Bocce ball is a simple, time-honored outdoor game enjoyed by people around the world for centuries.
It welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, making it ideal for casual backyard get-togethers or organized tournaments.
This blog post will explore the history of the sport, how to play bocce ball, and how to set them up for recreational and competitive play, a theme that fits well with our Outdoor Entertaining: The Ultimate Guide to Hosting From Home resource.
The History of Bocce Ball
Bocce ball is a long-standing outdoor game with roots in the ancient world, played by Romans and Greeks, and there is evidence it may have existed in ancient Egypt, where stones were used as makeshift balls. Over the centuries the game evolved and gained popularity in Italy, and Italian immigrants brought bocce ball to the United States in the early 20th century.
For a broader view of how games have evolved, see The History of Games and Arcades Through the Years.
How to Play Bocce Ball Recreationally
You will need a flat surface such as a lawn or a beach for recreational play. A standard bocce set includes eight balls—four of one color and four of another—plus a small target ball called the pallino or jack.
To begin, the pallino is rolled or tossed onto the playing area. The first player throws one bocce ball to try to land closest to the pallino. The opposing team then throws one ball, aiming to beat the closest distance. Play continues with each side taking turns until all eight balls are rolled. The team with the balls closest to the pallino scores a point, and you can play to a predetermined total number of points.
For ideas on hosting outdoor bocce games, see Outdoor Entertaining: The Ultimate Guide to Hosting From Home.
As a fun, low-key outdoor activity for summer gatherings, explore the Water Bead Blaster idea: Water Bead Blaster.
How to Play Bocce Ball Competitively
In competitive bocce, rules tighten. A typical official court measures about 26.5 meters in length and 4 to 4.5 meters in width, with a midpoint line and foul lines at 4, 7, and 9 meters from each end.
Competitive bocce follows the same scoring rules as the recreational game, but players must declare their intended throw to the referee before tossing. The official options are Punto, Raffa, and Volo.
Punto aims to land as close as possible to the pallino if there are no obstacles, while Raffa is used to displace objects on the court, with players declaring the object they intend to move. Volo is a high arcing throw to move objects; it is discouraged in formal play due to risk of damage to the court and equipment.
For broader context on how official play has evolved, see The History of Games and Arcades Through the Years.
Bocce Ball Is The Perfect Backyard Game
Even if you have no desire to play bocce ball competitively, it still makes for a perfect backyard game to entertain friends and family. With the basics in hand, consider picking up a high-quality bocce ball set of your own.
It’s also a great fit for summer gatherings, and you can read more ideas in 25 Fun Summer Activities To Make The Most Of The Season.
