Petanque Tactics, Understanding and explaining Part two

Tactics, Understanding and explaining                                      

In the cold winter months play is limited and this year especially so this month we are looking at some food for thought away from the chilly piste. This is part two of  Tactics. Basic and advance tactics.

1. Play tactics. We all know there are millions of permutations involved in the tactics of petanque. A coach cannot transfer all these to players but, there are many that are basic. These tactics depend on the piste, the position of boule and more importantly the boule count. The coach should be able to set up situations to explain to players how to make choices of boule play and which ones work best in games. We have all seen experienced players taking a long time over which shot to play. Often this can lead to disputes in a team as opinions clash and then disrupted performance or lack of commitment to the shot. The coach should be able to discuss tactics on which shot to play and give reasons why the shot could be successful. Defensive boule played or offensive boule can be discussed but also practiced. This will give confidence to the shot from the team and make their play decisive. Important in a timed game but also important as play can be stressful in a long game and some players prefer to play quicker than others. Games ebb and flow and when you have a team on the ropes the last thing you want to do is give them a time out by taking a long time over which shot to play. Quick decision making can give you control over a game and show the opposition you know what you are doing. The coach should be able to work with the team with boule in the head. Placing boule in positions, giving boule count left for both sides, the current score and calling for the shot to play. These sessions will build team bonds as well as show different shots to play. It is also the success of these shots that can be monitored. No point calling a tactic if the player cannot play the shot. Jack back is easy to say, just a little more difficult to carry out.   The score is also an important factor. The boule to play at 2-2 may be different to play than 10-10. Pointing and hoping the opposition miss at 2-2 is not a disaster if they are successful and you drop three points. On the other hand at 10-10! It still maybe the right thing to do, it all depends on the set up of boule in the head, the piste and other boule in the head.