Boules Artistes Petanque Club

14 Boules Artistes competed in the National Championships in Adelaide - 5 days of great petanque - about 160 participants. Congratulations to all! BA achievements. 3 Championships, 6 Gold, 1 Silver and 3 bronze medals. Well done BAs!
Gold medals to:
- 2026 Australian Open Women’s Doubles champions - Sue and Ariadne
- ⁠2026 Australian 60+ Women’s Singles champion - Victoria
- ⁠2026 Australian 60+ Men’s Doubles Champions - Peter Masri and Frank (Newcastle)
- ⁠Eric and Gary Hosie- winners Men’s 60+ Doubles Complémentaire
- ⁠⁠Peter Neale and his two partners from Victoria winners Men’s 60+ Triples Complémentaire

Silver Medals to:
- Catherine - 2nd place in 60+ Women’s Singles principale
Bronze Medals to:
- Sue, Ariadne and Sharlene (Newcastle) women’s open triples principale
- ⁠Alex and Pascale (his dad) Open Men’s doubles Complimentaire

I’ve recently read this great book about an often neglected part of our Petanque training. Easy to read and really practical with exercises to practise. It’s called
MIND OF STEEL in pétanque: Strengthen your mind, transform your game

Pétanque is played with your arm but games are won above all with your head.

Every boule is a test: staying focused, remaining confident, managing stress, and bouncing back after a mistake. This is what distinguishes an average player from a top one.

‘Mind of Steel in Pétanque’ is game-changer - your guide to developing that elusive “extra edge” that transforms a good player into a great one.

Inside, you will discover:

- How to stay focused from the first throw to the end of the game.
- Simple methods to handle pressure and master stress.
- The secrets to boosting confidence and creating inner calm.
- Practical exercises to turn your mind into an ally.
- How to play as a team with mutual support and inclusion.

This book is not complicated theory. It is a clear, practical, and accessible manual, designed to guide you step by step toward greater calm, consistency, and confidence.

Whether you are a top player, an enthusiastic club competitor or a passionate social player, this book is your secret weapon for raising your game and enjoying it even more.

With a ‘Mind of Steel, every throw becomes an opportunity—and every game, a renewed pleasure.

MIND OF STEEL in pétanque: Forge your mind, transform your game MIND OF STEEL in pétanque: Forge your mind, transform your game

Are you wanting to make new friends and spend time outside under shady trees? Are you aged between 19 and 90? Are you a French person who wants to get back to playing pétanque? Whoever you are you're welcome to join us for a fun afternoon of pétanque. We have a 'Come and Try' Day on 15 February or if you can't make it that day then join us any time. See our website for more details. 'Pétanque the Sport for All'

A group of 6 Aussies played in the Juin Shing Cup in Taiwan this week. So proud to announce that Jean Luc from BA and Vincent Bulone from Adelaide took out third place and BAs Alex Vitte and Max Alex came 8 th. Lynne Adjava and Yili Han played really well too. Well done everyone. I also received this message from Lynne: “Not only great pétanque results but they have been super ambassadors for Australia. Very popular characters and sportsmen.” Congratulations!

A blast from the past!

Petanque Circle abuse
In previous sessions we looked at the circle and measuring to the jack. This started many of you raising your favourite pet hates and how rules should be observed.
The most common circle abuse by players apart from standing in them badly as discussed in the last subject is the disregard of the front of the circle when throwing. It seems many players tend to stand near the circle only when it matters. Both feet should remain in the circle on the ground until, and this is a key point, the boule they have thrown has hit the ground. Many players appear to want to follow the boule down the piste as they throw. That may look studious when seen in a Lawn green bowls match, however stepping out of the circle before your boule has hit the ground is a foul shot. Standing with your toes hanging over the front of the circle is a foul shot. Lifting one foot off the ground as the boule is thrown is a foul shot. Many players seem to think these rules are petty and any one who picks up the opposition player with these rules must be desperate to win. I can understand this and generally would never mention a foot fault. I would use the frustration of these faults to focus my attention on my game and ensure I played a tighter, better, game to ensure the perpetrators would not be victorious. There are two main players who commit the deed. 1. Players who are learning the game from scratch and need steering in the right direction. 2. Players who have played for years and have driven in bad habits. As there is a limited amount of coaches in our sport in the U.K. it can be left to the keen players to help others. It can be difficult to try to inform players whilst you are playing a game and any subjective details can be seem as condescending if you win the game and sour grapes if you lose. The tactic I favour is to tell the most experienced player from the other team or club as subtlety as I can. This can be tricky and you can soon get a reputation as being a stickler for the rules. The strange thing about all this is walking out of the circle, lifting your feet and having your toes hanging over the circle line will catch you out in the end. The most important point for me is the throw is bound to suffer, as you will be off balance. If you practice like this you will embed bad practice. For those who squat point it is also of interest your hand cannot touch the ground before the boule hits. Times I have been seen off balance trying not to touch the ground before the boule to great hilarity from my team mates

All licenced players are invited to the NSWPL BA Open Doubles on Sunday 28 September. Register on MyPetanque by 26th. A great day of petanque in a beautiful setting! Be there!