Bocce

Number of Players: 2 to 8
Skill Level: Easy to Medium
Energy Level: Easygoing
Playing Area: Formally played on a long rectangular court, but any 10 ft x ~50 ft area of grass will work. It can be especially fun to move from area to area around a park or yard.

The game MUST be played on grass, sand, or a soft surface. The balls will be damaged if they roll onto sidewalks, driveways, streets, etc.

Game Contents
 4 red balls
4 blue balls
1 pallina (smaller ball)

Overview
In bocce, two individuals or teams are competing to roll their balls closest to the small target ball called the pallina. It’s a tough game to master, but pretty much anyone with enough muscle to roll the ball will enjoy playing.

For more complete rules, visit backyardbocce.com/basic-rules.

Official Court vs. Backyard Tour
Bocce is typically played on a long, level, rectangular court with defined boundaries. During each frame the balls are tossed from one end of the court to the other. When you’re playing in park or a big yard, we encourage you to play a little more free form, winding your way from place to place around the yard or park with each frame. Please keep the balls on the grass, though. Driveways, sidewalks, and walls will damage the balls.

Getting Started

  • Create 2 teams (up to 4 people per team) and select a ball color for each team.

    • Divide the balls evenly among your team members.

    • You can also play 1v1 (Each player throws all 4 of their color balls.)

  • All throws must be underhand rolls.

  • Select one person to gently toss the pallina (smaller, typically white ball) to get things started.

  • The team that threw the pallina goes first. They roll their first ball and try to get it as close to the pallina as possible.

  • Then the other team rolls their first ball toward the pallina, trying to land closer than the other team’s ball.

Here’s where it gets a little tricky…

  • Once each team has one ball in play, you’ll decide who throws next by determining which team is further away from the pallina.

  • If your team has the closest ball to the pallina, you are “in.” If your team does not have the closest ball, you are “out.”

  • The team who is “out” rolls their next ball until they have the closest ball or until they have rolled all 4 of their balls.

  • Play continues this way until both teams have thrown all 4 of their balls.

Scoring

  • Once all 8 balls have been rolled, it’s time to score the frame.

  • Only the team with the closest ball scores.

  • They receive 1, 2, 3, or 4 points depending on how many balls they have that are closer to the pallina than their opponent’s best ball.

  • Points are added to the team’s total, and the next frame begins.

  • Games are typically played to 16 points.

Notes

  • It’s ok if your ball hits and moves the pallina. This can be a good strategy for turning a frame to your favor.

  • The team who scores points throws the pallina and the first ball to begin the next frame.