Just starting out? Why not give it a go?
Here’s a perfect guide for beginners!
Have you ever enjoyed a friendly game of pétanque while on holiday, or seen a lively match in a park and thought about giving it a try?
Pétanque is a fantastic way to spend time outdoors, connect with friends, and meet new people in your community.
Whether you're looking for a casual social activity or a new competitive sport, pétanque offers something for everyone.
Pétanque is played with hollow steel balls known as boules, and a small wooden target ball or jack. The game is usually played on a gravel-topped terrain at least 12m long, but this need not to be a purpose-built area and pétanque can be played informally on many other types of surface, such as a sandy beach.
Games can be played as:
Singles: two players, each with three boules
Doubles: two players a side, each with three boules
Triples: three players a side, each with two boules
Boules are supplied in sets of three, all with identical markings called striations. These help to identify each player’s boules during a game.
Ready to take your pétanque skills to the next level? Discover official training opportunities with Pétanque England and refine your coaching skills.
The easiest way to get started in pétanque is by joining a local club. Clubs offer regular playing opportunities, experienced players who are happy to help, and a friendly, welcoming community. Whether you want to improve your skills, enjoy a bit of gentle competition, or simply spend time outdoors meeting new people, a club is the ideal place to begin.
Many clubs offer free taster sessions, so you can try pétanque with no commitment.
When searching for a club, you don’t need to know its name — just enter your postcode below to find the one closest to you and start your pétanque journey today.
