The Cochonnet

Don't underestimate the importance of throwing the cochonnet. Practice will help you throw the cochonnet to the distance you require. The distance you throw the cochonnet is one that suits you, or your team - not your opponent. Everyone has a favourite length and with practice you will be able to throw to the length you desire. It may win or lose the game.

Take the time to work out who is the most consistent thrower of the cochonnet. In many teams, the pointer throws the cochonnet out of habit. Make sure it is because they are the best at throwing it.

Unlike lawn bowls, where the throw of the jack simply determines the length of the end, the throw of the cochonnet also influences where you land your boules for that end. Therefore, the direction and the distance that the cochonnet is thrown should be chosen to ensure that the landing spot, or donnee, is favourable for the type of point you are most comfortable playing.

Exercises for length

1. Draw a throwing circle on the ground and a line 7 metres away and a second line 0.5 further away.
   Throw the cochonnet 3 times to finish between the two lines.
   Repeat at a distance of 9 metres.
   Note: As you become more proficient, reduce the distance between the two lines.
2. Draw a throwing circle on the ground and a 1 metre diameter circle 7 metres away.
   Throw the cochonnet into the circle 10 times.
   Repeat at distances of 8 and 9 metres.
   Note: As you become more proficient, reduce the diameter of the target circle.
3. Draw three 0.5 metre diameter circles at distances of 7, 8 and 9 metres from the throwing circle.
   Throw the cochonnet into each of the circles in turn.

Exercises for precision

1. Draw a throwing circle on the ground and place a car tyre 5 metres away.
   Throw the cochonnet into the tyre three times.
   Repeat at distances of 6 and 7 metres.
2. Repeat the above exercise using an empty two-litre ice-cream container as your target.