Jeu provençal

Jeu provençal ('game of Provence'; also known as boule lyonnaise, "boules of Lyon") is a French form of boules.

Jeu provençal being played in Lyon

In Italy, the sport bocce volo, which is played with bronze balls, follows a similar set of rules.[1]

History

The current version of the game developed during the 18th century around the area of Lyon.

  • The Fédération Lyonnaise et Régionale was formed in 1906.
  • About the same time, in 1907, the sport of pétanque split off to become its own sport.
  • It led to the formation of Fédération Nationale des Boules in 1933.
  • That became the Fédération Française de Boules in 1942.

Rules

The rules are similar to the game of pétanque except that:

  • A jeu provençal court is about twice the size of a pétanque court.
  • In jeu provençal, the normal practice is to take a short run-up to the throw. (In pétanque, the feet are fixed in one spot while throwing.)

These differences reflect the reason that pétanque was invented – to create a sport that was accessible to a disabled player in a wheelchair.

In addition:

  • in jeu provençal (as in bocce), each player has four boules when playing as singles (in pétanque, each has three).

Grounds and equipment

Under official rules, the court must measure 27.5 metres (30.1 yd) in length and between 2.5 to 4 metres (2.7 to 4.4 yd) in width, with a clear play area of 12.5 metres (13.7 yd) and 7.5 metres (8.2 yd) at each end (one end is the Landing zone, and the other is where the players stand and throw).

When the jack is thrown, it must land at least 12.5 metres (13.7 yd) away from the player.

Boules

The boules vary in size, weight, and composition, usually to accommodate the player's comfort, but tend to be made of bronze (with the jack being wooden) and are usually 90 to 110 millimetres (3.5 to 4.3 in) in diameter and weigh 900 to 1,200 grams (2.0 to 2.6 lb).[2] They must be centrally balanced.

References
  1. Petanque.org - Italian Games (accessed 18 May 2008)
  2. www.BocceVolo.com - Official Rules - Chapter 1 - Materials


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