Everything You Want to Know About Bocce Ball (But Were Afraid to Ask!)
You’ve probably seen it — the long, rectangular court that is made of crushed shells or smooth dirt. People are gathered around, tossing large, heavy balls down the court toward a randomly thrown white ball. And you’ve wondered: “What is happening?”
Or perhaps your parents had a set of these heavy balls and you just threw them around, thinking it was a fun game. Well, you’re not alone.
This popular game, known as bocce ball, was introduced in the United States during the 1980s. And if you don’t know anything about bocce ball, you’re in the right place.
C&C Courts is happy to explain the ins and outs of this low-stress, inclusive sport that is great for barbeques and neighborhood bocce ball tournaments.
The Absolute Basics of Bocce Ball
First, how do you pronounce “bocce?” It’s pronounced BOH-chee, and is derived from Italian. However, if you live in the Midwest, you might hear it pronounced as BAH-chee.
Bocce ball is a game of strategy, skill, and gentle physics. No, you don’t need to brush up on high school physics to play. Think of bocce as a lawn version of bowling or a dirt-floor cousin of curling.
The goal is fairly simple: get your balls closer to the small white ball than your opponent. That’s it. That’s the whole game, and everything else is just fun!
The Little White Ball in Bocce Ball
The most important ball on the bocce ball court is the little white ball. It’s called the pallino (pa-LEE-n0). Some people call it “The Jack,” “The Money Ball,” or perhaps “The Moon.” It’s the target for the game, as the closest balls score the most points.
How Hard is Bocce Ball to Learn?
Bocce ball is easy to learn, though it may take a little practice when throwing the balls. Just like the game Cornhole, you need to perfect the toss, the arc of the ball, and anticipate how far the ball will roll.
However, bocce ball is a perfect game for holding a drink and having a conversation. It’s so easy to learn; bocce ball courts are cropping up at breweries, corporate campuses, neighborhood parks, and private backyards. It’s a fun game that can get everyone involved and provides an instant dose of chill.
How to Play Bocce Ball
Here is a quick and dirty guide to playing bocce ball:
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The Toss: The game starts when one team tosses the pallino onto the court. This is the target for the round.
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The Battle: One person from the team that tossed the pallino throws the first bocce ball, trying to get as close as possible to the pallino.
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Team Two’s Turn: The other team throws their first bocce ball, then every subsequent throw belongs to the team whose ball is the furthest from the pallino. This continues until all eight balls have been thrown.
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Scoring: Once the balls are tossed, you check to see who is the closest. Only the team with the ball(s) closest to the pallino scores points. You get one point for each of your balls that is closer to the pallino than the other team’s closest ball.
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Winning: The first team to reach a predetermined score (12 or 15) wins the game!
Bocce Ball Strategy
Like curling, part of the fun of bocce ball is knocking your opponents’ balls out of the way. Sometimes this works in your favor — knocking the ball further away from the pallino while yours rolls to a stop in a more favorable position.
However, too much “umph” and your ball may knock another away while rolling even further away from the pallino. That’s where the strategy comes in.
But remember, the other team can knock your bocce balls out of the way, too. So be prepared for a head-to-head battle as both teams try to get closer to the pallino.
Why Bocce Ball is the Most Chill Game Ever
Bocce ball is a great game for everyone. It’s inclusive, so kids to older adults can have an enjoyable time playing. It’s also a great way to get people socializing at a party or on a cruise ship, and helps bring guests together as they battle for the win.
When it comes down to it, bocce ball is an ultimate party game and requires very little storage when the day is over.
Build Your Custom Bocce Ball Court with C&C Courts
Once you fall in love with bocce ball, you’ll want to take your obsession to the next level. Build a custom bocce ball court in your backyard! C&C Courts has over 30 years of experience building bocce ball courts in Wisconsin, and we can ensure your next party has the ultimate icebreaker game.
Give us a call today at 414-856-5690 or request a free quote for a bocce ball court online!
