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The game of boules is played between two players or teams. Players seek to place their boules closer to the jack (target) than their opponents, or to displace their opponents boules improving their position in relation to the Jack.

Popularity
An ancient game originating in France, that is popularly played in summer time both socially and competitively.

Location
Boules can be played any where needing only an area of 24.5m to 27.5m in length, by 3m in width. Any surface may be used, grass or dirt are most common.

Age
Any age capable of throwing a boule can play, making boules an ideal family event. Boules players carry on well into their eighties.

Ability
Pitch lines are marked and evaluating boule distances taken with a baguette ( a metal rod 5cms long). Baguette French for rod, from the Italian bacchetta which is a diminutive of bacchio (rod) from the Latin baculum (stick).

Description
Boules is played one against one, two against two, three against three or four against four, between 8 and 10 boules are thrown per end. Competitive Boules are made of metal or synthetic material and weigh between .7 and 1.3kg, having a diameter of between 8.8 and 11cm. Scoring, when both teams have played all off their boules, one team scores a point for every boule that is nearer to the jack than the nearest opponents boule.

Dedication
Types of shot employed in boules are, * Boule pointee a boule thrown along the ground , to stop as near to the jack as possible. * Boule portee a boule thrown into the air in a parabolic ark, to stop as near to the jack as possible. * Boule tiree a boule thrown into the air in a parabolic ark, to displace on landing, either the jack or a boule. A jack or boule should not be displaced by more than 1m or a foul is called.

Closely Related Activities
Petanque 461, Boccia 77, Flat green bowls 85, Crown green bowls 84, Quoits 482, Boccie 742 and most of the Skittle variations 564.

Cost
A set of competition standard boules costs from £15. Plus any club or pitch fees.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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