Training Session: Competition Practice Guide
How 4 Players Can Train Together Regularly
This guide shows how to create a regular training group of 4 players that competes against each other on different surfaces and environments for 2-4 hours. Emulate real competition while building psychological safety and mental performance skills.
The Training Session Philosophy
Competition without reflection is just playing. Training without competition is just practice. This format combines both: compete hard, then reflect deeply.
Why 4 Players?
The Perfect Number:
- 2v2 format - Mirrors real competition
- Rotation options - Change partners, play singles
- Peer learning - Diverse playing styles
- Accountability - Hard to cancel on 3 people
- Intimacy - Small enough for deep sharing
The Group Dynamic
4 players creates the ideal balance between competition intensity and psychological safety. You compete hard, but you also support each other's growth.
Finding Your Group
Ideal Group Composition
Skill Level:
- Similar level (within 1-2 tiers)
- All committed to improvement
- Mix of pointers and shooters
- Different playing styles
Mindset:
- Open to vulnerability
- Willing to reflect
- Competitive but supportive
- Growth-oriented
Logistics:
- Live within 30 minutes of each other
- Can commit to regular schedule
- Similar availability
Recruiting Your Group
Where to find players:
- Your club's elite players
- Regional tournament regulars
- Online pétanque communities
- Ask your coach for recommendations
The Invitation:
"I'm forming a small training group of 4 players who want to compete regularly and work on the mental game. We'd meet weekly for 2-3 hours, play hard, then reflect on what we're learning. Interested?"
Session Structure
2-Hour Session
| Time | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | Check-in & setup | 15 min |
| Competition | 2v2 matches | 90 min |
| Reflection | Debrief & learning | 15 min |
3-Hour Session
| Time | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | Check-in & setup | 15 min |
| Competition Round 1 | 2v2 matches | 60 min |
| Break | Rest & informal chat | 15 min |
| Competition Round 2 | Rotate partners | 60 min |
| Reflection | Deep debrief | 30 min |
4-Hour Session
| Time | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | Check-in & setup | 20 min |
| Competition Round 1 | 2v2 matches | 75 min |
| Break | Rest & snack | 15 min |
| Competition Round 2 | Rotate partners | 75 min |
| Break | Rest | 10 min |
| Competition Round 3 | Singles or challenge | 45 min |
| Reflection | Deep debrief & planning | 30 min |
Startup Protocol (15-20 minutes)
1. Physical Setup (5 min)
Choose the terrain:
- Rotate through different surfaces each week
- Vary difficulty and conditions
- Sometimes choose uncomfortable terrain intentionally
Set up the space:
- Mark boundaries clearly
- Prepare measuring tools
- Water station
- Shade if needed
2. Mental Check-In (10 min)
The Check-In Circle:
Stand in a circle (no boules yet) and go around:
Each person shares:
- Energy level (1-10): "I'm at a 7 today"
- Mental state: "I'm feeling focused" or "I'm distracted by work stress"
- Intention: "Today I want to work on staying calm after misses"
Why this matters:
- Builds awareness of mental state
- Creates empathy in the group
- Sets individual focus for the session
- Normalizes being "off" some days
Facilitator tip: Rotate who goes first each week
3. Ground Rules Reminder (5 min)
Every session, briefly remind:
Session Ground Rules
- Compete hard - Play to win, no holding back
- Support growth - Help each other learn
- Respect User Manuals - Honor how each person wants to be treated
- Stay present - No phones during play
- Reflect honestly - Share what's really happening inside
- Confidentiality - What's shared here, stays here
The Balance:
"We compete like it's a tournament, but we support like we're teammates. Hard on the game, soft on the person."
Competition Conduct Rules
Match Format
Standard 2v2:
- Play to 13 points
- Standard pétanque rules
- Keep score honestly
- Measure when needed (don't guess)
Rotation Options:
Week 1: A+B vs C+D Week 2: A+C vs B+D Week 3: A+D vs B+C Week 4: Singles round-robin
Creating Competition Environment
Critical: Make It Real
This is not casual practice. Treat it like a tournament:
✅ Do:
- Keep official score
- Measure accurately
- Call foot faults
- Take it seriously
- Celebrate good shots
- Show disappointment in misses
❌ Don't:
- Give "do-overs"
- Be overly casual
- Let bad calls slide
- Joke through the whole game
- Make excuses
The Mental Performance Twist
Track two scores:
- Traditional Score - Points won
- Mental Performance Score - How well you managed your inner game
Mental Performance Criteria (self-scored 1-5 after each game):
| Criterion | 1 (Poor) | 3 (Good) | 5 (Excellent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed Present | Dwelled on past shots | Mostly present | Fully in the moment |
| Managed Inner Critic | Harsh self-talk | Caught and reframed | Used Inner Coach |
| Emotional Regulation | Visible frustration | Stayed mostly calm | Calm throughout |
| Supported Partner | Ignored or blamed | Basic support | Used User Manual |
| Focus | Distracted, unfocused | Mostly focused | Laser focused |
Total: /25 per game
Why this matters:
- Shifts focus from outcome to process
- Builds awareness of mental game
- Creates accountability for inner work
- Celebrates mental performance, not just winning
Varying the Environment
Rotate through different challenges:
Week 1: Home Terrain
- Your regular piste
- Comfortable conditions
- Focus: Building confidence
Week 2: Difficult Terrain
- Uneven, challenging surface
- Focus: Emotional regulation, acceptance
Week 3: Different Location
- Another club's piste
- Focus: Adaptability
Week 4: Pressure Conditions
- Spectators (invite others to watch)
- Focus: Managing external pressure
Week 5: Weather Challenge
- Wind, heat, or cold
- Focus: Mental toughness
Week 6: Time Pressure
- Shot clock (30 seconds per throw)
- Focus: Decision-making under pressure