Pétanque Pulse
Episodes
From Ground Up: How to Start Your Own Pétanque Club
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down how to start your own local pétanque club, drawing on successful pitches from the Port Townsend Pétanque Alliance and...
Pétanque's Social Contract: The Etiquette Every Player Should Know
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pétanque has a social contract, and in this episode, we're laying it all out. Whether you just picked up your first set of boules or you've been play...
$25 Well Spent: Why Your FPUSA Membership Might Be the Best Deal in Sports
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dig into what the Federation of Pétanque USA has been building and why a $25 annual membership punches way above its weight. From...
Am I Good Enough? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome on the Terrain
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we tackle the mental hurdles that can sabotage even the most skilled petanque players. Whether you’ve just won a major tournament o...
The Glue Player: Unsung Heroes of Winning Teams
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Not every championship team is built on superstars. Some of the most valuable players never top the stats—they hold the team together. This episode ...
More Than Superstition: The Science of Pre-Game Rituals
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why do elite athletes swear by their pre-game routines—and what can pétanque players learn from the science behind them? This episode explores how ...
Beyond Technique: The Heart of Pétanque Coaching
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a great pétanque coach? It's more than teaching technique. This episode explores the foundations of effective coaching—from the GROW...
Pétanque: The Antidote to Skyboxification
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Philosopher Michael Sandel argues democracy is dying not in voting booths but in the disappearance of places where different classes actually meet. Pé...
Mark Your Calendar: FPUSA 2026
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Planning your 2026 pétanque season? Here's what's on the calendar and how to make the most of it.https://usapetanque.org/tournament-calendar....
Pétanque at the 2025 SEA Games
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The SEA Games bring together Southeast Asian nations in a multi-sport competition that goes beyond Olympic events—giving regional sports like pétan...
Grip Happens: The Physics Behind a Perfect Pétanque Throw
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the invisible mechanics that separate casual tossers from true pétanque technicians. Listeners will discover why the in...
Thailand: A Pétanque World Powerhouse
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How did a French boule game become the second national sport of Thailand? We explore how royal patronage, military scholarships, and a dedicated manuf...
Lincoln Park Pétanque Club in Chicago
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the unique story of the Lincoln Park Pétanque Club in Chicago, chronicling how they transformed an initially challenging locati...
Five Days, Eighteen Trainees, One Legendary Umpire
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode takes you inside an extraordinary, five-day intensive training clinic held in Las Vegas, where eighteen dedicated FPUSA trainees converge...
Building US Pétanque with Professional Coaches
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode dives into how FPUSA is building a foundation for professional coaching in the U.S. through a groundbreaking partnership with the Centre ...
Pétanque Ring Rules Demystified
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this episode as we share tips from FPUSA Umpire Al Davison on the real rules and smart strategies behind pétanque’s most misunderstood e...
The FIPJP Explained: The Structure Behind International Pétanque
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the FIPJP—the Fédération Internationale de Pétanque et Jeu Provençal—and how it connects the game from your local ...
Mastering the Mind Game: How to Overcome Performance Anxiety in Pétanque
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the world of sports performance anxiety—what fuels it, how it shows up, and, most importantly, how pétanque players c...
Rust Never Sleeps: An Essential Guide to Caring for Your Boules
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore everything you need to know about caring for and maintaining your boules. You’ll discover the key differences between ca...
Championnats Du Monde Féminins De Pétanque 2025
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we recap highlights from the three-day global event - the Championnats Du Monde Féminins De Pétanque 2025 - hosted at the magnifice...
Pétanque and the Olympic Dream: Is It Possible?
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Could pétanque ever become an Olympic sport? In this episode, we explore the fascinating process behind how the International Olympic Committee (IOC)...
The Curse of 7-0
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is the 7–0 curse real, and where did it come from? In this episode, we trace its roots in French village sports and explore how a half-joking supers...
Play for a Longer Life
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can a simple game add years to your life? In this episode, we dive into the robust science behind social connection and longevity, exploring why being...
Choosing The Right Boules
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores how to choose pétanque boules for top-level play — from carbon steel vs. stainless, size, weight, and hardness, to the impact...
Not Just a French Pastime: The Worldwide Reach of Pétanque
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pétanque is far more than a casual game played in village squares—it’s a truly international sport with a global reach. In this episode, we explo...
Pétanque Umpire Camp coming to Las Vegas!
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about the first-ever Pétanque Umpire Camp in the U.S.! Hosted by FPUSA and led by international arbitre Patrick Grignon, this five-day program ...
What To Do When You Face a Strong Team
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We've all been there. You're facing a formidable team and wonder dreadfully - we have no chance against this team. First, don't give up be...
Penalty Cards in Pétanque: Yellow, Orange, Red Explained
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered what those yellow, orange, and red penalty cards in pétanque really mean? From simple warnings to disqualification, penalty cards can d...
Next Gen Pétanque
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dawan Sangasri, a member of La Boule New Yorkaise, is bringing fresh energy to pétanque in the U.S. In this episode, she shares how the game eased ho...
Unlocking Accuracy: The Science of Pétanque Shooting
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if there's a scientific blueprint to improve your shot? Discover how biomechanics can significantly change your game. In this episode, we bre...
Pétanque’s Cheeky Tradition: The Legend of Fanny
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this lighthearted episode, we dive into one of pétanque’s most famous traditions: “Fanny.” If you lose a game 13–0, you’ve “kissed Fan...
Who Will Win the Next Petanque Worlds?
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the history and current landscape of petanque ahead of the upcoming FIPJP World Championships, spotlighting the dominance ...
Snoopy Learns Pétanque: A Schulzian Inspiration
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a summary of Don McPherson's article, published in the first edition of the Petanque Pulse newsletter (spring 2024) that chronicl...
Is Pétanque Your Life?
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you obsessed with pétanque—or do you know someone who is? Join us as we explore the passion, quirks, and joys of being hooked on this game.
About Eli
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Eli Fleitas, a member of the Miami Pétanque Club, is a 12-year-old rising star in the U.S. pétanque scene. Join us in this episode as we learn more ...
The Wolf's Bite: The World Championship is coming to Rome!
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an insightful look into the Petanque World Championships ROME 2025, taking place from September 17-22, 2025, in the heart of Italy's capit...
Newsletter Summer 2025
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode highlights the Petanque Pulse Newsletter Summer 2025 edition. Highlights of clubs' activities, reflections from our members, and nati...
Newsletter Spring 2025
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Get all the scoop on what's happening in pétanque across the US in this Spring 2025 edition.
FPUSA - The American Home of Pétanque
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode provides listeners a brief overview of FPUSA. Learn more at usapetanque.org.