Tricky petanque pistes part two

Here we continue our look at two pistes. One rocky and covered in bits of grass and hidden underground stones as discussed in the last post. The other undulating from side to side so the boule takes a winding route to the jack.

Undulating fast rolling pistes.

These fast pitches can be a nightmare as your boule rolls down the pitch twisting and turning. First this is the secret so secret if you tell anyone I will have to…….. Well you know the rest. Drawing a circle on these pitches can be difficult. I use a broken screwdriver to draw the circle. Once the end is over rub out the circle and draw another around the jack. Target for the jack to throw it to or near the old circle. Notice the gravel is slightly raised where the circle was. This could help stop your boule. Keep repeating this and you will soon have a nice slower area where the jack is. This obviously has some factors to consider. 1. You win the end. 2. You can throw the jack accurately. 3. The opposition cannot take advantage of your circle drawing. Sometimes you may just need to play them out on the pitch.

The other detail worth noting is landing on a sideways slope to bring your boule onto the jack. Most players can do this but sometimes the slope cannot be read. If all else fails go straight to the jack. It may not work but it could be the simple answer. Not every end but it needs to be remembered during those when you cannot see a suitable landing area. Good luck.