Campaign for Real Pétanque Terrains!

By Ray Ager.
Most guidelines for building terrains emphasise the basic requirement for a rectangular piste, e.g. 12 or 15 x 4m. Whilst this is obviously the basic requirement for marked-out terrains for competitions, it tends to result in rather dull, featureless terrains being built.

Remember, in France, terrains are frequently "natural" terrains, typically the village square, areas in parks, etc. The shape will be irregular and the surface is likely to be uneven and irregular, often with a slope, some areas hard and smooth, others rough and stony, with ruts where the rain drains across, etc. Especially in the South, terrains will be tree lined, essential for protection against the fierce sun but also creating additional features and obstacles, with the roots providing more uneveness to the playing surface.

All these features are what traditionally make up the charm and typical nature of the game. Players will choose different areas to play on, using the different features to test each other's pointing skills.

May I suggest that any guidelines on building terrains should pay as much attention to the traditional nature and feel of the game. Such terrains are much more interesting to play and look far more attractive than a plain, rectangular terrain.