What is bocce?
Bocce is one of the oldest sports in the world as well the most played behind soccer and golf. The game involves throwing a small ball, often referred to as the pallino, down a rectangular court. After the pallino is thrown, the goal becomes to get your bocce balls closest to the pallino. The team closest to the pallino after all balls (usually eight in total) are thrown scores points. Points range from a tie to four points per frame. Whichever team scores the final point total (usually between 7 and 15) first wins the match.
What surface is it played on?
Bocce can be played on a rectangular court measuring 10 – 13ft wide and 75 – 90ft long as well as in the backyard. League and tournament players almost always play on a court. Friends and families playing for entertainment often play in the backyard.
Why should I play?
Bocce is a great social sport for several different reasons. It can be played by people of all ages and physical makeups. Family and friends can enjoy an activity together without getting lost in complex rules. In addition, the sport is not physically imposing, so the pool of people that can play is large. Secondly, bocce is an inexpensive sport to enter. You can easily purchase a bocce ball set for as low as $20 – $40 and begin playing as soon as the set arrives.
How do I get started?
To begin playing, you need to purchase a bocce ball set. A bocce ball set consists of eight bocce balls and one pallino. A rule book and carrying bag are often included as well. Bocce ball sets come in a variety of ball sizes. Ball sizes usually range from 90mm to 115mm in diameter. Smaller balls are often used by good players because it takes more skill to accurately hit balls on the court. Larger balls make hitting easier and are commonly used by casual players.
As well as being available in many different sizes, bocce ball sets are available in a variety of colors. Red, green, blue, and yellow is some of the more common colors. In an eight ball bocce set, four balls are of one color and the other four are a different color. In addition, each color group has two different patterns on the balls, two of each pattern. The patterns allow people to play in three or four teams, each with two balls.
What are you waiting for?
Bocce is an entertaining sport that many people have failed to discover. Grab your bocce ball set today and join the thousands of others who have enjoyed countless hours playing bocce!
