Brighton and Hove Petanque Club

Jeff Taylor shares his recent experience
Less experienced pétanque players enjoy two great advantages in entering as many competitions as possible early in their career. Firstly, I have found experienced players to be very generous in providing advice and encouragement to those who are just starting out. Secondly, there is far less pressure in terms of expectations. People are impressed if you can get all three boules within three feet of the jack and, furthermore, nobody expects you to hit an opponent’s boule if you have the nerve to play as shooter – they just admire your willingness to have a go.

When people learn how enthusiastic and willing you are you will also find other opportunities open to you. Early in October Ray and Tony found that their regular team members were not available to make up a triples team to play in an open event at Adur and they asked me if I’d like to join them. I said “yes” immediately before they had the chance to change their minds, but I must confess to being more than a little nervous about playing with such good players in the sort of tournament which attracts other toprate players within a considerable travelling distance of the venue.
However – those who dare! As all readers of the newsletter will have guessed, Ray and Tony made me feel very comfortable and relaxed, but, as none of you will have guessed (me neither) we went on to win the competition and a cash prize as well, both experiences a novelty for me. Of even greater value was the enjoyment of playing with people who have lots of experience of playing at this level and are willing to share their knowledge of what makes a team successful, not just with technique and tactics but also with the character to remain relaxed and considerate to their team members when things aren’t going as planned.
To understand the personal qualities of successful players really needs the experience of partnering them and therefore of creating opportunities for this to happen by simply being there, being willing and by being keen to learn. The particular tactics for the team on this occasion however can be written about more easily.

We knew that the Adur members played mostly on the lower, smoother terrain and our tactics were therefore that, when facing Adur opponents, we would choose to play on the higher, more challenging terrain if we won the toss. Also, each individual attempted to play within a plan that was discussed and agreed by the whole team.

Other tactical decisions included throwing a medium-length jack until we knew enough about our opposition to compare their strengths and weaknesses with our own and then we might choose to throw a different length jack in the light of what we had learned. Another element which helps in all competitions is to ensure that the game situation is kept under review after each boule so that all team members agree on what is being attempted with each play. This helps with the focus and concentration needed to be as consistent as possible over the course of a day’s play.
There is much to be gained in entering as many competitions as possible in the various formats the club offers as well as trying open competitions at other nearby clubs, such as Adur and Crowborough, and you will find that your skills improve and your enjoyment increases. Furthermore, as explained above, the less experienced you are the easier this is – so make a resolution for next year to put yourself out there as much as possible in the competition world before you get too good and it becomes more difficult!

Ray Ager adds his thoughts I’d just like to say what a pleasure it was to play – and win! – with Tony & Jeff. Both joined the club as beginners and both regularly attended the club’s Beginners to Winners coaching sessions and both have really applied themselves to the game. The results are clear to see.

Speaking personally, I know very well I’m not a naturally talented player but, like Jeff & Tony, have tried to learn and practice as much as possible, to improve my game. Although for many pétanque is “a fun game” to play well you have to treat pétanque as “a serious sport”, i.e. correctly learn the basic techniques, train, practice, build a team, play competitions, etc, etc, just like any other sport.

The club is going from strength to strength – I’d love to see Sussex advance is a similar fashion and for Brighton to have some of the top regional teams. I hope that next year we’ll see developing support for coaching at both a club and regional level