If you're looking to train your hand eye coordination and precision and enjoy spending time outdoors, Petanque is the game for you!

Petanque (pronounced "paytonk") is an outdoor bowling game, similar to bocce ball, that originated in early twentieth century France. The game can be played either by two individual opponents or two teams with up to three players on each. Each player has two to three metal balls that weigh about a pound and a half and have a diameter of about three inches. To play, a circle is drawn on the ground where a member of the starting team chooses. That member then stands inside of the circle and tosses the smaller “target ball" 6.5 to 11 yards beyond the circle. The game persists with another member of the same team tossing one of their balls as close to the target as possible from within the same circle. The next team then does the same, and the round continues until both teams have thrown all of their balls. Each team's goal is to have more balls closer to the target than the opposition: each ball closer to the target than the other team receives one point. The winning team then begins the next round, and the game persists until a team receives 13 points.

I was lucky enough to have Dany Zimmer, an authentic Frenchman, give me a lesson in New York City's Bryant Park. The La Boule New Yorkaise Petanque Club offers lessons every weekday between 11:30am and 2pm to anyone who wishes to come out; however, I somehow managed to pick a time when I was the only Petanque rookie in sight playing with recent tournament winners. Though I was slightly intimidated at first, I caught on quickly, scoring several points for my team, and before I knew it I had been playing for over an hour. The Petanque pros are extremely welcoming people who were excited to share their passion. Petanque is not only a fun game, but it is a great escape from the chaotic city and the perfect excuse to be outside on a nice day.

Check it out! You could be the next champion!

-Ashley Johncola