The knock up shot in Petanque. Part One

The knock up shot. Part One

Attacking a head is usually the first option but many teams use the knock up shot to support the shooter who has just missed.

This is a killer shot if played correctly. How many times have we pointed successfully past the oppositions front boule to see them promote their front boule with the played boule come to rest near the jack? They have played two and are holding two. Shooting may be an option for your team but you are hoping for a spot carreau to force them to play. Any successful point you play can be shot out to put you under further pressure. Many who try the knock up shot have a limited success rate. Most see their boule miss and end up four feet out the back of the head.

So how to play the knock up shot yourself? Your first point is a good one in front of the jack. The opposition has played a point that is on. Because you have a great first boule your team opt to shoot but miss. You now choose the knock up shot. The secret is to always play your boule to the length of the jack. If you have to play harder i.e. if you first boule is over two foot short or you are playing on deep piste's then you may need to think again. The reason you must play to jack length is a safety measure. If you miss your boule you will at least be near the jack. The best way to play a knock up shot is actually not to play one at all. Concentrate on the jack. Imagine you are just pointing to the jack as normal but take into account where your boule is. I know this sounds a little simple however if you focus on the jack length this will stop you over throwing your boule. It will also rule out a high lob as your boule will be in the way of the landing spot. If you are lobbing the last thing you will look at is the boule you are trying to knock up and you could land right on top of it. This clash will leave you with no boule on the piste at all!

To practice the knock up shot place a jack at six metres from your circle. Place one boule eighteen inches short of the jack and place another boule ten inches to one side but level with the jack. Practice knocking up the front boule so it is closer than the side boule. Remember if you have set up the head correctly you will only have to move your boule nine inches to be on. If played with correct weight your played boule will also come into the head closer than the oppositions side boule. Do not forget to change the length of the jack during practice.

When not to play a knock up shot.

With your last boule if the opposition still have boule left. That front boule will be in their way. Let them knock it up for you. Hopefully.

If the piste is deep and you will have to hit your front boule too hard for it to be a controlled movement.

Your front boule is over a metre away. This is totally dependent on boule left to play and the lie of the oppositions boule. In a wide spread end this could be an option to give you extra points.