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	The History of Pétanque A past as old as the world

Pétanque: game of bowls of Mediterranean origine. The name comes from the expression "pé tanqués" which means "feet together". Although pétanque is quite a new invention, the game of bowls goes back to pastimes of the highest ancient civilisations (Egypt, Greece, Rome and even ancient Gaul!). The Gauls, our ancestors, were quick to learn the game of bowls suggested by their Roman neighbours. The barbaric invasions put a stop to these futile pleasures between the 3rd and 10th century. During the crusades, people played bowls whenever they could. The Renaissance period was the "golden age" for bowls, demanding exactitude, technique and self control. Doctors of the time insisted so much on the advantages that the nobles ended up confiscating the game from the ordinary people, up until 4th August 1789 when all privileges were abolished and people were allowed to live their passions again. Towards the end of the 18th century bowling took an important turning point. In the area around Lyon "la Lyonnaise" first appeared, wich became a sport in 1850 and the first official club was crated called "Le Clos Jouve". In 1906 "La Fédération Lyonnaise et Régionale" was founded, then in 1933 it became the "National Bowls Federation", and then the "French Federation" in 1942. During the 19th century, while the Lyons balls were rolling, the Southern Frenchmen enjoyed the "long game" ("la longue") or the "Provencial Game" which demanded the same qualities but the rules were simplified and the choice of terrain was free. It's this Provencial Game which became the reference for "la pétanque". In 1927 it was accepted and in 1945 the FFPJP was born (Fédaration Française de Pétanque et de Jeu Provencal).

	The Federation 13, rue Trigance - 13002 MARSEILLE
	Fédération Francaise de Pétanque et de Jeu Provencal

Established on 16th January 1945 in Marseille by the chairmen and representatives of the bowling committees of the regions of Alpes de Hautes Provence, Bouches du Rhône, Gard, Var and Vaucluse. It is comprised of about 500 000 official players in 7 600 clubs, 106 committees and 21 regional leagues. It is the 4th most important sports federation in France. Every year the FFPJP organizes 12 French championships - 10 pétanque and 2 Provencial games. It has also started 3 Triple Ace competition: pétanque (64 teams), Provencial Games (16 teams) and for the ladies (16 teams). Further innovating includes computerisation and opening a web site, but it's still early days !

	Manufacturing techniques

In 1927 at St Bonnet le Château the first steel ball was made which replaced its predecessor made of hobnailed boxwood. The idea belonged to Jean Blanc who, together with his friend Louis Tarchier, made the first 'Lyonnaise" balls, and then "pétanque" balls, out of steel. He patended the idea, and exploited it later with the JB company which as then merged with several other trade marks, such as Obut, just to mention the most famous. The making of an ordinary hollow steel ball involves know-how, techniques and quite sophisticated and expensive equipment. Pieces of steel (small cylinders) called "lopins" are cut from a cylindrical bar. They are then heated to over 1000° C, moulded into discs then into perfectly regular shells under 800 ton presses. The 2 shells are then soldred together in order to form a ball. This technique is used by all the manufacturers. VMS Plot (MS pétanque) adds a stamp of precision and internal anti-bounce features. After the all-important soldering phase (which determines sturdiness), the rough shape is heated to 850° C and slowly cooled to allow the exterior sheping to the determined diameter and weight, and also to add any lines or markings. The dipping and the "revenu" harden to steel and adjusts its toughness. The finishing touches of polishing and adding anti-corrosive determine the quality of the finalproduct and the pleasure in handling it. The "normal" balls goes through many different specialised, complex and ultra-modern machines, and undergoes numerous tests and trials. For exemple to test the quality of the joint, a canon fires the balls on to a very hard metal surface at 10 times human arm strength! ! Due to the vast combination of different "types-weights-diameters-patterns" stocking all tha balls also poses a problem to the various manufacturers. Extract from the FFPJP technical specifications fot competition balls: Diameter-between 70.5 and 80 mm. Weight-between 650g and 800g. Hardness-over 110kg/mm2 (35HRC). Balance tested. Obligatory markings-make, seal, weight, identy number.

	The benefits of pétanque as an educational game

Motricity: Petanque helps develop dexterity and precision. It also contributes to the coordination movements of various parts of the body and assures a good sense of balance. Sensory: Petanque is an excellent way to develop the sense of touch and to maintain good eye-sight. Above all, it teaches self-discipline and self-control. Emotional: Pleasure is found in playing with gear which, with time, becomes easier and easier to manipulate. Each player is his own master, and it is always a great joy to score a point, hit another ball, to succeed a shot, and recognize one's own potentials. Social: Petanque favours human relations and usually knocks down any social baarriers. During the game players are partners or opponents. At each round players must confer, give advice and express themselves. Intellectual: Petanque helps develop many intellectual qualities, for exemple, concentrating, being attentive, memorizing, calculating and foretelling probabilities.