Boule

Boule is a ball game which can be played wherever there is some space and doesn't require a dedicated playing field. It's similar to bowls - the objective is to get your balls closest to a target ball.

Learn how to make and play this game using recycled aluminum beverage cans.

14 Empty aluminum beverage cans

500 grams Cement

Create outer shells by filing off the bottom from 14 aluminum beverage cans. If you consider this will be too laborious, you can also made them by cutting with a pair of scissors. If you are using borrowed scissors, it's probably best to do the cutting when the person you borrowed them from is not around (they just don't understand).

Make up a small batch of cement by pouring some cement into a disposable bowl and adding some water, mix with a paint stirrer.

Fill the half shells with cement and, once slightly set, join the pairs together using fresh cement. Wipe the outsides with a damp cloth and let them cure for 24 hours.

Boules (Pétanque) is played by throwing metal balls as close as possible to a small target ball called the cochonnet (jack). The first player or team to reach 13 points wins the game.

Setup & Formats

* Singles (1v1) or Doubles (2v2): Each player uses 3 boules.

* Triples (3v3): Each player uses 2 boules.

* Throwing Circle: Draw a 50 cm circle on the ground. Players must stand inside the circle with both feet firmly on the ground while throwing.

Gameplay

* Throwing the Jack: A coin toss determines who goes first. That player stands in the circle and throws the target jack between 6 and 10 meters away.

* First Throw: The same player throws their first boule to get as close to the jack as possible.

* Next Turn: The opposing player or team throws next. Whichever team is farthest from the jack must keep throwing until they put a boule closer than the opponent's best boule or run out of boules.

* Tactics: You can throw to get close (pointing) or hit an opponent's boule to knock it away (shooting).

Scoring

* Once all boules are thrown, the end (round) is finished.

* Only one team scores points in each end—the team with the single boule closest to the jack.

* That team gets 1 point for every one of their boules that is closer to the jack than the opponent's closest boule.

* The winner of the round starts the next round by placing the circle where the jack was and throwing the jack for the new round.