A game of Petanque anyone?

 

The origins of Petanque can be traced as far back as Ancient Greece when people played games which involved tossing coins and stones. The Ancient Romans then added a target.

The game as we now know it was first played in Provence France but is now played worldwide. 

This outdoor game is normally best played on hard dirt or gravel. It can be played in in public areas in parks or on private court. 

We are lucky enough to have friends with a private Petanque court with the most amazing view.

A standard court or pitch is 4 metres x 15 metres but a private court can be smaller (3m x 12m).

The game can be played by two individuals, as doubles or teams of three.

A set of three metallic balls are used per person (the size of oranges) and a little wooden ball called a cochonnet (meaning piglet). This is also known as a Jack.

Petanque comes from the word 'La petance' in Provencal dialect deriving from 'Pes tancats' meaning feet fixed or feet together. 

The player stands inside a small circular hoop. 

 The cochonnet is thrown onto the court between 6-10 metres away. The players then take turns to play their three balls. The difference between petanque and boules is that the balls are thrown by placing the hand over the top of the ball as opposed to being rolled.

The players balls that are nearest to the cochonnet scores the points. This is scored on a board; the winner being the first to 13 points. In match games disputes over whose ball is closest to the cochonnet is solved with a simple tape measure. Tactical throws make the game interesting.

Lefkada Town has a Petanque court situated behind Katisma and the Gym and welcomes new players although the views are not quite as spectacular as my friends. 

https://lefkadapress.gr/athlitika/to-paradosiako-ampali-anavionei-mesa-apo-to-sygchrono-petanque/