Petanque coaching tip, Pointing angle of attack

Pointing. Angle of Attack.

We have looked at different shots from low pointing to semi lob and then lob but what do we really mean when we say the angle of attack is important. All these shots can be used on different terrains and once you are in a rhythm of the shot you should hopefully be able to repeat it again and again. Some players like a certain shot and just keep going with it. On terrains where it is not suitable they struggle and prefer a particular surface to do well on. This is why some players prefer deep pistes with 2 to 3 inches of gravel on it. Others prefer lighting pitches with just a light dusting on the surface. The key to top play is to be able to adjust the shot to the piste type. The very best players adjust the shot to each area of a piste. They are not all consistent in surface depth, some have deeper areas which can be exploited if you can get the jack in the right place. The height of the shot gives an angle of landing on the surface. The lower the shot the smaller the angle. The higher the shot the boule can almost come down vertically. Of course although it looks like it has come straight down physics show it must be at an angle smaller than 90 degrees from the surface.  The angle the boule hits the surface will give the chance of the boule to dig in.