Petanque Circle abuse

Petanque Circle abuse

In previous sessions we looked at the circle and measuring to the jack. This started many of you raising your favourite pet hates and how rules should be observed.

The most common circle abuse by players apart from standing in them badly as discussed in the last subject is the disregard of the front of the circle when throwing. It seems many players tend to stand near the circle only when it matters. Both feet should remain in the circle on the ground until, and this is a key point, the boule they have thrown has hit the ground. Many players appear to want to follow the boule down the piste as they throw. That may look studious when seen in a Lawn green bowls match, however stepping out of the circle before your boule has hit the ground is a foul shot. Standing with your toes hanging over the front of the circle is a foul shot. Lifting one foot off the ground as the boule is thrown is a foul shot. Many players seem to think these rules are petty and any one who picks up the opposition player with these rules must be desperate to win. I can understand this and generally would never mention a foot fault. I would use the frustration of these faults to focus my attention on my game and ensure I played a tighter, better, game to ensure the perpetrators would not be victorious. There are two main players who commit the deed. 1. Players who are learning the game from scratch and need steering in the right direction. 2. Players who have played for years and have driven in bad habits. As there is a limited amount of coaches in our sport in the U.K. it can be left to the keen players to help others. It can be difficult to try to inform players whilst you are playing a game and any subjective details can be seem as condescending if you win the game and sour grapes if you lose.  The tactic I favour is to tell the most experienced player from the other team or club as subtlety as I can. This can be tricky and you can soon get a reputation as being a stickler for the rules. The strange thing about all this is walking out of the circle, lifting your feet and having your toes hanging over the circle line will catch you out in the end. The most important point for me is the throw is bound to suffer, as you will be off balance. If you practice like this you will embed bad practice. For those who squat point it is also of interest your hand cannot touch the ground before the boule hits. Times I have been seen off balance trying not to touch the ground before the boule to great hilarity from my team mates