Playing a Hobby
Petanque, Boule or Boccia – different names to the same play or game. Very popular in France and in the Mediterranean.
I learned it many years ago – in France. Looks so easy. Yeah, it’s easy in the way that everybody can play it and have it as a very social hobby. But when you play against those who really know how to play the game and handle the “Boules”, you’ll soon find out it takes more than luck to win. It’s about training, experience, tactics, precession, and to understand the surface you are playing on. In many ways, you can compare it with Curling. Except for: There is no fixed “Home” or playing distance and the surface is never the same. Home in Curling and related plays do have a “Home Center”. To start with, you have that in Petanque as well. But the distance and direction varies from play to play.
How come?
The winner from last round throws away “The Pig” – Couchon. That’s the small ball, made of Wood. And the winner team can throw it in what direction or how far (within agreed upon limits) their representative want. Then the same rules as in Curling applies. But “The Pig” can of course be hit, and moved to another place; same of course with the competitors steel-balls.
The point is to come closest to “The Pig”. After all “Boules” are thrown, it’s measured up which team have come closest, second etc. If the team with the closest also have the second closest, then it two points… etc. You, my dear reader, do understand the rules of this play even kids can do with pleasure. That’s why I like it. It’s a play for all generations. Eliminates the generation gap. And played well from your part, your kids and grand kids can be winners. It's one of the best social hobbies there is, that can involve several generations seemless.
Petanque: (fr) Balls made of steel (normally) – In some Families it’s a Birth-gift to boys.
Each player have two “boules” or “Balls”. You buy sets of pairs – often 2-3-4 plus a Pig and a measure band. Each pair do have different patterns – and even weights (if preferred).
Boule: (fr) Balls made of Wood
Boccacio: (it) Balls made of everything from cheap plastic to …
8 comments:
I played once with a bunch of people who knew the rules but had never played before either, so we had a grand old time. All starting with no skill and only the concept. xx, c
That's a great hobby! And the season's approaching in Oslo, too! :-)
They play bocci ball in our Italian neighbourhoods.
Hey hey now... You didn't mention switzerland! It's big there, especially more in the french and italian areas...
I love watching them play the game...
It's funny for sure when people get into it!
Thanks for you work, is very good, very nice fhotos,have a good weekend.
Living in France, I play occasionally. Here in Paris, I could play just round the corner, but, just retired, I have not yet decided if I shall "join the club". I watched a few games the other day and all players seemed extremely (too) skilled.
However, basically the good thing with this play is that you can have fun, whether you are a beginner or not.
Some very good players are actually professional and there are world championships...
That looks interesting, I've never heard of it before; thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for your compliment on my WW! Have a great day!
Please, it puts fhoto of Madeleine in your Bloggue
Missing Madeleine!
Madeleine, MeCann was abduted from Praia da Luz, Portugal on 03/03/07.
If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers on
0800 555 111
Please Help
Post a Comment