Palette of Throws
The Complete Technical Repertoire
This is an overview of the throws available in pétanque. You don't need to master all of them, but knowing what exists helps you understand the full scope of the game.
The Big Picture
Understanding the full palette helps you make informed choices about what to develop. You don't need to master everything - focus on what works for your game.
Pointing Techniques
By Trajectory
| Throw | French Term | Trajectory | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling | Roulette | Low, rolls most of the way | Smooth terrain, short distance |
| Half-lob | Demi-portée | Medium, lands halfway | Most common, versatile |
| Lob | Portée | High, lands near target | Obstacles, rough terrain |
| Drop shot | Plombée | Very high, drops vertically | Tight spaces, precision placement |
By Spin
| Spin Type | Effect on Landing | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Full spin (backspin) | Stops or pulls back on landing | Need to stop quickly, avoid rolling past |
| Half spin | Moderate backspin, controlled roll | Most versatile, predictable |
| No spin | Neutral, natural roll on landing | Let terrain dictate roll |
Shooting Techniques
By Impact Point
| Technique | French Term | Impact Point | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron shot | Au fer | Direct hit on the boule | Most common, clean contact |
| In front | Devant | Landing just before target | Safer, less precision needed |
| Jump shot | Sautée | Bouncing into target | Advanced, for obstacles |
By Intensity
| Intensity | Trajectory | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Hard flat shot | Direct, powerful, flat | Clear line, need distance on hit |
| Medium hard | Balanced power and control | Most versatile |
| Soft with high arch | Lob shot, drops from above | Obstacles, tight spaces |
The Complete Palette
Quick Reference: All Throws
Pointing:
- Roulette (rolling)
- Demi-portée (half-lob)
- Portée (lob)
- Plombée (drop shot)
- Full spin / Half spin / No spin
Shooting:
- Au fer (iron shot)
- Devant (in front)
- Sautée (jump shot)
- Hard flat / Medium / Soft high arch
Mastery Path
Remember
The goal isn't to master everything. It's to have enough technical foundation that you can enter the zone and let your body choose the right throw naturally.
Focus on:
- 2-3 pointing techniques you can rely on
- 1-2 shooting methods that work for you
- Consistent execution under pressure
- Mental game to access flow state
Next Steps
Once you have solid technique, the real growth comes from:
- The Zone - Accessing flow states consistently
- Training Methods - How to practice effectively
- Mental Strength - Performing under pressure