Petanque Teamplay Part 2

Petanque Teamplay Part 2Match Play

This session we are looking at match play. We have covered tactics and pointing and shooting skills but a team game is so much more than individual abilities. To make more from a team than the sum of their skills is called synergy. This is the key to any team sport. So how can you get this mythical ether of team and skill to blend to a game winning team? There are a number of factors to consider.

1. Look like a team. So often ignored and a trend constantly bucked by top teams. At the Junior World championships  a few years ago we were shocked that the Thailand team even had matching shoes. We do not want to go that far, Why not? Anyway matching strip is essential to look the part of a team. Not just polo shirts and sweatshirts but also jackets and waterproofs. The decent into a rabble because it starts to rain is a disappointing result of the poor weather and lack of preparation. Team strip has been introduced by the governing bodies to smarten up the game but the enforcement at times has been plainly laughable. Let’s take away the job they are clearly no good at by looking the part of a team ourselves. If budget does not allow discount stores can be a source of kit, watch out for cheap as sometimes it can be a little bright!

2. Stand as a team. If the opposition are throwing or just discussing their next shot all your team should be at the head standing to one side in accordance with the rules. Two metres to one side of the jack and behind it. No movement unless the opposition wants a measure checked or request you to move if you are in the eye line of the thrower. Wait until it is your turn to play. Do not step forward to see if their last boule is on unless invited or they claim it is. Do not wander around the head and do not wander off to talk to some one else. This way you can make decisions as a team and you all know what is going on. Once it is your turn to throw you can use the whole piste if you like.

3. Captain. Each player has a role, you should know who your captain is and if you win the toss which pitch you all want to play on, How long the first jack is going to be and what tactics you are going to use. You may even know what they will call, heads of tails. You should also have a designated measure player. Their job is to measure or check the oppositions measure. This way only one set of measures are needed for your team. A scorer to put the score on the board as well as another player who keeps a scorer in their pocket. This players role is to check the score with the opposition after every, yes every end! And then check with the pocket scorer just as a double check. If a measure or clarification of the rules is needed only the captain should call the umpire if required. Roles are important, know yours in your team. It may all fall to one person but should be shared through the team or rotated. Watch out for Squad of four players as when a swap takes place the roles are also passed to new players.

4. You may feel foolish when you first try all these little tips but once you reach National and International play every team should and does it. At this time it will be too late to start. By using these tips it will become second nature.

5. Understand the competition system. Again only one player needs to know what the hell is going on! But, by knowing the system you can predict when you will be playing, where you will be playing and who you will be playing. Keep your eyes and ears open and you could be in the warm and dry when you are not playing or watching your next opposition. It may prove very helpful warming up to play an important game and missing the downpour.