The lab
The experiments corner
The Lab by Paquita
This is where we test ideas, crunch data and tinker with free tools to play (and win) at pétanque in new ways.
What is the Lab?
The Lab is where I always ask myself the same question: “what if?” What if we mapped every pétanque court? What if we simulated a carreau before playing? Here you will find maps, simulators, generators and experiments — 100% free with no sign-up required. Whether you are a casual Sunday player or a competition regular, come and explore: there is always something new.
The Live Map
Find nearby pétanque courts and boulodromes on an interactive map.
E.g. you arrive in an unfamiliar town → find somewhere to play in 10 seconds.
Explore the map →Lab Generators
Create competition formats and ready-to-use tools in just a few clicks.
E.g. generate a balanced competition bracket without the hassle.
Start the factory →The Radar
Scan and view useful information about your boulodrome before you play.
E.g. see the court's different areas and conditions at a glance.
Scan the area →The Simulators
Test your trajectories and ends virtually before setting foot on the gravel.
E.g. simulate a carreau and see what happens at different angles.
Simulate an end →Improve your pointing and shooting
Choose your role and follow Paquita's tips to pick up points in every end.
Good pointing is all about accurate aim and judging the weight of your boule. Pointing wins most games — here is how to place your boule as close to the jack as possible.
Stance
Feet inside the circle, hip-width apart, with your knees relaxed. Stay low and steady : everything starts with balance.
The landing spot
Choose your landing spot (where the boule lands before it rolls). Aim between one-third and two-thirds of the distance, depending on the terrain.
The action
Keep your arm swinging like a pendulum, with a smooth release and a touch of backspin (backspin) so the boule stops dead.
The half-lob
On tricky terrain, the half-lob (a boule lobbed halfway) avoids stones and slopes.
Good shooting means knocking out your opponent's boule… and taking its place. Shooting clears the court and can turn around an end that started badly.
Aiming
Align your shoulder, arm and target in a straight line. Keep your eyes fixed on the boule you want to hit.
Direct shot or ground shot
The direct shot hits the boule full on. The ground shot rolls along the ground: it is safer on clear terrain.
The release
Keep your arm extended and follow through without flicking your wrist. Consistency matters more than power.
The carreau
The Holy Grail: you knock out your opponent's boule and and yours stays in its place. The carreau takes practice.
Tech watch: what we are keeping an eye on
The innovations transforming pétanque — we break them down for you (we do not invent them; we simply love understanding how they work).
Metallurgy: the secret behind shock-absorbing boules
At manufacturers such as Obut or La Boule Bleue, induction heat treatment produces steel that is extremely hard on the surface but more “flexible” at its core. As a result, the boule absorbs impact better on a direct shot and “jumps” less — a real advantage when attempting a carreau. At the lab, we love testing how these steels affect grip.
Learn more about Obut technology →Balance: full machining
Some brands machine the entire sphere, including the inside. Unlike cast boules, which can have weight imbalances, this perfect balance makes the boule deviate less on slopes — invaluable for pointers. We're taking a close look at how this symmetry changes its trajectory.
Explore Boulenciel R&D →AI & video refereeing
The computer vision is coming to the courts: systems analyze video to determine which boule is holding the point, like Hawk-Eye in tennis. We're drawing inspiration from it in the lab to help you better visualize your shooting angles.
Changes to the FFPJP rules →Lab experiments
What's live, what's in the works, and what's coming soon.
The Live Map
All courts on an interactive map.
Generators
Competitions and ready-to-use tools.
The End Simulator
Test your trajectories before stepping onto the court.
The boule comparison tool
Find the boule made for your style of play.
Wet terrain: does the boule really grip more?
Verdict: yes… but not for everyone. On damp ground, a pointed boule “holds” better (it rolls less and stops more sharply), but a direct shot slides more. Paquita's advice: in rainy weather, favor the pointing and aim a little shorter than usual.
Which experiment would you like to see next?
Your feedback will shape the lab's next tool.
Get notified about new experiments
Something new in the lab? You'll be the first to know. No spam, unsubscribe in one click.
The petanque glossary
New to the game or want to shine at the boulodrome? Here are the terms of the Provençal game, explained simply.
- The carreau
- Shoot the opponent's boule and take exactly its place. The most admired shot in petanque.
- The biberon
- A boule nestled against the jack: unbeatable… or almost.
- Fanny
- Lose 13–0. Tradition has it that the loser “kisses Fanny”.
- The end
- A round: all the boules are played, the points are counted, then it starts again.
- The jack (cochonnet)
- The small wooden target players aim for, also known as “le petit”.
- Pointing
- Place your boule as close to the jack as possible: the pointer's role.
- Shooting
- Hit an opponent's boule to knock it away: the shooter's role.
- The devant-de-boule
- Land just in front of the opponent's boule to protect your own.
- The sautée
- A shot that passes over an obstacle to hit the targeted boule.
- The rafle
- Shoot by rolling the boule along the ground to the target.
- Make a palet
- A perfect shot: the boule strikes its target and stays in place after impact.
- The dead boule
- A boule that has left the court: it is “dead” and out of play.
5 beginner mistakes to avoid
Classic pitfalls at the boulodrome… and how to correct them right away.
Pointing too hard
✅ Stress makes you throw too hard. Ease off: aim for your landing spot and let the boule roll gently toward the jack.
Stepping out of the circle
✅ The both feet must remain inside the circle until the boule touches the ground, otherwise it is a foul.
Trying to shoot everything
✅ Shooting is tempting! But a good point often scores more than a missed shot. Choose your play wisely.
Not reading the terrain
✅ Stones, slopes, dips… study the ground before you play. The terrain matters just as much as your technique.
Skipping the warm-up
✅ A few practice boules and you'll find your range. Starting cold = wasting the first few ends.
Quiz: how well do you really know petanque?
Click your answer — get an instant result and an explanation for each question.
Score: 0 / 5How many points do you need to win a game of petanque?
Answer: 13 points. A game of petanque is won at 13 points.
What is the small wooden target called?
Answer: the jack. It is also called the cochonnet or “le petit”.
What does “faire un carreau” mean?
Answer: take its place. A carreau means knocking away an opponent's boule while your own stays in its place.
How far must the jack be thrown?
Answer: 6 to 10 metres. The jack must be thrown between 6 and 10 m from the circle.
What does “to be Fanny” mean?
Answer: lose 13–0. Tradition then calls for you to “kiss Fanny”.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PétanqueLand Laboratory?
A free space where Paquita tests pétanque-related ideas, data and tools: maps, simulators, generators and experiments.
Are the Laboratory tools free?
Yes, all the Laboratory's tools and experiments are 100% free and accessible without signing up.
Do I need to create an account to use them?
No, you do not need an account. Just click a tool and use it straight away.
How often do you add new experiments?
The Laboratory is regularly evolving. The best way to hear about new additions is to subscribe to the newsletter above.
“I launched the Lab because I'm always asking myself "what if?". What if we simulated that carreau? What if we mapped every pétanque court? The Lab is my way of playing with pétanque differently.”
— Paquita