There's not much footage of "boule Provençale" or "la longue" (the long one) available online.
A TV station in Draguignan (due North of St Tropez) just uploaded a report on local competitions. It is still popular in certain towns in SE France.
Pointers must take one step (one only), and then throw with either both feet on the ground or one in the air. Shooters on the other hand must take 3 steps before aiming for an opponent ball.
It's spectacular and not easy at all. Look at 1:40!
No wonder Jules le Noir asked his buddies in 1907 to shorten the distance and do away with the fancy footwork. In so doing, everyone would be - literally - on equal footing. He, sitting in his chair with his feet on the ground. The others standing (or squatting) with both feet on the ground.
It suddenly made the game much more inclusive as to age, strength, and gender.
And so pétanque ("feet anchored") was born....
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