Being a Great Team Player

Pétanque is often played in teams - doubles (doublettes) or triples (triplettes). Individual skill matters, but team dynamics can make or break your results. The best teams aren't always the most skilled - they're the ones that work best together.

The Big Idea

The best teams aren't always the most skilled - they're the ones that work best together. Being humble, hungry, and emotionally smart makes you a great teammate.

What Makes a Great Teammate?

Research and experience point to three key qualities:

1. Humble

• Prioritizes team success over personal glory
• Acknowledges others' contributions
• Admits mistakes without excuses
• Open to feedback and learning
• Doesn't need to be the star

2. Hungry

• Self-motivated and driven
• Does the work without being asked
• Always looking to improve
• Brings energy to the team
• Doesn't coast on talent

3. Smart (Emotionally)

• Reads situations and people well
• Knows when to speak and when to listen
• Manages their own emotions
• Supports teammates appropriately
• Handles conflict constructively

The Foundations of Team Success

Shared Goals and Vision

Strong teams have:

• Clear, agreed-upon objectives
• Individual goals aligned with team goals
• Shared understanding of what success looks like
• Commitment to the collective mission

Questions to discuss with your team:

• What are we trying to achieve together?
• What does success look like for us?
• How do our individual goals support the team?

Effective Communication

Communication is the lifeblood of team performance.

Good team communication:

• Open and honest
• Respectful, even in disagreement
• Clear and specific
• Two-way (speaking AND listening)
• Timely (right information at right time)

During games:

• Discuss strategy before each end
• Share observations about terrain, opponents
• Coordinate who throws when
• Support each other after throws (good or bad)

Trust and Respect

Without trust, teams fall apart under pressure.

Building trust:

• Be reliable (do what you say)
• Be competent (do your job well)
• Be honest (even when it's hard)
• Show vulnerability (admit struggles)
• Support others consistently

Showing respect:

• Value each person's contribution
• Listen to different perspectives
• Acknowledge effort, not just results
• Treat everyone's role as important

Clear Roles

Everyone should understand:

• Their primary responsibilities
• How they contribute to the team
• What others are counting on them for
• When to step up and when to step back

In triples:

Role	Primary Focus	Key Qualities
Pointer	Place boules near jack	Precision, consistency
Middle	Adapt to situation	Versatility, reading game
Shooter	Remove opponent boules	Accuracy under pressure

Roles can be flexible, but clarity helps.

Team Dynamics During Competition

Before the Game

• Arrive together, warm up together
• Discuss general strategy
• Set the tone (positive, focused)
• Check in on how everyone's feeling

During the Game

• Communicate between ends
• Stay positive regardless of score
• Support each other after mistakes
• Celebrate successes together (briefly)
• Stay focused on process, not outcome

After Mistakes

What NOT to do:

• Show frustration visibly
• Criticize or blame
• Withdraw or go silent
• Dwell on what happened

What TO do:

• Quick acknowledgment ("no problem")
• Move focus to next throw
• Maintain positive body language
• Trust your teammate to recover

After the Game

• Debrief together (what worked, what didn't)
• Acknowledge individual contributions
• Discuss improvements for next time
• Maintain relationships regardless of result

Communication Patterns

Constructive Feedback

Poor: "You keep missing those shots" Better: "I noticed the shots are going left - want to try adjusting your stance?"

Supportive Response to Mistakes

Poor: Silence or visible frustrationBetter: "Tough one. You've got the next one."

Strategic Discussion

Poor: "Just shoot it" Better: "What do you think - point to block or try to shoot? I see pros and cons both ways."

Building Team Culture

Great teams develop shared:

• Values: What we stand for
• Norms: How we behave
• Language: How we communicate
• Rituals: What we do together

Examples:

• Always shake hands before and after
• Specific encouragement phrases
• Pre-game routine together
• Post-game meal or drink

In This Section

• Team Communication - Detailed guide to communicating effectively

Key Takeaway

Your team is only as strong as its weakest relationship, not its weakest player.

Invest in your teammates. Build trust. Communicate well. Win together.