A strong contingent of the EPC’s women players turned out for Juanita Celix’s workshop

On Tuesday, December 2nd, under (mostly) sunny skies, 15 EPC members turned out for a petanque workshop for women, led by elite player Juanita Celix. 

Juanita has twice represented the United States in world championship competition, playing doubles in 2019 and triples in 2025. The EPC is grateful that Juanita kindly offered to share some of her expertise in a workshop designed for women players. Attendees were eager to soak in her advice and see her throw a few boules!

Juanita, a physician when she’s not playing petanque, opened the session with stretching exercises,noting that a gentle warm up before stepping onto the court, including stretching and moving fingers, wrists, shoulders, hips and ankles, can help ward off injury and discomfort. Conditioning to improve core and upper body strength, balance and flexibility are important for everyone.

Juanita suggested that players observe what works and does not work for them as a foundation to improve their game. When it comes to technique, she offered several key tips:

• Adopt an even, straight stance: Stand with feet under shoulders (not staggered), with weight evenly distributed in both legs. Your body should face your target. Avoid twisting of the hips or shoulders.
• Grip the boule with the middle three fingers: Gripping the boule with the thumb and little finger can deviate one’s throw. Let the boule rest at the base of the fingers rather than in the palm of the hand.
• The throw: practice a 4-step throwing exercise, starting with the boule in hand, arm straight (like a pendulum) and slightly in front of the body. Then: 1) flex wrist upward; 2) curl wrist down; 3) swing straight arm back; and 4) swing straight arm forward, releasing the boule and ending with middle three fingers pointing at the target. At home, try this indoors using wool dryer balls! Work to eliminate unnecessary and varied movement of the body, especially the hips.
• Use the circle: Stand at a place within the circle to optimize your position relative to your target. A small shift within the circle can make a difference!

Remember that practice makes perfect! Juanita shared that she finds pointing more difficult and nuanced than shooting, and reminded attendees that sound pointing wins many a game. She encouraged players to shoot when the opportunity arises. Hit or miss, remember to have fun!

Margaret listens closely to Juanita’s suggestions and tips.

From time to time the sun decided to shine on this useful workshop