again. Shuffle our feet again. Check our feet are in the circle. Spin the boule in your hand, look at the target again........ Someone moved 250 yards away or the wind blew a leaf. Stepped out of the circle and started again. But if your set up process is too long these interruptions can be a real problem and cause you to overrun. Timing is everything. Your set up should be short, positive and practiced.  

Keep it simple. We all need a routine but ensure it is a practical one, Do not let it hinder and make it difficult to hit a boule or play a shot, This game can be difficult enough without our help.