
- Flip a coin or randomly decide which team gets to throw out the jack. ...
- Throw out the jack into a prescribed zone. The team that won the coin toss or was randomly selected to start gets two opportunities to throw the jack into ...
- After the jack is successfully thrown, throw out the first bocce ball. The team that threw out the jack is responsible for throwing out the first bocce ball.
- Let the second team bowl their bocce ball. The team which hasn't yet bowled gets a chance to now. ...
- Decide which team gets to continue bowling all their remaining bocce balls. ...
- Allow the team who hasn't completed their throws to bowl out. ...
How do you play the game bocce?
Bocce is played between two players or two teams of up to four players on a team. The object of Bocce is to get as many of your bocce (bigger, weighted balls) as close to the pallino (smaller target ball) as possible. If you are successful in getting your bocce closer to the pallino than your opponent, you are awarded points.
Can you play bocce ball with 2 balls?
Bocce ball can be played by two single players pitted against one another, or by two teams with two, three, or four players each. Teams of 5 or more are not advisable, as fewer balls than players means that not everyone will get a chance to bowl. 3 Set up your game area, known as "the court."
What is the goal of bocce ball?
The goal of bocce ball is to get more points than the other team. Score points by rolling your bocce balls closer to the white ball than your opponents. To get started, split up into 2 teams, and give each team 4 balls of the same color. Then, throw the white ball, called the pallina, halfway down the court.
How much space do you need to play Bocce?
Aim for a space that is 60 feet long and about 12 feet wide. Establish a center line and a foul line at each end and then you are ready to play bocce ball! How Do You Score? To score, one of your bocce balls must be the closest to the pallino (the little white target ball).

How do you play bocce ball step by step?
1:203:13How To Play Bocce Ball (Backyard Rules) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe game begins with a player throwing the jack the jack is the target for players when throwingMoreThe game begins with a player throwing the jack the jack is the target for players when throwing their bocce balls the player that threw the jack will throw the first bocce ball.
What are the rules of bocce ball?
Only balls which are distinguishably closer to the pallina than any of the opponent's balls are awarded points. All measurements should be made from the center of the pallina to the edge of a Bocce ball. Games are played to 16 points with the first team reaching 16 points being the winner of a game.
How does the scoring work in bocce ball?
The team that is closest, or inside, gets a number of points equal to how many of their bocce are closer to the pallino than the other team's nearest bocce. If the player's bocce touches the pallino, it is called a baci and the team earns 2 points for that ball.
How do you play the Italian game bocce?
0:382:19How to Play Bocce Ball - Little Italy Association - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUntil his ball is beaten fifth. Step is the scoring into measuring whoever gets the closest to theMoreUntil his ball is beaten fifth. Step is the scoring into measuring whoever gets the closest to the Baleno. That will be to scoring. Points there's a strategy to this game this moves to this game.
What is a kiss in bocce ball?
If a bocce ball is touching the pallino, its often known as a “baci” or “kiss” and can be rewarded 2 points if they remain touching at the end of the frame. The first team to reach 12 points wins the game (must win by 2).
What happens if you hit the pallino?
Hitting either the pallino or either team's bocce balls is permitted. No penalty or bonus is awarded. After all bocce balls have been tossed, the team with the bocce closest to the pallino wins the frame.
How do you keep points in bocce ball?
Each ball that is inside is typically worth one point. If a team has multiple balls closer to the pallino than the opponent's closest ball, they will receive a point for each one. Some versions of the rules allow bocce balls that are directly touching the pallino — referred to as a “kiss” — to count for two points.
What does bocce stand for?
The name “bocce” actually comes from the Latin word meaning boss. However, it also is the plural form of the Italian word boccia, which means bowl in the sporting sense (like bowling). If someone asks you what bocce is, you can tell them it's the best pizza in Western New York. You can also say it's lawn bowling!
Why is it called bocce ball?
The Latin word bottia (ball) is the root of the Italian word boccia or bocce. Latin also used the word boulles (balls), hence the name bowls for the British form of the game, and in France the game of Boules.
How do you say bocce in Italian?
Bah-chee, in Italian, is spelled baci, which means kiss. The correct pronunciation is more like buh-chee. It has an "uh" sound, as in "bug." If an Italian hears you saying bocce balls, and you're pronouncing it bah-chee, that Italian might think you're saying something else altogether.
What happens if the pallino is knocked out of bounds?
➢ If a ball is knocked out of bounds by another ball, the ball out of bounds is considered dead and is taken out of the field of play. ➢ If the pallino is knocked out of the field of play, the frame is replayed beginning at the opposite end, with the same team throwing the pallino as the previous frame.
How do you play indoor bocce ball?
Bocce Rules for Indoor CourtsStart the game with a coin toss. ... The serve must cross the half-court line and not touch the back wall. ... Alternate turns until all balls have been thrown. ... Each throw must pass the half-court line to count (just like in a game of table shuffleboard).More items...•
Who throws the pallino each round?
Winners throw the pallino. The thrower must be behind the foul line, which is 4 feet from the backboard. The pallino must pass the halfway mark of the court and must not hit the back wall. If the ball does not reach halfway, hits the back wall, or goes out of bounds, the opposing team will throw the pallino.
Who throws first in bocce ball?
The pallino must be thrown past the center line and not further than the four foot line. If the pallino lands out of the designated area, the opposing team will throw the pallino into the playing area. Once the pallino is in position, the first team throws their bocce ball.
What is the object of bocce?
The object of Bocce is to get as many of your bocce (bigger, weighted balls) as close to the pallino (smaller target ball) as possible. If you are successful in getting your bocce closer to the pallino than your opponent, you are awarded points. Bocce Ball Playing Surfaces & Courts:
How many points are there in bocce ball?
Games are played to a set point total usually 12, 15 or 21. How To Play Bocce Ball (Beach or Backyard Rules): Divide players into two teams of one, two or four players each. Each team gets four balls, divided equally among the players. A coin toss determines who will play first.
How big is a bocce ball court?
A large area is needed in order to make the game more challenging. An actual Bocce Ball court measures 76 feet long and 12 feet wide. The game however is just as much fun without the court.
How many players are on a team in bocce ball?
Bocce is played between two players or two teams of up to four players on a team.
Where did bocce ball originate?
Records dating to the 3rd century BC also show the popularity of a Bocce-like game with Roman soldiers. As the Roman Empire spread, this game was introduced throughout the European continent, Asia and North Africa. Bocce Ball is one of the oldest of all lawn or yard games. Best known in Italy, it is gaining popularity in North America ...
When was bocce ball invented?
Bocce Ball has been evolving for thousands of years. The basics of the game can be traced back to games that were played in Egypt around 5000 BC when people first began settling along the Nile Delta. Records dating to the 3rd century BC also show the popularity of a Bocce-like game with Roman soldiers.
What happens if two teams get closer?
If team two gets closer, then it is Team one's turn. If Team Two's ball does not come closer then they continue to throw until they get a ball closer to the Pallino or until they are out of balls. Then Team One throws the reminder of their bocce balls.
How many points does a Bocce score in a Giro?
2. Winning A Giro. In each Giro, one point is counted for each team Bocce closer to the Pallino than any Bocce of the opposing team. A Bocce leaning on the Pallino (a Baci) is scored 2 points. Two Bocci of opposing teams equal distance from the Pallino cancel each other out and no additional points are scored for Bocci beyond them.
How many points do you need to win a bocce round?
1. Winning the Round. A Round of Bocce consists of a series of Giro that continue until a team accumulates a total of 9 points. The first team that completes a Giro with 9 or more points wins the Round. (International tournaments use 15 points.)
What is the inbounds area of play?
4. The Inbounds Area Defined. The area inside the sidelines and back lines define the court’s perimeter. The rectangle defined on each end of the court by the back line, side lines and Pitch line define the “inbounds” area of play (see Attachment #1). Points are only scored by Bocci legally seated in this area. All Bocci not so seated are immediately removed. The Pallino must be seated inbounds.
What is the line behind the ball in Volo?
3. Line Requirements for Throwers. The pitch line is the line behind which a player must throw the Pallino and Bocce for Punto and Raffa shots. Volo throws must be executed behind the Volo line. Players may stand in the out-of-bounds area to throw as long as their feet are inside the Boards and completely behind the respective throwing lines.
What is the definition of a ball in play?
Definitions of Balls in Play. A Bocce or the Pallino is officially in play if it is “thrown,” “displaced” (in motion after being struck by another ball) or “seated” (no longer in motion after being thrown or displaced). 2. Boundary Lines Defined.
How many seconds does a player have to throw a bocce ball?
2. Throwing Time Limit. An individual player has 30 seconds to throw. A delay beyond this time limit causes the Bocce about to be thrown to be forfeited unless the Referee allows the team to take one of its timeouts for the Round.
What is a morra in bocce?
The Morra (or as a weak alternative , a stone or coin toss): At the beginning of the Tournament and when two teams with equal Round records are to compete, team captains or their designees engage in one Morra; the Referee settles any disputes. The winner has the first choice of Bocce colors. 2.
How to throw a ball in bocce ball?
When you play, each ball is to be thrown underhanded. The underhand throw is very useful to control distance and spin. When throwing your first bocce ball ensure your foot is behind the foul line. Aim for a landing spot that is well before the pallino to allow for some roll. Hold the ball in your palm to support the weight and maintain control of your throw.
Why is bocce ball so popular?
One of the reasons this game is so fun is because the basic rules are minimal and it is easy to pick up from the first ball! This game has been played all over the world for hundreds of years and hasn’t changed much. To be played individually or in teams, there is some strategy involved that experienced players can employ to increase competitiveness. At the end of the day, only one team can win but everyone will enjoy themselves. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran you will see why this game is so popular. Learn what the main bocce ball rules are and remember this one for your next picnic or BBQ – it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
What happens if you hit a pallino ball in bocce?
If you hit the pallino ball in a bocce ball, nothing happens unless you knock it out of play. Should that occur then the frame is over and no points are awarded; a new frame starts. If your ball is touching the pallino at the end of the frame, then more points are awarded; the rules can vary but it’s usually one extra point.
What happens if you throw a ball closer to the Pallino?
The first player or team throws to the pallino and if it’s in play, then it is the next player or team’s turn. If that player fails to get the ball closer to the pallino than the first ball, then the same player or team throws again and keeps throwing until they are closer or run out of balls. Play continues like this until all ...
How to get the ball rolling when throwing?
When throwing, release the ball as close to the foul line as possible to get it rolling right away. This will make it easier to control the weight. As you improve you can use your ball to move any ball of an opposing team by hitting it with your own. This requires a skilled hand but is very useful at times.
How many points can a team score in a frame?
Only one team can score per frame, and they can score more than one point – whichever of the teams throw one ball closer is the team that will score that frame.
Can you play bocce ball?
Now you are caught up on the main bocce ball rules, you are ready to go! Anyone can play bocce as it is easy to learn from the first frame, and easy on the body. After the coin toss, two teams made up of various players can spend the whole afternoon enjoying themselves as it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy a few laughs.
What is bocce golf?
Bocce golf is a hybrid sport utilizing the equipment and rules of bocce ball and golf. It is played on a course with greens and holes marked with flags like a golf course, ...
How many holes are there in bocce golf?
Having already invented and trademarked the sport of bocce golf, Arden Hills resident Lanny Baumann will soon be completing a nine-hole course for interested players.
