Have you ever watched players who seem to magically dodge obstacles or stop their balls on slopes? It’s not luck, it’s technique. In pétanque, scoring points isn’t just about throwing straight. It’s about reading the terrain and mastering the trajectory. At FAC, we know that to go from amateur player to formidable pointer, you need to add an essential string to your bow: spin. Whether it’s to compensate for a slope or give your throw a curved trajectory, the backhand in pétanque is your best ally.
But how do you put spin on a pétanque ball without losing accuracy? How do you consistently score points in pétanque using spin? In this guide, we explain step by step how to master the backhand. An expert technique finally made accessible to everyone!
Why is it essential to master the counter-hand effect in petanque?
Many pétanque players have mastered the straight throw. This basic technique allows them to play properly… as long as the terrain remains even. But as soon as the ground becomes more challenging — with a side slope, uneven gravel, or an opponent’s ball placed in front of the target — the game changes. This is often when progress slows down.
Learning how to put spin on a petanque ball, and in particular mastering the backhand, allows you to overcome this hurdle. In fact, this shooting technique is not a move reserved for elite petanque players. It is above all a strategic tool that offers more control over the trajectory of each ball.
On sloping ground, the counter-hand effect helps to combat the slope. The pointed ball thus ends up closer to the target.
When faced with an obstacle, turning the ball with the counter-hand allows you to draw a curved trajectory. This allows you to bypass your opponent’s ball and stick close to the jack without resorting to a risky shot. This playing technique is an effective solution for adapting to all situations.
Whether at the point or, more occasionally, when shooting, this technique brings consistency to your performance on the boules court. It limits roll-offs on dry terrain, improves accuracy on impact and increases your tactical options. By mastering this advanced technique, boules players are no longer at the mercy of the terrain: they can exploit it to their advantage.