An investigation into current status of petanque training content and methods among students at Tra Vinh University, Vietnam

Abstract

Petanque, internationally known by its French name, has a long history and is widely loved by many people. In Vietnam, petanque is currently one of the high-performance sports in Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong Delta region, with a strong petanque movement developing in Tra Vinh, Vietnam. Thus, the aim of this study is to provide insights into the current status of training content and methods in petanque practice among students at Tra Vinh University, Vietnam. The author adopted a combination of research methods, including document review, interviews, and statistical analysis to comprehensively address the research objectives. The participants of this study were 20 lecturers, coaches, and individuals involved in sports movement development, as well as leaders of clubs, teams, and student groups, along with 3,376 students from Tra Vinh University. The findings of the study indicate that students at Tra Vinh University train in all aspects of petanque, including physical fitness, technique, tactics, and competition. In terms of training methods, most students practice in groups, classes, or clubs, often without professional guidance. Training sessions typically last from 30 minutes to 2 hours, occur at least twice a week, are held on campus, and take place in the afternoon after class or during students’ free time.