How To Play Bocce Ball

Bocce Ball is a wonderful, social yard game that can be enjoyed by two to eight players.  

Get your bocce balls closest to the jack to win this game!  

Find the video tutorial and written explanation for how to play backyard bocce ball below.

Bocce Ball Tutorial

Needed

Two to eight players; Bocce Ball set

Setup

Players will divide into two teams.  Each team gets four bocce balls.  

The game can be played 1 player vs 1 player where each player throws four bocce balls.

The game can be played 2 players vs 2 players where each player throws two bocce balls.

The game can be played 4 players vs 4 player where each player throws one bocce ball. 

Any open space can be used as the bocce court.

Objective

The object of the game is to score points.  

Points are scored by having your team’s bocce balls closer to the jack (smaller target ball) than your opponent’s bocce balls.

Game Play

The game begins with a player throwing the jack, also known as the pallino throw.  The jack is the target for players when throwing their bocce balls.  

The player that threw the jack will throw the first bocce ball.  

After the first bocce ball is thrown, the opposing team will throw a bocce ball.  

The two teams will continue to alternate throwing bocce balls until all have been thrown.  

Once all the bocce balls have been thrown, the round is over.

Scoring

The team who has the closest bocce ball to the jack will score points for the round.  

One point is scored for each bocce ball the team has closer to the jack than the closest bocce ball for the opposing team.  

The first team to score an agreed upon amount of points, such as 12, wins the game!  A team must win by 2 points

Rules

All throws must be made underhand.

The team that scores points in a round will throw the jack to start the next round.

If opposing bocce balls are the same distance from the jack, the round is a tie.  No points are scored.

It is okay for a bocce ball to hit the jack and move it, or hit other bocce balls to move them.  

Before game play, teams can agree that a bocce ball that finishes the round touching the jack is worth two points.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Bocce Ball?

Bocce ball is a popular Italian lawn game that involves tossing balls to get as close as possible to a smaller target ball, known as the jack or pallino.

It's a competitive yet leisurely sport enjoyed by people of all ages.

2. How many players are required to play bocce ball?

Bocce ball can be played with 2 to 8 players. However, it's most commonly played as a 2-player or 4-player game, with each side or individual competing to get their balls closest to the jack.

3. What equipment do I need to play bocce ball?

To play bocce ball, you will need a set of bocce balls, which typically includes eight balls – four of one color and four of a different color – and a jack.

You will also need a level playing surface, like a grassy lawn or a bocce court, and measuring tools to determine which balls are closest to the pallino.

4. How do you determine the starting team or player?

Traditionally, a coin toss or some other random method is used to determine the starting team or player.

The winning side or player gets to throw the jack and their first bocce ball.

5. What are the basic rules of bocce ball?

Bocce ball rules are simple: Players take turns throwing their balls toward the jack, attempting to get as close as possible.

The team or player with the ball closest to the jack scores points. The game is typically played to a predetermined number of points.

6. Can the jack be hit during the game?

Yes, players can attempt to hit the jack to move it closer to their own balls or away from their opponent's. However, be cautious, as it can change the game dynamics.

7. What's the objective of bocce ball?

The main objective is to score points by having your team's bocce balls closer to the jack than your opponent's balls.

The team or player who reaches the predetermined number of points first wins the game.

8. Can I play bocce ball on different surfaces?

​Bocce ball is most commonly played on grass or a specialized bocce court.

However, it can also be played on other surfaces like sand or gravel, as long as they are level and have boundaries defined for the game.

9. Are there any strategies to improve my bocce ball game?

Yes, there are several strategies to improve your bocce ball skills. These include practicing your throws, studying the playing surface, understanding the art of positioning, and learning when to aim for the jack and when to target your opponent's balls.

10. Where can I buy bocce ball sets?

​Bocce ball sets are widely available and can be found at sporting goods stores, online retailers, and even some department stores.

Take a look at available sets on Amazon here.

You can also check with local bocce clubs for recommendations on where to purchase quality sets.

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