News · 7 February 2026
The jack at 11 metres: A distance record for 2026?
NewsIf you thought that pointing at 10 meters was already a nightmare, hold on to your balls! For 2026, the FFPJP is studying a modification of the article concerning playing distances. The objective? Increase the spectacle and test the power of the athletes. Going from 10 to 11 meters seems like a small step for humans, but it's a giant leap for accuracy. Paquita explains why the pitch will seem much longer this season. Why extend the throwing distance? HIf you thought pointing at 10 metres was already an ordeal, hold on to your boules! For 2026, the FFPJP is studying a change to the article on playing distances. The goal? Increase the spectacle and test the athletes' power. Going from 10 to 11 metres may seem like a small step for man, but it's a giant leap for precision. Paquita explains why the terrain will feel much longer this season.
Why lengthen the throwing distance?
Historically, the benchmark distance lies between 6 and 10 metres. But with the evolution of equipment and the physical preparation of elite players, ends sometimes become too predictable.
According to the reflections shared by the FIPJP, lengthening the distance allows:
- Reward the great shooters: Hitting a "carreau" at 11 metres becomes a rare feat.
- Make pointing more complex: At this distance, reading the ground becomes crucial, especially in the context of wild petanque and its uneven terrains.
The consequences for your game
Playing at 11 metres completely changes the tactical equation:
- Fatigue: The arm feels heavier at the end of the day.
- Visibility: At 11 metres, even with a fluo carbon jack, you need eagle eyes.
- Thinking time: You'll need to be even more efficient to respect the 30-second rule.
To adapt, don't forget to check our free tools for petanque players to recalibrate your visual markers.
Clubs' opinion
On forums and in boulodrome alleys, the debate rages on. "We're not catapults!", people often exclaim. Yet this rule might only be applied to the "Honneur" and "Élite" categories to begin with.
Remember to check whether your 2026 licence allows you to take part in the test competitions that are already experimenting with this new distance limit.
Conclusion (H2)
Whether the jack is at 6 or 11 metres, the pleasure remains the same, but the effort is no longer the same! In 2026, petanque becomes an endurance sport. Prepare your muscles, sharpen your gaze, and above all, don't aim at the neighbour next to you!
