Training Drills

Here are proven drills used by elite players. Each drill has a specific purpose - choose based on what you need to develop.

The Big Idea

Each drill has a specific purpose. Don't just throw boules randomly - choose drills that target your weaknesses and support your goals. Track your progress to see improvement.

Pointing Drills

The Alley

Purpose: Isolate release angle and line consistency

Setup:

• Place two markers 30-40cm apart, about 1 meter from the circle
• Target is 7-9 meters away

Drill:

• Throw through the "alley" (between the markers)
• Any throw that hits a marker is "dead"
• Focus on consistent release point

Progression:

• Narrow the alley as you improve
• Vary the target distance
• Add a specific landing zone

Precision Zones

Purpose: Develop accuracy to specific areas

Setup:

• Mark zones around a target (e.g., circles at 20cm, 40cm, 60cm)
• Or use natural markers on the terrain

Scoring:

• Inside 20cm: 3 points
• Inside 40cm: 2 points
• Inside 60cm: 1 point
• Outside: 0 points

Drill:

• Throw 10 boules, track your score
• Goal: Consistent improvement over sessions

Distance Variation

Purpose: Develop depth control

Setup:

• Place targets at 6m, 7m, 8m, 9m, 10m

Drill:

• Throw to each distance in random order
• Partner calls out the distance
• Focus on adjusting weight, not technique

Variation:

• Add "short" and "long" calls after you release
• Must adjust mid-flight (develops feel)

Shooting Drills

The Shooting Ladder

Purpose: Build accuracy under progressive pressure

Setup:

• Place a target boule at 6 meters
• Mark distances at 7m, 8m, 9m, 10m

Drill:

• Start at 6 meters
• Hit = move back one meter
• Miss = move forward one meter (or restart)
• Goal: Reach 10 meters

Variations:

• Strict version: Any miss returns to 6m
• Timed version: How far can you get in 10 minutes?
• Team version: Alternate with partner

The Barrier (Blox)

Purpose: Force high arc shooting

Setup:

• Place a barrier (stick, string, or obstacle) between you and target
• Barrier should be high enough to require a lob

Drill:

• Must clear the barrier to hit the target
• Any throw that hits the barrier is "dead"
• Develops high release point

Why it matters:

• Competition often requires shooting over obstacles
• Builds versatility in your shooting

Obstacle Course

Purpose: Develop shooting from different angles

Setup:

• Place target boule in center
• Add obstacles (other boules, markers) around it

Drill:

• Shoot from different positions around the circle
• Must find the angle that works
• Develops reading of shooting lines

Mental Training Drills

Routine Repetition

Purpose: Make your pre-shot routine automatic

Drill:

• Practice your full routine without throwing
• Go through every step deliberately
• Do 10-20 repetitions
• Then add the throw

Focus:

• Consistent timing
• Clear transition from thinking to executing
• Same routine every time

Pressure Points

Purpose: Practice performing under pressure

Setup:

• Create a "must make" scenario
• Set consequences for missing

Examples:

• "Make 3 in a row or start over"
• "Miss and do 10 push-ups"
• "Announce your target before throwing"

Key:

• The pressure should feel real
• Practice your mental response to pressure
• Use your routine exactly as in competition

Recovery Practice

Purpose: Build the habit of quick mental reset

Drill:

• Intentionally throw a bad boule
• Immediately practice SOAS (Stop, Observe, Accept, Slip)
• Throw the next boule with full commitment

Focus:

• Don't dwell on the miss
• Reset completely before next throw
• Maintain positive body language

Game Simulation Drills

Millieu's Delight

Purpose: Break rhythm lock, build versatility

Drill:

• Alternate between pointing and shooting every throw
• No two consecutive throws of the same type
• Develops ability to switch modes

Scenario Play

Purpose: Practice tactical decision-making

Setup:

• Set up realistic game situations
• Assign scores and boule counts

Examples:

• "You're down 10-8, opponent has 2 points, you have 2 boules"
• "Tied 6-6, you have last boule, they have 1 point"

Drill:

• Decide what to do
• Execute with full commitment
• Review the decision afterward

Match Play with Rules

Purpose: Competition simulation

Variations:

• Play to 13 (full game)
• Play to 7 (shorter, more games)
• "Pressure points" - certain ends worth double
• "Sudden death" - first to lose an end loses the game

Tracking Your Drills

Keep a log for each drill:

Date	Drill	Score/Result	Notes

Track over time:

• Are you improving?
• Which drills help most?
• Where do you struggle?

Building a Drill Session

Warm-up (10 min)

• Easy throws to loosen up
• No pressure, just feel

Technical Focus (20-30 min)

• One or two drills targeting specific skills
• Blocked practice for new skills
• Random practice for established skills

Pressure/Game Simulation (20-30 min)

• Add consequences
• Create realistic scenarios
• Practice mental skills

Cool-down (10 min)

• Easy throws
• Reflect on the session
• Note what to work on next

Key Takeaway

Drills are tools. Choose the right tool for what you need to build.

Don't just throw boules. Train with purpose.