Session Guide: Mental Game Introduction (2-3 Hours)

Overview

This guide helps you conduct a 2-3 hour introductory session on mental game training for pétanque players. Perfect for coaches, club leaders, or experienced players who want to introduce mental training to their team.

Two Sections in This Guide

• For Participants - What players will learn
• For Facilitators - How to conduct the session

Quick Access

Section	Purpose	Access
For Participants	What to expect from the session	View Section
For Facilitators	Complete session plan and timing	View Section
Session Materials	Guides, slides, and worksheets	View Materials
Preparation Checklist	What to prepare before the session	View Checklist

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For Participants

What to Expect

This session introduces the mental game of pétanque through discussion, exercises, and practical techniques you can use immediately.

You'll Learn:

• Why mental training matters for performance
• The difference between "technical mode" and "flow mode"
• How to recognize and manage your inner critic
• Simple techniques for pressure management
• A basic pre-shot routine

What You'll Need:

• Open mind and willingness to share
• Notebook and pen
• Your own experiences to discuss
• 2-3 hours of focused time

Session Structure

Key Concepts You'll Explore

1. The Zone (Flow State)

• What it feels like when everything clicks
• Why thinking about technique disrupts performance
• The "switch" from planning to execution

2. The Inner Critic

• How negative self-talk affects performance
• The difference between Inner Critic and Inner Coach
• Neutral observation vs harsh judgment

3. Pressure Response

• Why you play differently in competition
• Physical signs of pressure
• Quick reset techniques

4. Practical Tools

• 3-breath reset
• Simple pre-shot routine
• Mistake recovery protocol

What to Bring

Required:

• Yourself and your experiences
• Willingness to participate

Optional:

• Examples of mental challenges you face
• Questions about specific situations
• Notebook for personal notes

After the Session

You'll receive:

• Summary handout of key concepts
• Practice exercises for the week
• Links to detailed education modules
• Goal template for mental game development

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For Facilitators

Preparation Checklist

1 Week Before:

• [ ] Book room for 2-3 hours
• [ ] Invite 6-12 participants
• [ ] Bookmark materials pages (see Materials)
• [ ] Review this guide thoroughly
• [ ] Prepare flip chart or whiteboard

1 Day Before:

• [ ] Confirm attendance
• [ ] Set up room (circle seating)
• [ ] Test any technology (slides, etc.)
• [ ] Prepare materials

1 Hour Before:

• [ ] Arrive early
• [ ] Arrange seating in circle
• [ ] Set up materials
• [ ] Center yourself

Your Role as Facilitator

Important

You are not a therapist or technical coach. You are a facilitator who:

• Guides discussion
• Creates safe space
• Connects concepts to experience
• Manages group dynamics

Key Skills:

• Active listening
• Neutral presence
• Managing different personalities
• Knowing when to move on

Detailed Session Plan

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Part 1: Introduction (20 minutes)

Objectives:

• Create psychological safety
• Set expectations
• Build group connection

Script:

"Welcome everyone. This session is about the mental game of pétanque - the thoughts, feelings, and patterns that affect your performance.

Ground Rules:

1. What's shared here stays here
2. No judgment of others' experiences
3. Participation is voluntary
4. There are no wrong answers

Quick Round: Name, how long you've played, one mental challenge you face."

Facilitator Notes:

• Go first to model vulnerability
• Keep introductions brief (1 min each)
• Notice common themes
• Validate all responses

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Part 2: The Zone / Flow State (40 minutes)

Objectives:

• Understand flow states
• Recognize technical vs flow mode
• Learn the "switch" concept

Opening Question: "Think of a time when you played your best pétanque. What did it feel like? What was different?"

Discussion Prompts:

1. "How many of you have had games where everything just clicked?"
2. "What were you thinking about during those moments?"
3. "How is that different from when you struggle?"

Key Teaching Points:

Use whiteboard to draw:

PLANNING MODE          →    EXECUTION MODE
(Outside circle)            (Inside circle)
- Analyze situation         - Eyes on target
- Choose strategy           - Trust training
- Decide throw type         - Automatic movement

Exercise: The Switch (10 minutes)

"Let's practice the switch moment:

1. Stand up
2. Imagine you're outside the circle - think about a shot
3. Take a breath
4. Step forward (into imaginary circle)
5. As you step, let go of analysis
6. Focus only on an imaginary target"

Debrief:

• "What did you notice?"
• "Was it easy or hard to let go of thinking?"
• "How might this apply in real games?"

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Part 3: Break (10 minutes)

Facilitator Actions:

• Encourage informal discussion
• Notice group energy
• Prepare for next section

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Part 4: The Inner Critic (40 minutes)

Objectives:

• Recognize negative self-talk patterns
• Distinguish Inner Critic from Inner Coach
• Practice neutral observation

Opening: "We all have an inner voice that comments on our performance. Sometimes it's helpful, sometimes it's harsh. Let's explore that."

Exercise: Inner Critic Inventory (15 minutes)

"On your paper, write down:

1. What your inner voice says after a bad throw
2. What it says when you're under pressure
3. What it says about your abilities"

Give 5 minutes for writing

"Now, who's willing to share one example?"

Facilitator Notes:

• Normalize harsh self-talk
• Don't try to "fix" anyone
• Look for common patterns

Teaching: Inner Critic vs Inner Coach (15 minutes)

Draw two columns on whiteboard:

Inner Critic	Inner Coach
"How could you miss that?!"	"That went left"
"You always choke"	"Let's try again"
"You're terrible"	"What can I learn?"

Discussion:

• "Notice the difference?"
• "Which voice helps performance?"
• "Can you change the voice?"

Practice: Reframing (10 minutes)

"Take one of your Inner Critic statements. How would an Inner Coach say it?"

Share examples.

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Part 5: Practical Tools (40 minutes)

Objectives:

• Learn 3-breath reset
• Create simple pre-shot routine
• Understand mistake recovery

Tool 1: 3-Breath Reset (10 minutes)

"This is your emergency reset button. Use it when you feel pressure building."

Demonstrate:

1. Breathe in for 4 counts
2. Hold for 2 counts
3. Breathe out for 6 counts
4. Repeat 3 times

"Let's practice together now."

Lead the group through 3 cycles

Debrief:

• "What did you notice in your body?"
• "When might you use this?"

Tool 2: Simple Pre-Shot Routine (15 minutes)

"A routine helps you switch from planning to execution consistently."

Basic Structure:

Outside Circle (Planning):
- Look at situation
- Decide on throw
- See the result in your mind

Walking to Circle (Transition):
- One deep breath
- Let go of analysis

Inside Circle (Execution):
- Eyes on target only
- Trust your training
- Execute

Exercise: "Create your own 3-step routine. Write it down."

Share examples.

Tool 3: Mistake Recovery Protocol (15 minutes)

"Elite players don't make fewer mistakes. They recover faster."

3-Step Protocol:

1. Observe - State the fact neutrally ("That went left")
2. Learn - Extract information ("Wind stronger than I thought")
3. Reset - Move forward (3-breath reset, eyes forward)

Practice: "Think of a recent mistake. Walk through the 3 steps."

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Part 6: Integration & Closing (20 minutes)

Objectives:

• Consolidate learning
• Create action plans
• Provide resources

Reflection Questions:

1. "What's one insight you're taking away?"
2. "What's one thing you'll try this week?"
3. "What questions remain?"

Action Planning (10 minutes)

"On your handout, write:

1. One technique you'll practice this week
2. When/where you'll practice it
3. How you'll track your progress"

Resources:

• Hand out summary sheet
• Share website: carreau.app
• Recommend starting module: The Zone

Closing Circle: "One word to describe how you're feeling right now."

Final Words: "Mental training is a skill like any other - it takes practice. Start small, be patient with yourself, and notice what changes. Thank you for your openness today."

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Facilitator Tips

Managing Difficult Situations

If someone dominates:

• "Thank you [name]. Let's hear from others."
• Use structured turn-taking

If someone is resistant:

• Don't argue
• "That's a valid perspective. What do others think?"
• Align with their concern

If someone gets emotional:

• Normalize it
• "This touches something real. Thank you for sharing."
• Don't try to fix

If discussion stalls:

• Use specific prompts
• Share your own example
• Move to an exercise

Energy Management

High energy: Use exercises and movement Low energy: Ask provocative questions Scattered: Bring back to structure Tense: Use humor or break

Post-Session

Follow-Up:

• Send summary email within 24 hours
• Include links to resources
• Offer to answer questions
• Schedule optional follow-up session

Self-Reflection:

• What worked well?
• What would you change?
• What surprised you?
• What did you learn?

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Materials

• Participant Guide
• Facilitator Slides
• Summary Sheet
• Exercise Worksheets

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Ready to Facilitate?

1. Review this guide thoroughly
2. Download materials
3. Practice the exercises yourself
4. Schedule your session
5. Trust the process