Originated in Italy

BOCCE

Originated in Italy

One of the oldest of all lawn bowling games.

Can be played with two players or two teams of up to 4 players on a team.

Bocce balls are identified by color or by pattern/design on the ball.

The target ball is called the “Pallino” or “Jack”.

Players try to position their Bocce balls closer to the target jack than their opponent; OR they can

try to displace their opponents Bocce ball, improving their own position.

OPEN BOCCE

This is the version we will play in class.

Can be played on a variety of surfaces: backyard or front yard; smooth or rough grass; dirt road;

golf course; beach; etc.

The Pallino/jack is thrown out by a member of TEAM A (2 on 2). They (A1) can throw any

distance or direction they choose. (Class will go no more than 20-25 yards). The same player

then rolls or tosses their Bocce balls as close to the Jack as possible. Opponent B1 then does the

same thing. A2 follows, and then Opponent B2 finishes. Ball closest to the Pallino wins the point.

If there is a tie in the distance between the closest Bocce ball and the Pallino, a “wash” is

declared and no points are awarded.

Game is played to 12 points.

Alternating shots are taken by all players at the Pallino. A1-B1-A2-B2. THEN whoever is

furthest away from the Pallino then rolls next. Players are required to follow proper sequence

of turns throughout the game.

v Pallino/Jack-small target ball

v “Inside ball”-ball closest to Pallino.

v “Outside ball”- ball furthest from Pallino. They roll first on second shot.

v “Wash” – Bocce balls of both opponents are same distance from the Pallino.

v “Spocking” – Hitting an opponent’s bocce ball out of the way in order to score point.

v “Live ball”- Any bocce ball in play or waiting to be thrown.

v “Dead ball”-Any bocce ball disqualified due to coming in contact with a person or object.

v “Frame” – period of time in which bocce balls are played until a point is awarded.

We will use a couple of different scoring options in class.

One option is where only one team can score a point in each frame. Only the bocce ball closest

to the Pallino will score a point.

The second scoring option we will use is that only one team can score a point per frame, but one

point is awarded for EACH bocce ball that is closest to the Pallino than the closest bocce ball of

of the opposing team. (4 points maximum).