Preparing a terrain for petanque does not require a high initial outlay and maintenance of it is minimal once established. Many potential venues find they already have a suitable surface available and very often all that is needed is spread a layer of gravel over existing car parks or gravel drives. A good terrain is a well drained area with a thin layer of small gravel or dust or similar loose material. The area required for each game is called a Piste and should be at least 3 metres wide by 12 metres long. Ideally 4m x 15m is the ideal size as laid down by the F.I.P.J.P., the international governing body of the sport. When choosing the location of your piste, consider the size available and take into account the location. Can all players access the terrain including wheelchair access?

All weather pitches can be used but if they are too smooth, they take out the element of chance which attracts beginners. Experienced players also do not like them as the element of skill is also removed. A good player will learn to "read" the piste using the undulations when deciding the line to be taken to the cochonnet or jack.

Piste Dimensions


This size of piste is suitable for one game. If more than one game at a time is envisaged, say to host competitions, then the overall width must be increased. Each piste will cater for for up to 6 people, as the most common game is triples, two teams of three.

Most clubs have at least 2 pistes available. Others run to 6, 8 or 10 or more and can therefore cater for up to 60 people. A good rule is if you have the space, make it as large as possible to cater for all eventualities.

In Leicestershire, a terrain that is playable in all seasons and all weathers is required. Terrains are built in 3 stages. Base, top dressing and surround.

Base Layer
Firstly, mark out your playing area and excavate the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches (150-200mm). If the area is not well drained, it is advisable to remove the soil to a depth of at least 18 inches (450mm) and back-filled halfway with hardcore or drainage stones and compact the area down using a heavy vibrating roller or wacker plate.

Add a layer of approx 4 inches (100mm) of 20mm hardcore usually type 1 sub-base or scalpings from your local quarry or builders merchant. Again compact the area using a heavy vibrating roller or wacker plate. This will provide a firm hard surface. However, if played on at this stage, larger stones will rise to the surface. The area will now need watering and again compacting to settle the stones down. Rain will do if you have the time or a hose pipe is ideal.

Top Dressing
Next you need a layer to bind the stones and hardcore together. Sand/gravel mixture is the cheapest or 3mm to dust from a local quarry. Spread at least 3-4 inches (75-100mm) of dust over the hardcore and roll again and again with frequent watering. This will create a firm playing surface that can be played on. You can add a further dressing of gravel or chippings to this top layer. The ideal size is anything up to 3/8 inch (10mm) and will only need to be no more than 1 inch (25mm) thick. The point about top dressing is that it should be just deep enough to provide the boule with some grip on landing, but not so deep that the boule sinks into it to any extent. Do not overdo any additional topping.

The ideal surface will take a little time to appear as some pistes will settle and those undulations will start to appear. You may find soft areas appearing where frequent boule landing takes place, the surface can be maintained by a light raking. Any large stones appearing should be removed from the playing surface.

Surround
A completed terrain will need a protective surround of some sort. This is usually made of wood as this is the best material that cushions the impact of the boules. Railway sleepers are a good way of providing the necessary surround and protection of your spectators. Alternatively, scaffolding boards can be used. They should be well supported as boules often hit with some considerable force. The terrain border should be at least 8 inches (200mm) high. Some clubs surround the playing area with 3 foot (900mm) advertising boards which are a good idea to offset the cost of building the terrain.