Most people associate jeu de boules directly with pétanque, but of course there are others.
A brief history of the most popular boules games
In reality, pétanque is a derivative of the game Provinçal, which is itself a derivative of Boule Lyonnaise.
Also known as Sport-Boules, it originated in the 18th century and is played with bronze balls padded with rubber bands or small springs. The playing area must be 5 metres long, flat and divided into 3 zones.
Boule de Fort, the sport of the Angevins, is not new either, dating back to the 17th century.
Boules Bretonnes are very well known in their region, but if you take a tour of France, you'll see that many regions have their own type of boules.
Why do people like to play boules?
We all have one thing in common with jeu de boules, and that's that it brings back a taste of summer and sunshine! We all enjoy playing them.
Apart from the fact that most people play it during the aperitif because, let's face it, it's more fun, well, it brings people and generations closer together! It's a friendly family game, but there's just one thing you have to watch out for: sunburn?
Although pétanque is not the most physical of sports, it does help to improve a number of skills, including concentration, dexterity and precision.
Gabaky softball game
When we talk about Gabaky, we're talking about indoor pétanque and soft boules. The story begins with a child bursting with imagination and his father. That's how the Gabaky adventure begins. Add a bit of strategy, fun, friends and family and you've got a great time!
This game is played at 4 metres from a target using soft balls, with the aim of getting as close to the target as possible.
No holds barred! The gabaky or softballs can roll along the ground, land on the target or take out their opponents.
Gabaky's soft balls
Gabaky's softballs are designed so that everyone can play, young and old alike. They can be used to make some surprising shots, and with a bit of practice you'll soon improve your skills and come up with some special moves. Opposing gabaky can sometimes get in your way. Their special moves could well turn the tide of the game.
The hat-trick
It's a question of dosage. It's worth a try! Throw your gabaky hard enough towards another gabaky. If the softball stops on it (stops touching the ground), you've scored a hat-trick. If you land on an opposing gabaky that has the point, you steal the show and take the point. If you land on a gabaky of the same colour that has the point, it counts double.
Leapfrog
Ah, training... That's what it's all about! It's up to you to find the right bounce. Throw your gabaky with enough of a bell (but not too much!!) so that it lands in front of the gabaky in your way and bounces over it.
Rolling shot
The road is clear. Roll your softball hard enough to knock your opponent out on impact.
Direct fire
There are a lot of obstacles in front of you. Direct fire can be the solution. Throw your gabaky and try to expel the opposing softballs with a direct hit.
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