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The pétanque terrain in Oxney Green Park was installed in 2026.  It is free to use and no booking is required.  You just need to bring your own boules.  Petanque is a very sociable game and is accessible for all.

What You Need:

– 2 teams (1 to 3 players per team)

– 3 boules per player (2 boules if in a team of 3)

– 1 small target ball, called the jack (or ‘cochonnet’)

How to Play:

1. Toss a coin to decide which team starts.
2. Draw a circle on the ground (or use a plastic ring). Stand in it to throw.
3. A player throws the jack 6 to 10 meters away.
4. The same player throws a boule close to the jack.
5. A player from the other team tries to throw a boule closer (or knock the other away).
6. Teams take turns throwing until all boules are used. The team not closest keeps throwing.
7. Score 1 point for each boule closer to the jack than the opponent’s nearest.
8. The team who scored starts the next round from where the jack landed.
9. The first team to reach 13 points wins!

Tips & Terms:

– Boules are usually thrown underarm and lobbed, not rolled.

– ‘Pointing’ means throwing close to the jack.

– ‘Shooting’ means knocking the opponent’s boule away.

– Jack = also called ‘cochonnet’ or ‘little pig’.

– A 0 to 13 loss is called being ‘Fannied’.

Petanque is easy to learn, great fun for all ages, and perfect for social or competitive play!

If you are interested in becoming a member of Writtle Pétanque or joining the committee please e-mail writtlepetanque@gmail.com.