No.330
Pétanque: A Soft-Ball Introduction
Japanese name: ペタンク（やわらか球で入門）
Materials
- Soft pétanque balls in two colours: 3 per person
- 1 target ball
- A throwing-circle marker
- A measuring tape
How to play
- Form two sides, with three same-colour balls per person. Mark a circle big enough for both feet and place the target at a comfortable distance. Explain that this introduction uses soft balls and a shortened distance.
- The first side throws one ball from inside the circle towards the target; then the other side throws one. Keep both feet inside the circle until the ball lands.
- The side not holding the closest ball throws next. Once it becomes closer, change sides. Otherwise it continues while it still has balls.
- If one side runs out, the other throws all remaining balls. Each ball closer than the opponents’ closest ball scores one point. Have the facilitator measure apparent ties; if distances remain exactly equal, both sides score zero for that end.
- The scoring side places the next target and starts. First to 13 wins; agree on 7 before starting for a shorter game. Change starting side and partners next time.
Ways to adapt
Use no regulation metal balls here. Preschool: alternate with a caregiver, two balls each over 1–2 m. Younger primary: an instructor helps compare distances.