Questions & Answers

What is the difference between Competition Boule and Leisure Boule? It does appear at first glance that all boules are the same, this in fact is not the case. Competition Boule vary in diameter, weight, hardness and pattern or stripes, all within the limitations set out in the Fédération Internationale de Pétanque et Jeu Provençal (F.I.P.J.P.) rules. It must be noted that all boule conforming to the FIPJP rules should have the name of the manufacturer, the type or mark of boule, the weight in grams and a serial number. The player may have his / her name or initials engraved on the boule but this is carried out at the manufacturing stage so as not to alter the balance of the boule in any way. The permissible diameters are from 70.5 mm to 80 mm and the weight must be between 650 grams and 800 grams. Even the Hardness of the boule is governed but they are generally classified as Hard 150kp–130kp (for Pointers) Semi Soft 125kp-120kp (for Allrounder) or Soft 115kp-110kp (for Shooters). Leisure Boule are generally 74 mm dia and are lighter in weight at approx. 660 grms. They are usually guaranteed for a year but there are some very poor leisure boule about that need extreme caution if buying. The safest option is to buy from a boule manufacturer who also makes competition boule (for example OBUT, or JB in our Shop).

How did Pétanque start? Boule is a generic term covering many ball and jack games i.e. Boccia, Pétanque, Boule Lyonnasie and Jeu Provencal all from the European continent. Boule Lyonnaise is a game similar to Lawn Bowls in England, played over long distances and a run up is required to launch a metal boule up to 17 metres. The sport of Boule Lyonnaise is the direct relation to Pétanque. A master of the sport of Lyonnaise suffered from arthritis in his latter years and found the running and throwing difficult to maintain with accuracy. In 1910 he devised a game where you stood with your feet together in a circle. With no run up allowed the game was played between six and ten metres from the circle. The game caught on very quickly and the game of Pétanque was born. One of the few sports played at World championship level that was created by a Handicap person. With this beginning the sport is indeed suitable for all and has no age limit.

Does every countries have the same playing rules? The German rules are a direct translation of the latest Federation Internationale de Petanque et Jeu Provencal. All country Organization belong to the Grand Organization in France and must follow there Rules as close as possible. Each year there is a World Championship represented by 36 Countries who play Petanque on a Compition level so I assume they all know and play the same rules at home.

What is Boule?, and what is Pétanque? Boule and Pétanque are actually one in the same. The difference you could say is “Boule” is played “Just for Fun” and “Pétanque” is the Competition Sport. In the Boule-Pétanque Scene there really isn’t any big difference among players both Boule-Pétanque are accepted as one.