Common Construction Mistakes
A Petanque piste should be an ever changing surface. As the above structure compresses with rolling, whacking, rainfall, general play and the constant walking up and down or the players the boule should roll faster the game should become more difficult. The result will be, as a player, you will get better and as a piste you will have great home advantage. If the wrong topping is used, i.e. pea shingle or large gravel stones the topping will remain floating on the surface and take years to break down into smaller gravel. It will pile up at both ends as it moves when boule land.
Many constructors put far too much topping on their piste. It can make playing easier but shooting will be difficult as the pointed boule dig in. Some teams actually put excess topping on piste's knowing it stops shooters effectiveness. Bad Sports!
Large stones used as topping can be dangerous. When boule land the impact can cause these stones to fly off the piste and cause injury. In the past I have heard a stone whistle as it passed my ear. A close shave indeed. Pistes can be dangerous places.
A membrane laid on grass and covered in gravel can be a simple construction technique. Not really suitable as the gravel bounces away from the boule landing area and of course this piste will never bed down.
I hope this continues to give a guide for those looking to install a piste in their gardens or play areas. Enjoy your Petanque.
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