Today we are looking at the 3rd element of a Petanue throw

We have looked at Feet and grip, now we look at the third element of a petanque throw.

3. Backswing

How do you make the boule go straight?

Well you can hang on to it a bit longer! It is all about the backswing. Now we always at this point in the coaching tips, pop off to a couple of other sports to make the point. Golf is always a great friend of our sessions. Think of a golf swing. Is the club brought back right over the players head just for power, well, yes but also direction. The work done on the practice pitches is all about a smooth straight swing. Power but also a controlled direction of hit.   The same with archery. The pull back of the bow is to give maximum control over the arrow. Once it leaves the bow the arrow is on its own. Think of a rifle barrel and a revolver. Rifles are more accurate as they control the projectile for longer. Backswing controls the boule longer in a straight line so when it leaves the hand it will continue on a straight path.