Bocce ball is a fun game that’s easy to learn and perfect for players of all skill levels. It’s a great way to pass time on a lazy summer afternoon and there are a variety of bocce ball drinking games that can help spice up the game. Whether you play competitively or are just looking to play a casual game with friends and friendly, finding the right bocce ball set is important. So in this bocce ball reviews & buying guide, we will help you find the perfect set for whatever your needs are. We will cover the most budget-friendly bocce ball sets to some of the more expensive high-quality professional sets and give you our top picks.

What to Consider and When Buying a Bocce Ball Set

Before we get started, you should have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in a bocce ball set. We’ve laid out an easy-to-follow Q&A below but feel free to jump down to our recommendations. 

What’s included in a Bocce Ball Set?

A typical bocce ball set includes the following:

• 8 bocce balls – Most sets are divided in 2 sets of 4 balls usually in different colors so people can play on different teams. Some sets though will come in 4 sets of colors where a person or team may have 2 of those colors.
• 1 pallino ball – This is a smaller ball that is the target in the game
• Carrying pouch/bag – Helpful when it comes to transporting or storing your game
• Measuring tape – Not all sets come with measuring tape, but it can be really helpful especially in more competitive games. Casual players may be fine just estimating by eye.

What Color are Bocce Balls?

Bocce ball colors largely vary based on the manufacturer of the bocce ball set. While many will come with the traditional green and red variety, other sets will come with multiple colors such as green, red, yellow, blue or some color combination like that. On top of that, the designs on the actual balls themselves will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.

What Size Bocce Balls Should I Get?

Choosing the right size for bocce balls really depends on your needs and preferences.

For younger players or those wanting to play with lighter balls (generally around 74mm or 2.91 inches), these bocce balls are easier to throw and are for more casual players.

For intermediate or professional players that are looking for competitive player, they will need regulation-size bocce balls that measure 107mm or 4.21 inches.

How Much do Bocce Balls Weigh?

This depends on the size of the bocce ball, but regulation bocce balls are about 2 pounds (920 grams) but for smaller bocce balls as noted above can be between 1-2 pounds. Regardless, it’s important to note that the weight of the ball will impact your ability to throw the ball and the level of accuracy you may have.

What Material Should the Bocce Ball be Made of?

Material will definitely impact the price of a bocce ball set. Since material will impact the weight and durability of the set. The ideal material will depend on playing location, frequency of use, and purpose. 

• Solid resin makes for the best bocce balls with a solid feel and a durable material. However, they’re also expensive and are geared towards more competitive players.
• If you need something more affordable for casual play, hard plastic or recycled material are also excellent options. Keep in mind that these materials are not as durable and may be prone to chipping and fading colors.
• For those who plan on playing bocce indoors, soft rubber bocce balls are ideal since they’re less likely to impact your floors.
• You can even find vintage bocce sets made of wood, which are the traditional version in bocce ball history. However, these are extremely rare and are more ideal for collecting than for actual play.

What Other Bocce Ball Accessories Might I Need?

While most bocce ball sets provide all the essentials for generally gameplay, here’s a list of additional accessories that may enhance your experience:

• Bocce ball scoreboard – This could be handy for keeping score in a game that’s a bit more official looking vs. just keeping score in your head.
• Gloves – Some people like to wear gloves when holding the bocce ball for better grip.
• Cleaning Products – This is helpful to maintain the appearance of your bocce balls

How Much Does a Bocce Ball Set Cost?

The most affordable bocce ball sets typically cost around $30 to $50 brand new, but you can probably get a used bocce ball set for less. Note, generally for most sets, you get what you pay for. If you’re just looking to get started playing bocce ball or are working on a budget, perhaps start with something cheaper and as you get better or have a bigger budget, maybe then buy a more expensive set.

Mid-range bocce ball sets will set you back around $60 to $90 depending on the brand, material, and quality. These sets typically have plastic filling with an outer resin coating.

Finally, higher quality sets will likely cost around $100 with some premium sets or custom sets going for hundreds of dollars. Generally these come with the highest quality of material and are for the most serious or avid players of bocce ball.

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for when buying a bocce ball set, let’s take a look at some of the best bocce ball sets available on the market. We spent hours going through thousands of bocce ball set reviews to assess each bocce ball set based on factors such as pricing, durability, customer experience, material, size, and handling comfort.

The GoSports 90mm bocce set rises above the pack and is our prime recommendation. With eight balls divided into four spirited colors—red, blue, green, and yellow, this set strikes the balance between quality, price, and usability. Each color is distinguishable with two unique designs, either circle cut or square cut.

What We Like About It

• Choice of Materials: GoSports gets that one size doesn’t fit all. The choice between soft rubber and classic hard resin caters to different playing surfaces. The rubber, perfect for harder terrains, is slightly on the pricier side by about $5. Yet, if you’re playing on softer grounds, the classic resin does the trick.
• Night Play? No Problem: The light-up LED balls set this apart from other bocce sets. It’s a game-changer for those beach nights or late backyard gatherings. Sure, it’s about $10 more than the classic set, but who said nighttime fun had a price limit?
• Weight & Accessories: Each ball, weighing at 1lb 11 oz, feels just right in the hand—not too heavy for the youngsters yet substantial enough for adults. The set throws in a pallino, a canvas bag, and a measuring rope, ensuring you’re all set to play.
• Top-Notch Customer Service: No one likes post-purchase blues. And with GoSports’ stellar after-sales service, you won’t have to. From the feedback we’ve seen, if something’s amiss, they’re on it, pronto!

Things We Didn’t Like

• Not Quite Regulation: Now, these balls aren’t regulation size. It might not be a biggie for most casual players, but for some, it’s worth noting. On the flip side, the smaller size can be a boon for kids or seniors.
• Color Wear: Over time, the vibrancy of the ball’s colors might wane, with some scratching and fading. It’s a little hiccup, but it’s more about aesthetics and less about function.
• Bag Durability: The accompanying canvas bag isn’t the toughest cookie in the jar. There are murmurs about its flimsiness, but hey, that original cardboard box it comes in? Don’t toss it. It can lend some much-needed support to that bag.

Final Notes

The GoSports 90mm bocce set, all things considered, is a robust choice for those looking to delve into the world of bocce or even seasoned players seeking a reliable, fun set. Its innovative features like the LED balls, coupled with the trustworthiness of GoSports’ customer service, make it a worthwhile investment.

Sure, it’s got its quirks, but what doesn’t? The smaller size can even be seen as an advantage, making it accessible for a wider range of players. All in all, for the price and what it offers, it’s a top contender in the bocce set arena.

Pros

Pros

• Good bang for the buck
• Well-made and durable
• Option to choose between two materials
• Exceptional customer service

Cons

Cons

• Non-regulation size – not suitable for professional play
• Flimsy carrying bag, which doesn’t come with padding, sections, or reinforcements
• Color fades easily

Check Price on Amazon

General Overview of Our Top Pick

The Hey! Play! Regulation Size Bocce Ball Set, available on Amazon, is a standout choice for both casual and competitive bocce players. This set is not just about playing bocce; it’s about experiencing the game with quality equipment that is both durable and conforms to traditional standards.

What We Like About It

Regulation Standards: Adhering to official size and weight guidelines, this set promises an authentic bocce experience, suitable for both casual backyard fun and more serious competitive play. Durability: Constructed with high-quality materials, these bocce balls are designed to withstand frequent use on various playing surfaces, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment of the game. Carrying Case Included: The inclusion of a durable carrying case enhances the portability and ease of storage of the set, making it ideal for those who enjoy playing bocce in different locations.

Things We Didn’t Like

Material Quality: While durable, the material composition may differ from the traditional clay bocce balls, possibly affecting the tactile experience for some players. Visibility Concerns: The color scheme of the balls may affect visibility in certain playing conditions, particularly in lower light environments, which could impact gameplay.

Final Notes

The Hey! Play! Regulation Size Bocce Ball Set, as featured on Amazon, represents a great option for those passionate about bocce. Its compliance with regulation standards and durable design make it suitable for a variety of players, from beginners to those more serious about the game. The carrying case is a practical addition, though considerations around material feel and visibility are worth noting. Overall, this set is a sound choice for those looking to enjoy the timeless game of bocce.

Pros

Pros

• Regulation Size and Weight: Ensures an authentic bocce experience.
• Durable Materials: Built to withstand frequent use and different surfaces.
• Includes Carrying Case: Convenient for transportation and storage.
• Cost-Effective: Affordable compared to professional-grade sets.
• Aesthetic Design: Visually appealing color and finish.

Cons

Cons

• Material Quality: May not feel like professional clay bocce balls.
• Visibility: Color scheme might affect visibility in low light conditions.
• Limited Accessories: Lacks extra features like a measuring tape.
• Quality Variability: Possible inconsistencies in ball size or weight.
• Not Ideal for Pros: May not meet the needs of highly competitive players.

Check Price on Amazon

In the same league as the Perfetta set, next on the list is the Unique Bocce Set from BuyBocceBalls. These are handmade in the United States and come in a unique combination of blue and white balls – perfect if you’re not keen on the red and green combination that you get with the previous set. 

What We Like

Like the Perfetta set, this bocce ball set also meets all the league standards, making it a great option for professional players. According to reviews, the balls have great weight and size and are “exactly like what they use in the league.” 

Made of high-quality poly-resin compound material, these bocce balls are resistant to crack and damage so they’re likely to withstand prolonged and frequent use. You also get a durable black carrying case to store your balls when not in use.

Other Considerations

These bocce balls are also on the expensive side, around the same range as the previous option. This is the biggest consideration for those who might be interested in the set. In addition, it doesn’t include a tape measure, which isn’t a total deal-breaker.

Pros

Pros

• Regulation bocce ball set; suitable for professional play
• High-quality poly-resin compound material that’s crack and damage resistant
• Good weight to support precise throws

Cons

Cons

• Pricey
• Doesn’t come with a tape measure

Check Price on Etsy

Amazon’s own bocce ball set comes highly recommended by players who have used and reviewed it. They come in two non-regulation sizes – 100mm and 90mm at a price difference of just $2-$3. If you love playing with heavier bocce balls and our top pick seems too lightweight for you, the larger ball set is the perfect choice.

What We Like

At 2.45 lbs each, the 100mm balls are even heavier than a regulation bocce ball set. This makes them perfect for people who prefer their bocce balls to have a bit of heft. Though not exactly regulation size, they’re still tournament-grade size and will fit the needs of serious players who need some practice.

The smaller set is great for kids and seniors, or for players who have a hard time handling bigger balls. Overall, the AmazonBasics bocce ball set offers great game play with well-made poly-resin composite balls that feel solid and balanced.

Other Considerations

The biggest factor to consider when it comes to this set is the carrying bag that it comes with. It’s too flimsy and it doesn’t have any reinforcements to properly hold the balls in place. Some reviews suggest that keeping the cardboard box inside would resolve this issue.

Besides this, some owners have reportedly received bocce ball sets with a few broken balls or balls that break upon first use. However, these are exceptional situations and Amazon should be able to replace these defective products.

Pros

Pros

• Good bang for the buck
• Option to choose between two sizes
• Heavy 100mm balls for those who prefer balls with a bit of weight

Cons

Cons

• Flimsy carrying bag; does not hold together
• Non-regulation size – not suitable for professional play
• Some balls may be prone to cracking

Check Price on Amazon

Next up is the set of bocce balls from VSSAL, which come in three different sizes – 90mm, 100mm, and regulation size 107mm. On the mid-range side, you get a good bang for the buck with these options and the most expensive one doesn’t cost more than $90.

What We Like

These balls come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and qualities, which means there’s something for everyone. The 90mm balls come in three different color combinations – multicolor, red and blue, and red and green. You also get to choose between a classic set and a premium set, which will set you back just a few dollars more.

The premium 107mm set may be regulation size but they’re a bit heavier than regulation bocce ball sets at 2.76lbs each. This makes them perfect for players who like a bit of heft to their bocce balls.

Other Considerations

Durability is one of the biggest concerns with some owners having reportedly had their balls break upon first use. However, these are rare cases and the seller should be able to provide replacements. In addition, lots of reviews complain about the zipper of their bocce ball bag breaking after first use. 

Pros

Pros

• Good bang for the buck
• Option to choose between three sizes
• Multiple color and quality options for the classic 90mm set
• Heavy 100mm and 107mm balls for those who prefer balls with a bit of weight

Cons

Cons

• Carrying bag has a flimsy zipper
• Non-regulation size/weight – not suitable for professional play
• Some balls may be prone to cracking

Check Price on Amazon

If you’re not too keen on the color combinations that you get with the previous sets so far, you’ll love this one. Also from BuyBocceBalls, this bocce set is customizable according to your color preferences. Although they’re a lot pricier than any of the other options, it may be a small price to pay for those who want a professional bocce ball set in the color combination of their choice.

What We Like

The ability to customize the color combination is a big plus in our books. You get to choose from nine different color options – blue, black, green, purple, pink, orange, red, white, and yellow. You can even customize your pallino and choose between three color options – white, yellow, and red.

This bocce set is also regulation size and weight, making it perfect for professional play and tournament use. In addition, they’re handmade in the United States – a major bonus for those who prefer American-made products.

Other Considerations

The only drawback is the price point. This is the most expensive option on the list, costing about four times as much as our top pick. Besides that, this set doesn’t come with a tape measure, which isn’t a major deal breaker since you can always use your own.

Pros

Pros

• Ability to choose from 9 different color options
• Ability to choose from 3 different pallino colors
• Regulation bocce ball set; suitable for professional play
• High-quality poly-resin compound material that’s crack and damage resistant
• Good weight to support precise throws

Cons

Cons

• Pricey
• Doesn’t come with a tape measure

Check Price on Etsy

The bocce ball sets from Franklin Sports have some of the best ratings and reviews even among the best bocce ball sets. You get to choose from three different varieties – professional, starter, and American. The professional set is made from solid resin, while the starter set is solid molded PE. The American is also made from resin but is smaller than the professional set. Each variety meets our expectations in terms of durability.

What We Like

What’s great about the bocce ball set from Franklin Sports is that you have three options to choose from. The starter set is the most affordable option among highly-rated bocce ball sets, while the professional set comes with tournament-grade balls that meet the needs of serious plays. The American set makes for an excellent pick for those who like to show their patriotism.

At just about 1 lb each, the starter set is perfect for beginners and players who prefer lightweight balls. If you’re not too sure of what to look for and you don’t want to spend too much on a bocce ball set, this would be a great option.

Other Considerations

At 100mm, the professional set does not meet the size requirements of a regulation bocce ball set. However, it still meets the tournament-grade size and offers an excellent weight at around 2 lbs each. This makes it perfect for casual players who prefer balls with some heft for impactful throws. They do cost slightly more than some of the other 100mm sets on this list, which may be a big concern for some.

This set also shares an issue that a lot of the best bocce ball sets seem to have – its carrying bag is flimsy and doesn’t hold up well. As mentioned in the previous points, you can resolve this by keeping the cardboard box. Finally, the surface coating is prone to scuffing but there is no effect on performance.

Pros

Pros

• Most affordable high-quality set
• Option to choose between three varieties
• Starter set offers great value for money
• Starter set offers excellent game play for kids and beginners
• Professional set has decent weight for serious players

Cons

Cons

• Non-regulation size – not suitable for professional play
• Professional set is slightly pricey
• Prone to surface scratches
• Carrying bag is slightly flimsy

Check Price on Amazon

Another regulation bocce ball set on our list, the St. Pierre Professional Bocce Ball Set is one of the best bocce ball sets available. As you would expect from a professional set, the balls are regulation size and weight i.e. 107mm and 2lbs, respectively. This makes them ideal for serious competitors and league players, as well as for casual play.

What We Like

Reviews say that the balls are durable and weighty, and can withstand the impact of serious play. They also have a high-quality gloss finish so even in terms of appearance, they look better than most bocce ball sets in the market.

This professional bocce ball set comes with a sturdy nylon bag to hold the balls together. You also have the option to get the St. Pierre Tournament Set, which comes in a wooden box. But that will cost you around $20 extra. Among all the best bocce ball sets on our list, this one possibly has the most durable carrying bag.

Other Considerations

As you would expect of bocce balls, these may scuff up a bit after some use but that doesn’t really affect performance. The price is also towards the higher range – about three times as much as our top pick. That said, you will find that the overall quality makes up for it and would make for an excellent investment.

Pros

Pros

• Regulation bocce ball size and weight – suitable for professional play

• Solid resin material, durable and well-made
• Precise balance
• Colorful and attractive finish
• High-quality carrying bag
• Option to replace carrying bag with wooden box

Cons

Cons

• Slightly pricey

Check Price on Amazon

This lighted bocce ball set comes with eight balls of four different colors, one pallino (also lighted), a tape measure, a nylon case, and a set of blister pack batteries. The batteries are long-lasting, and they last up to 20 hours using the original batteries, according to some reviews.

What We Like

While bocce is typically a daytime activity, you can now play it at night using the lighted bocce ball set from Playaboule. The LED balls are regulation bocce ball size, but the weight is a bit on the lighter side at 20 ounces each, making them perfect for casual play at the beach or while camping when it’s too dark for other activities.

You could even use them at outdoor parties and spice up your event with a fun bocce ball drinking game. Although not designed for play in water, the balls are waterproof so they won’t get damaged too easily. They’re also sand and grit resistant. What’s great about these balls is that they have an easy-grip texture that prevents slippage and significantly improves game play. All of these features make the set perfect for outdoor use.

Other Considerations

These balls don’t meet the weight standards of a regulation bocce ball set, so that’s something to consider if you’re looking for a set to use for tournaments and serious play. The set is specifically built for fun and is ideal for casual games.

Although the batteries are long-lasting, be prepared with a replacement set because you never know when they will run out. Buying these balls also sets you up for additional expenses in the long run because you’ll have to regularly replace the batteries.   

Pros

Pros

• Regulation bocce ball size

• LED-lighted balls for nighttime play

• Waterproof, grit and sand resistant

• Easy-grip texture

• Long-lasting batteries

Cons

Cons

• Lighter than regulation bocce ball – not suitable for professional play

• Slightly pricey

Check Price on Amazon

If you’re not specifically looking for a professional bocce ball set, this recreational 90mm set from Verus Sports is an excellent option. It’s one of the best bocce ball sets within this price range and reviews say that the balls are solid and well-made, which is rare for sets at this price.

What We Like

The balls are made from hardened plastic and have a good weight to them. So although they are not regulation bocce ball weight or size, they still allow excellent gameplay for beginners and kids.

The set comes with eight balls of four different colors and two different designs. It also includes a pallino and a carry bag with a retractable handle. This set is perfect for those who are still learning how to play bocce or who aren’t sure exactly what to look for, because it’s so affordable.

Other Considerations

Since they’re much smaller than regulation size, these will not be suitable for serious players who wish to improve their bocce technique. However, they’re still ideal for casual players across all skill levels. Another consideration is that this set comes with gray balls, which may be difficult to see if you have bad eyesight.

nal and the professional sets. They feel and look great and you’ll have a blast at the beach, at the park, or wherever you play bocce ball. The carrying case is better than a lot of the other cases available and makes these bocce ball sets extremely portable.

Pros

Pros

• Regulation bocce ball size

• LED-lighted balls for nighttime play

• Waterproof, grit and sand resistant

• Easy-grip texture

• Long-lasting batteries

Cons

Cons

• Lighter than regulation bocce ball – not suitable for professional play

• Slightly pricey

Check Price on Amazon

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bocce Ball Sets With Our Top Picks appeared first on Recreation Insider.

Drinking games are a great way to make a game like this more fun. Not only will everyone relax and get into the spirit of the game, but the more you drink the the greater the chance of hilarity  as everyone’s aim suffers a little.

If you’re planning an event and you want something to bring people together for a night they won’t forget, the Bocce Ball drinking game is just what you’re looking for. Read on for some suggestions on how to play, starting with that all import Bocce Ball cocktail recipe.

Of course, Bocce Ball isn’t the only game you can play as a drinking game. You could always try Cornhole, we’ve even produced a handy guide for you to do just that.

Bocce Ball Cocktail

Yes, you read that right. Bocce Ball has its very own cocktail! If you’ve ever made a Manhattan, then the ingredients will be familiar to you.

Ingredients

1 ½ ounces Vodka

½ ounce Amaretto

Orange Juice (to taste)

A splash of soda water

The almond flavour of the amaretto will set off the tangy citrus nicely, and the Vodka will bring a welcome buzz.

Alternatives

• Virgin Bocce – For those who prefer not to drink, just omit the vodka and amaretto and replace with ½ teaspoon of almond extract.
• Bocce Bombs – Rather than mixing the alcohol in, pour it into a shot glass which can be dropped into a tumble of orange juice.

Of course, you don’t have to drink a Bocce Ball while you play. Wine, beer, or any other beverage of your choice will go down just as nicely.

Bocce Ball Drinking Game

The bocce ball drinking game is played according to the normal rules of bocce ball. The rules to the drinking game are pretty simple, when certain things happen, you take a drink.

Here’s the list of when you should drink – you might want to copy this out and put it where everyone can see, so there’s no confusion.

1. If you hit the Jack – Take 1 sip
2. At the end of the frame, if your team scored the least points. – Take 1 sip
3. At the end of the frame, if your ball is furthest from the Jack – Take 1 sip
4. If a player scores more than 1 point in a frame, they nominate another player to drink. – Take 5 sips
5. At the end of the game – The losing team take 1 sip for each point they lost by
6. If your team loses, and scores less than 8 points (called ‘getting skunked’) – The whole team gets down on one knee and finishes their drink
7. If your team loses and scores less than 4 points (called ‘getting double skunked’) – The whole team gets down on one knee and shotguns a fresh drink

Bocce Fun

You could always add your own penalties to this list. Perhaps you take a drink if you don’t hit a ball at all, or if you hit someone else’s ball they have to drink? Why not make it a part of your fun evening, to come up with the best new rule for the Bocce Drinking game!

The post Spice up Your Bocce! The Bocce Ball Drinking Game & Cocktail appeared first on Recreation Insider.

If you’re an avid bocce ball player, you probably want to play it more places than just the backyard. You’ll also want to learn all about bocce ball and if you have a bit of space and some time to spare, you’ll want to play the game no matter where you are.

This could be anywhere from the park to the beach. Bocce ball is also the perfect sport to pass the time at picnics or even when you’re waiting for a concert at the park to start. However, this is where it gets tricky.

Anyone who’s had to transport their bocce ball set knows how easy it is to lose a ball or two and end up with an incomplete set. This can be a pain because you can’t just buy a single ball to replace the missing piece. Even if you can, there’s no guarantee that it will fit right in with the rest of the set.

To avoid all this trouble, it’s a must to have a good carrying case or carrying bag to store your bocce ball set. Although most bocce ball sets come with a carrying bag, the quality isn’t always up to par. Within a few months, some of these bags will rip at the seams and can no longer hold your balls securely. This can be extremely problematic especially if it happens while you’re outside.

That’s why when you’re looking for a replacement bocce ball bag, you should carefully assess all your options to make sure you get the best one. To help you with this, this article will review some of the best bocce ball bags you should consider.

These quality bocce ball bags will be able to safely carry all the pieces of your bocce ball set – including the eight bocce balls and the pallino. You can even fit in some of the smaller bocce ball accessories like a measuring tape. If you play other related games like petanque or lawn bowling, these bags are also perfect for storing your equipment.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Bocce Ball Bag

Here’s a quick buying guide on what to consider when you’re in the market for a bocce ball bag.

1. Size of the Bag – A bocce ball set has 8 balls and a pallino as noted above. However, you might want the bag to carry more things, so be sure to check the dimensions of the bag, to make sure it has room to carry everything you want it to carry, plus if it will easily fit in your car or easy to transport in general.
2. Bag Material – It’s important that the bag be made of durable materials such as nylon or canvas, to ensure that it can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
3. Pockets and compartments – Consider a bag with pockets and compartments to keep your bocce balls and accessories organized and easily accessible.
4. Carrying Options – Think about whether or not you want to carry the bag with your hands or to carry the bag with your shoulder. So check to see if the bocce bag has shoulder straps or just a handle.
5. Price of the Bag – Bocce ball bags can range in price from around $20 to $50, obviously choose the one that makes sense for your budget and style.

1. Extra Heavy Duty Nylon Bocce Bag

Our top pick comes from EPCO, the leading brand for bocce balls and accessories. It is also one of the priciest options on our list, though it’s well worth the investment due to its durability and longevity. It is designed for carrying a complete bocce ball set and has plenty of space to carry regulation size bocce balls.

This extra heavy duty bag is made using durable nylon material to support the weight of your bocce ball set and withstand exposure to the elements. It has heavy duty stitching to ensure that the seams don’t come loose even after prolonged use. There’s even a supportive bottom to give added strength and functionality.

The bright blue and yellow colors further give it a fun and chic look so you have a stylish way to carry your bocce ball sets wherever you go.

Pros

• Durable nylon material to withstand wear and tear
• Heavy duty stitching to securely carry your bocce balls
• Supportive bottom for added functionality and strength
• Spacious to carry regulation size bocce balls and extra bocce ball accessories
• Fun and bright color

Cons

• Slightly pricey
• No additional color options

Check Price on Amazon

2. Heavy Duty Nylon Bocce Bag – Black on Black

If you’re not one for bright colors, you’ll love the black on black heavy duty nylon bocce bag. The stylish black color looks great for years as it doesn’t stain easily. This bag is spacious enough to hold a complete bocce ball set up to 114mm in size, so there’s plenty of space to carry your extra bocce ball accessories as well.

The durable nylon material can withstand any wear and tear, while the sturdy handle can support the weight of your bocce ball set. Plus, you won’t have to worry about ripped or loose seams as the heavy duty stitching gives it added durability.

While this heavy duty nylon bocce bag has everything in terms of durability and sturdiness, some users have complained about the lack of interior dividers. This makes it a bit difficult to organize your bocce balls, though it isn’t a complete deal breaker.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Spacious to carry bocce balls of up to 114mm in size
• Durable nylon material to withstand wear and tear
• Heavy duty stitching to securely carry your bocce balls

Cons

• No interior dividers to organize your bocce balls
• The opening is slightly small so you have to stuff the balls in, which may be a bit inconvenient

Check Price on Amazon

3. Heavy Duty Nylon Bocce Bag – Black on Blue

If an all-black look doesn’t speak to you, you can also go for this black on blue heavy duty nylon bocce bag. It comes in a rich navy blue color with black handles, which make for a stylish combination. With dimensions of 9.6 X 8.4 X 2.4 inches, this bag is spacious enough to carry a complete set of regulation size bocce balls.

While the material is sturdy and can withstand the full weight of your bocce balls, the bag is lightweight at just 6.4 ounces. It won’t add too much extra weight to your bocce ball set, making it extremely portable and convenient.

Some of the biggest complaints are because there are no interior dividers to help you organize the balls. While this isn’t a complete deal breaker, you might want to take it into consideration.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Spacious to carry regulation size bocce balls
• Durable nylon material to withstand wear and tear
• Heavy duty stitching to securely carry your bocce balls

Cons

• No interior dividers to organize your bocce balls
• The opening is slightly small so you have to stuff the balls in, which may be a bit inconvenient

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4. Heavy Duty 8-Ball Bocce Bag by EPCO – Red

Another EPCO bocce ball carrier to make it to our list, this heavy duty 8-ball bocce bag is a more affordable alternative to our top pick. This bag comes in a stylish red color that instantly catches the eye, making it perfect for bocce players who love bold and bright colors.

This EPCO bocce ball bag is spacious enough to snugly fit a complete set of regulation size bocce balls. The sturdy nylon cordura material can securely support the weight of your bocce balls. The heavy duty construction prevents rips and tears so you won’t have to worry about the balls falling out.

At the same time, some people complain that the bottom isn’t rigid enough to hold the balls as securely as they expect. There’s also the fact that there aren’t any compartments to neatly organize the balls, although this isn’t a total deal breaker. If you’re going to store the bag outside, it’s worth noting that the material isn’t UV resistant so the color might fade easily.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Spacious to carry regulation size bocce balls
• Durable nylon cordura material to withstand wear and tear
• Heavy duty stitching to securely carry your bocce balls

Cons

• The size may be a bit small for some
• The bottom isn’t rigid enough for added functionality
• No compartments to organize your bocce balls
• Material isn’t UV resistant, so the color might fade with exposure to sunlight

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5. Heavy Duty 8-Ball Bocce Bag by EPCO – Hunter Green

EPCO gives us yet another option with this heavy duty 8-ball bocce bag in a stylish and subdued hunter green color. This bag has enough space to snugly fit a complete set of regulation size bocce balls along with a pallina. However, you might be unable to fit additional bocce ball accessories besides those.

The sturdy nylon cordura material can withstand the heavy weight of your bocce balls so you can safely transport them anywhere. The construction is heavy duty to ensure that it lasts for years.

Although it isn’t a complete deal breaker, the biggest complaint is that it doesn’t have a supportive bottom to give added functionality. There aren’t any interior dividers either so the balls will roll around during transport.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Spacious to carry regulation size bocce balls
• Durable nylon cordura material to withstand wear and tear
• Heavy duty stitching to securely carry your bocce balls

Cons

• The bottom isn’t rigid enough for added functionality
• No compartments to organize your bocce balls
• Some instances of ripping along the seam, although it’s not a common issue

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Bottom Line

Most quality bocce ball bags cost a bit of money, as do most of the bags on our list. However, the price is well worth it because you’re investing in durability and portability. You don’t want to risk buying something that won’t even hold your bocce balls securely. Not only will you risk wasting your money, you could end up losing some of the pieces from your bocce ball set.

Make the most of our list to narrow down on the best replacement bocce ball bag for you. If you have any trouble navigating our guide because you’re new to bocce ball, don’t forget to check out our glossary of bocce ball terms.

The post 5 Bocce Ball Bags to Carry Your Bocce Ball Set appeared first on Recreation Insider.

What’s great about bocce ball ball is that if you have a bocce ball set, you can just about play it anywhere. However, if you’re looking to play competitive bocce ball, then adhering to the official court sizes is important.

In this post, we’re going to discuss the official bocce ball court size, the difference between an indoor vs. outdoor bocce ball court size, as well as recommended court sizes for unofficial play. You will also gain a better understanding of the court material you can use to build your own court and how you can maintain your bocce ball court to enhance its lifetime. Let’s dive in.

Bocce Ball Court Dimensions

The official bocce ball court dimensions according to the United States Bocce Federation are around 90 feet long and 13 feet wide. More specifically, the dimensions are 86.92 feet in length and 13.12 feet in width. This is the recommended court size for bocce ball tournaments and professional play.

While these dimensions are ideal even for casual play, you don’t necessarily have to use them if you’re pressed for space. Just like the game of shuffleboard, bocce also allows flexibility in terms of court dimensions based on the space available.

Backyard bocce courts are typically around 60 feet long and 12 feet wide. These are among the most common dimensions for casual play. Many city plots have a width of around 60 feet, so this court size would be perfect for most backyards. If you don’t have that much space, you can also go for smaller dimensions just as long as you clearly establish the in-bound markers and foul lines.

If you have to set up your court indoors, there are some differences between indoor vs. outdoor bocce ball court sizes, though largely the difference is due to space issues. Indoor bocce courts are typically smaller and you can find ones that are as small as 22 feet long and 6 feet wide. However, in some recreational centers and larger indoor spaces, you can even go for bigger court dimensions.

Markers and Lines

What makes a bocce ball court are the markers dividing the court into different sections. These will help in ensuring proper game play and enforcing the rules of the game. Regardless of your court size, you need to draw a centerline right in the middle of the court along the width. When the starting team throws the pallino, it should reach this line or it will be considered an invalid throw.

Besides the center line, there are several other lines and markers that you need to create a usable bocce ball court. The spacing can be adjusted according to your court size. These are:

• The pointing foul line – Typically drawn 4 feet to 6 feet from the end of the court depending on court size. Players need to throw the pallino and the bocce balls from behind this line.
• The hitting foul line – Typically drawn 8 feet to 10 feet from the pointing foul line depending on court size. Some bigger courts may have this line drawn around 16 feet in. This is the line from which players can throw their bocce balls to hit the other team’s balls.

However, the United States Bocce Federation requires that there be only line for both pointing and shooting. The recommended distance is 13 feet from the back wall. So you will need to keep these professional bocce ball court dimensions in mind in case of tournaments.

Curbing

If you’re setting up a proper court, you will need to enclose it with a curbing that will prevent the balls from rolling away. This could be made of concrete or even with weather-resistant wood. It’s crucial that the curbing is firmly anchored to the ground to prevent it from moving in case it gets struck with a ball. It should also be at least 6 inches above the playing surface if it’s going to effectively contain the balls during play.

For concrete curbs, you will need an additional bumper board to prevent the concrete surface from scratching or damaging the balls on impact. The bumper board can be made from plastic, hard rubber, or weather resistant wood, whichever is most convenient for you. Some even install a hinged backboard additionally, which can lessen the rebound and prevent balls from disturbing other balls that are still in play.

Court Material

As for the court surface, there is no official regulation stating what material you should use. It could be anything from a natural surface to an artificial surface, depending on what’s most convenient for you. There will of course be variations depending on whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors. Indoor courts would mostly have synthetic carpets, and the choice of material is a bit limited.

When it comes to outdoor courts, the options for court material are virtually limitless. Most people use clay, packed dirt, and crushed stone. But even the grass on your backyard would suffice for casual play. One of the top trends for court material these days is poured liquid, which creates a smooth playing surface that allows balls to move faster.

Whichever material you end up using, you need to make sure that there aren’t any obstructions on the surface that can interfere with the delivery of your bocce balls, but variations in the consistency or grade of the terrain are not included among these obstructions.

A proper bocce ball court is typically made with a concrete base that’s around 3 inches deep. This is then covered with around 2 inches of compacted clay-like materials that provide a smooth and leveled surface for playing. They then cover this surface with loose materials, which can be anything from sand to oyster shells. The court material you use really depends on how easily you want the balls to move over the surface.

Drainage and Court Maintenance

Since the court is going to be enclosed by curbing, it’s crucial that you prepare for rainy days in case of an outdoor bocce ball court. You don’t want rain water to collect without a way to escape, or your court surface will quickly experience water damage. You need to create a series of weep holes that will allow easy elimination of excess water.

These weep holes are typically an inch in diameter and placed about 1/8” to ¼” above the playing surface. You can place one every 6 feet to 10 feet around the perimeter of the curb. If there’s significant landscaping outside of the court, you need to take necessary measures to prevent the water from damaging this area. Try tying the holes together using PVC piping and then draining it to an appropriate location.

While excessive water can be damaging for a bocce ball court, you do need to properly irrigate the court surface as a part of your maintenance routine. You can hand water it or use sprinklers to make sure that the court surface receives sufficient moisture. The court surface needs regular brushing, watering, and rolling if you want to make it firmer and increase its life span.

Bottom Line

We’ve thoroughly discussed the details of bocce ball courts with a main focus on court size and official bocce ball court dimensions. You also have a better idea of the materials you can use and how you can properly maintain your court to make sure that it lasts for years. Hopefully, these points will be able to guide you if you ever need to build your own court.

The post What is the Official Bocce Ball Court Size? appeared first on Recreation Insider.

That’s why we’ve put together some of the most useful strategies and throwing techniques that you can use to become a better bocce player. To make it more comprehensive and useful for all skill levels of players, we’ll be covering both the basic strategies and the more advanced throwing techniques.

The Basics to Bocce Ball Strategy

Like with any other game, there are some basics to bocce that you need to master before you learn how to win at the game. Make use of the following tips to get acquainted with bocce ball:

1. Get Comfortable

Now this may seem like a super basic tip and you may just dismiss it, but it’s the first thing you need to master before you can even learn how to win at bocce. You’d be surprised to see how much better you throw when you’re comfortable. Nerves can get the better of you and mess up your toss, so you should take deep breaths and try to relax before a bocce game. Some players even have a drink first so they can loosen up.

Besides mental relaxation, the clothes and shoes you wear will also make a huge difference in your comfort level. Make sure you wear clothes that allow full mobility of your arms and legs. And wear shoes that are closed, comfortable, and sturdy such as gym shoes. Wearing open-toed footwear like sandals and flip flops could give you an unstable stance and even cause you to slip and injure yourself.

2. Develop a Winning Stance

There are two tossing positions in bocce. Some players prefer to stand, while others prefer to crouch. Regardless of which position is more comfortable for you, you need to find a stance that works for you to make a great toss.

If you prefer to stand as you toss, keep your feet shoulder-width apart so that your stance is firm. Right-handed players will need to approach the bowling line by leading with their right foot, while left-handed players will need to lead with their left foot.

But if you’re more comfortable to take a crouching stance, lead with your left foot and put your right foot down if you’re right-handed. And similarly, lead with your right foot if you’re left-handed. A lot of professional bocce players tend to throw in a crouching position so you might want to give this one a try even if you’re used to standing.

In both cases, you need to rest most of your weight on the leading foot while firmly resting the other foot firmly on the ground. This will give your stance more stability while adding momentum to your toss.

3. Improve Your Grip

When learning how to throw a bocce ball, you need to first improve your grip. The same holds true for a lot of games that involve throwing or tossing something – like cornhole, Frisbee, etc. You can’t just clamp your fingers around the ball and hope for the best. Instead, you need a soft but firm grip to deliver a winning toss.

Grip the ball with just your thumb and forefinger, and cradle the rest of it in your palm like you would a tiny baby animal. This grip would give you some control over the ball without forcefully clutching it. Then use the strength of your index finger and your thumb to make the actual throw.

4. Plan Your Throw

While the basic goal in bocce is to throw the ball as close to the pallino as possible, there’s a lot of planning that goes into actually winning the game. You need to carefully strategize what kind of throw you need to make depending on the court surface and the position of the opponent’s balls.

If there’s a ball directly blocking your path, for instance, you may want to avoid aiming straight at the pallino and rolling the ball towards it. Otherwise, you could end up pushing the opponent’s ball closer to the pallino, contributing to their win.

Or let’s say you’re playing on a soft court surface that makes it difficult for bocce balls to roll far enough. In this case, you may want to opt for a raised toss that takes your ball at least halfway to the target before it starts to roll. This is where the different throwing techniques will come into play.

Bocce Ball Throwing Techniques to Master

After familiarizing yourself with the basics, you’ll be in a better position to learn the more advanced aspects of the game such as throwing techniques. Let’s take a look at the most common bocce ball throwing techniques that a good bocce player needs to learn:

5. What is the Pointing technique?

Pointing is when you gently roll the ball to try and get it as close to the pallino as possible with your main goal being to score a point. It is sometimes called lagging, puntata, or punto. You’ll need to keep your arm straight and move it like a pendulum while keeping your head still and your shoulder level.

This is usually the throwing technique you’ll use for your first ball and is typically the best option when you have a clear shot at the pallino. In case there’s an opponent’s ball in your way, using this technique could result in knocking their ball closer to the pallino. When you can’t get a straight shot, see if there’s an opening cross court. Otherwise, you can opt for a bank shot (see #7) to get around.

Pointing is most effective on a smooth court surface, since the ball will roll more easily when the surface is smooth. In this case, you’ll be using a sliding delivery. In case of a rougher playing surface where you still want to use pointing, you can use a lifted delivery so your ball flies for a bit before it starts to roll.

6. What is Spocking?

Spocking is also known as hitting, bombing, shooting, or raffa. This technique involves hitting another ball using your ball. You can hit your own ball to move it closer to the pallino, or you can hit your opponent’s ball to move it out of the way. You would typically deliver this shot in the air with a low trajectory and without a back spin.

But it’s important that you carefully consider every possible outcome before you resort to spocking, because it’s very easy to miss. And missed spocks could result in taking your balls out of play and knocking out your own points. So too many missed spocks mean you’ll be contributing to your opponent’s win.

7. What is Banking?

Like we briefly mentioned before, bank shots can help you get around balls that are blocking your way. Banking involves bouncing your ball against the rails to change the angle and get it to places that are difficult to reach. This shot takes advanced throwing skills, so you might need some time to get used to it. You would typically use this shot when the pallino isn’t too far from the rails.

8. What is Blocking?

As the name suggests, blocking involves rolling, tossing, or knocking your ball to place it in a position that blocks your opponent’s balls. This technique makes it difficult for the opponent to roll their ball closer to the pallino, and thus makes it difficult for them to score additional points. You can even knock against your opponent’s balls to set up a block that will prevent them from scoring further.

9. What is Volo?

This is a high-arcing throw that sends your bocce ball flying in the air beyond the center line. It usually has varying amounts of back spin and is a very powerful throwing technique. You can use this throw to knock your opponent’s balls out of the way or to move the pallino.

However, volo is typically not allowed in court bocce to prevent damage to the court surface and for safety considerations. If you’re using a cheat set of bocce balls, you could even end up damaging your balls with this move. So you should ideally invest in a high quality bocce set that will withstand hard impact.

10. What is the Forehand Roll?

The forehand roll is usually the first tossing technique that beginners would use in bocce. It’s where your hand is behind or under the ball like with bowling. When you use this throw, your ball won’t bounce much as it hits the court surface. This makes it easier to anticipate the direction in which your ball will roll.

However, the main challenge with a forehand roll is that the throwing motion naturally includes a top spin. So you’ll often see beginners getting frustrated with how their balls travel much farther than they expect when they use this technique.

11. What is the Backhand Roll?

A backhand roll is the opposite of a forehand roll and involves putting your hand in front or on top of the ball as you release it. This throwing motion naturally includes a back spin, which can control the speed of the ball soon after it lands on the court surface.

12. What is The Push?

Pushing a bocce ball, as the name suggests, is when you use your palm to push the ball out of your hand. It’s a great way to toss your ball with minimal to zero spin, which improves the accuracy and consistency of your throw. The key to nailing this technique lies in knowing the right time to release the ball.

Final Thoughts

As you can see from these strategies and throwing techniques, there’s a lot that goes into playing bocce. If you want to win at the game, you will need to adjust your strategy based on various factors like court surface and the position of other balls in play. Get acquainted with the tips we’ve provided here to improve your bocce technique and check out our glossary for some insight into some bocce jargon.

The post 12 Strategies and Throwing Techniques to Win at Bocce Ball appeared first on Recreation Insider.

In this post, we provide you with a quick guide on how to play bocce ball so you have a fun new game to introduce to your friends and family. Before you get started, make sure you get familiar with the essential bocce ball terms so it’s easier to understand some of the terms used in this guide. 

If you need more information about the rules and regulations of the game, you can also check out our post on bocce ball rules and FAQ. Now let’s get started.

Step 1: Understanding the Basic Bocce Ball Rules

The best way to start learning how to play bocce ball is by understanding the basic rules of the game. Remember these essential bocce ball rules before you can start playing the game:

• The main goal is to throw your bocce ball as close to the pallino as possible.
• You may also try to hit an opponent’s ball to move it away from the pallino or hit the pallino and move it closer to your team’s ball.
• Do not step past the foul line when you bowl.
• You may toss, lobb, or roll your bocce ball depending on what feels right.
• Some bocce ball scoring rules also award two points instead of one if your bocce ball is touching the pallino by the end of the frame.
• If both teams’ closest balls are the same distance from the pallino, no one gets a point.
• Only one team scores points in each frame, which prevents the need for tiebreakers.
• The game ends as soon as one team manages to score a certain number of points predetermined as the winning score. This is usually set at 12.

Step 2: Gathering Your Equipment

Next, you’ll need to gather the equipment to play the game. For this, you only need a bocce ball set, which has:

• 1 pallino or jack
• 8 colored balls in 2 different colors (4 balls to each color), though you sometimes get a set with 4 different colors (2 balls to each color)

Regulation size bocce balls are 107mm in diameter, though 100mm balls are also considered tournament-grade. Professional bocce players will usually go for these types of balls, as it helps them practice for professional matches. However, you can also get smaller balls (usually 90mm), which are lighter and easier to handle for kids and beginners. 

It’s also good to have a measuring rope for settling close calls. Most bocce ball sets come with one, so you can easily determine which team’s ball is closer to the pallino. Some sets will even come with a bocce ball bag so you can hold everything together. If you don’t have a set yet, make sure to check out our review of the best bocce ball sets to find one that fits your needs.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Court

Once you have all your equipment, you’ll need a place to play the game. Skip to step two if you’re lucky enough to have access to a proper bocce ball court. For games on any other field, you’ll need to set up a court. While you can just eyeball it and work with what you have, it’s ideal if you can mark off official dimensions using a measuring tape.

Regulation bocce ball courts are generally 91 feet long and 13 feet wide, but you can adjust these for backyard bocce or if you don’t have the space. The court size can vary between 60-100 feet in length and 10-15 feet in width. 

That said, you don’t necessarily have to use these size recommendations for a casual game. As long as you have a rectangular playing area with a flat and fairly smooth surface, you’re good to go. The surface can be sand, dirt, stone, dust, clay, grass, or even artificial turf.

You’ll also need court markers and lines corresponding to the bocce ball rules. If you want an official-looking court, you could use tape or paint to mark the lines for backyard bocce. You could also mark them off using pylons or other temporary markers if you’re playing in a public space.

Here’s a quick overview of what lines and markers you’ll need for your bocce court:

• You have the centerline to divide the court in the middle. When a player throws the pallino to start the game, it can only be considered a valid throw if it ends up beyond this line.
• Each side of the court should have a foul line that’s 4-6 feet from the court end. If a player crosses this line when throwing the pallino or bocce ball, they commit a foul.
• You also need a spocking or hitting foul line that’s 8-10 feet from the foul line on each side of the court. Players can throw from this line as they try to hit their opponents’ balls and move them away from the pallino.

Step 4: Choosing Your Teams

Bocce is a very flexible game in that you can play it between two to eight players. Ideally, you should have an even number of players on each team so that each player gets an equal opportunity to bowl. Yet you can still have three-player teams in which one player gets to bowl twice.

At the bare minimum, two players can have four balls each and play against each other. However, you’ll have the most fun if you play it as a group. Each team can have up to four players with each player having one ball. Likewise, two-player teams can have four balls each, with each player having two balls.

Step 5: Deciding on Who Goes First

Like with several other sports, a coin toss is the best way to decide who gets to go first in a game of bocce. You can also choose a random team to go first. Once you’ve made a decision, one player from the starting team begins the game by throwing the pallino into the playing area. The pallino must land beyond the centerline for it to be a valid throw, as mentioned earlier.

If the player ends up with an invalid throw, the opponent team takes their turn throwing the pallino so the game can start.

Step 6: Bowling

Once you have the pallino in place, the starting team gets to bowl first. One player will throw the first ball and attempt to get it as close to the pallino as possible. The opponent team will then take their turn to throw a ball with the intention of getting closer to the pallino than the starting team. 

It’s important to build on your bocce ball throwing technique if you want to get better at the game. Make sure you test different techniques and strategies to figure out what works best for you. This is the trickiest part because there are several ways to deliver a bocce ball, and what works for one player may not necessarily be a great technique for you.

Some players will bowl it close to the ground like a bowling ball, while others might be more comfortable with an underhand throw. This involves cupping your palm under the ball and then lobbing it high into the air. Some players may also cup the ball from the top and then lob it into the air. 

See which option gives you the kind of control you need. It may even help to switch up your throwing technique based on the situation and playing surface.

Step 7: Taking Turns

Once both teams are done taking their first shot, whichever team has their ball farthest from the pallino gets to throw their remaining three balls. The other team will then take their turn to use up the rest of their balls.

Step 8: Measuring

After every player has used up all their balls, it’s time to see which team’s bocce ball is closest to the pallino. Even if it seems obvious which ball is the closest, using a tape measure will give you more accuracy. Only the team with the closest ball gets to collect points for this frame, while the opponent team does not score.

Step 9: Scoring

In a typical bocce ball scoring system, the winning team gets one point for each ball that’s closer to the pallino than the opponent team’s closest ball. Some bocce ball rules even award two points for a bocce ball that’s touching the pallino by the end of the frame. 

If both teams manage to land their balls at an equal distance from the pallino, then neither of them gets to score a point for that frame. For such close calls, use your tape measure to see if one ball is a few centimeters closer than the other. Once you’re done calculating the scores, you’ve completed one frame.

Step 10: Finishing a Match

After the end of one frame, the teams will move to the other end of the court and start a new frame. Tally the points for each frame as you finish it and then keep playing until one team manages to score 12 points. You may also set a different target point before the start of the game. Some games even last up to 21 points, so it’s all up to you.

Bottom Line

If you’re only just learning how to play bocce ball, this quick guide will give you an idea of how to get started. There can be variations in scoring rules, court size, and more as the game is pretty flexible. As long as you understand the basics of bocce, you can always adapt and work with what you have. If you’re interested in other similar games like petanque, don’t forget to check out our post on petanque vs. bocce.

The post Quick Guide to How to Play Bocce Ball appeared first on Recreation Insider.

In this post, we’ll be discussing the topic of petanque vs. bocce ball and learn a bit more about their main differences. But first, let’s start with a closer look at the two games as well as their similarities.

What is Petanque?

Petanque is a French bowling game. It involves players taking turns to throw a ball as close to a smaller target ball as possible. One of the first things you need to learn about the game is the petanque pronunciation. Since it originated from France, even the English petanque pronunciation follows the French pronunciation. It’s pronounced like “pay-tonk” and the phonetic transcription is pəˈtɒŋk.

The game was originally developed in 1910 as a variant of another form of boules called jeu provençal in the town of La Ciotat. A local café owner Ernest Pitiot came up with the idea so his friend Jules Lenoir, a former jeu provençal, could continue playing the game in spite of his severe rheumatism.

Since he could no longer run to throw a boule, they reduced the length of the court by roughly half and required a player to throw the boule while standing stationary within a circle instead of running. Due to this change, the game was called pieds tanqués, which means “feet planted.” And eventually it evolved into what we now know as petanque.

What is Bocce?

Bocce is an Italian bowling game. Like petanque, this too involves players taking turns to throw a ball as close to a smaller ball as possible. The English pronunciation for bocce is bŏchʹ-I and it is phonetically written down as /ˈbɑtʃi/. Bocce can be traced back to ancient Egypt, with a tomb painting that depicts two boys playing a game that looks similar.

The game has evolved over the years and was spread from Egypt to Greece and from Greece to Rome. The oldest known period that bocce was played using the rules we know today was during the Punic Wars in 264 BC. You can read more about bocce in our about bocce ball article.

Petanque vs. Bocce: The Similarities

Before we get to petanque vs. bocce ball, it’s important that we first learn the similarities first to understand why people often confuse the two. Both petanque and bocce fall under the same category of boules sport. Other sports under this category include lawn bowling, raffa, crown green bowling, and boule lyonnaise.

The biggest similarly between the two sports is that players in both games throw a ball in an attempt to get it as close to a smaller target ball as possible. And in both games, players use an “under arm” throw like in softball, as opposed to an “over arm” throw like in baseball.

The scoring rules for petanque and bocce are quite similar as well. In both games, one frame or end is completed after each player has finished throwing their ball. Once this happens, the team with a ball closest to the jack wins the frame or end and they get to score points. They score one point for each ball that they have thrown closer to the jack than the opponent team’s closest ball.

Petanque vs. Bocce Ball: The Differences

So what exactly is the difference between petanque and bocce ball? The primary differences in petanque vs. bocce are the balls and the throwing techniques used in each game. In bocce, the balls are heavier and more colorful and can be thrown like a bowling ball with a few forward steps. In petanque, the balls are lighter and made of steel and are tossed standing still.

Here’s a list of the other major differences between the two games:

1. The balls used for playing petanque are smaller than the ones used for playing bocce. The size of a petanque boule is typically around 73mm, which is less than 3 inches, but the standard size of a bocce ball is 107 mm in diameter, which is around 4.2 inches.
2. Petanque boules are made of steel and while the boules used in competitions are hollow, the ones used in casual play might be filled with sand. On the other hand, bocce balls are solid and are normally made of hard epoxy resin. You could also find cheaper-quality balls made of hard plastic or recycled material. The traditional ones were carved out of wood.
3. Owing to the size difference and the hollow center, petanque boules are also lighter than bocce balls. Each petanque boule would weigh around 680g or 1.5 lb, and the standard weight of a regulation bocce ball is 920g or 2 lbs.
4. Petanque boules are plain steel and the only way to differentiate between sets is through the different patterned grooves on the ball’s surface. However bocce balls tend to be more colorful. Each bocce ball set typically comes with eight balls of two different colors – four red and four blue. But the colors could also vary by set.

5. Since bocce balls are relatively large and heavy, the game involves rolling the ball with the palm up like in bowling. As for petanque, the balls are smaller and lighter. So it involves throwing or tossing the ball with the palm down like in horseshoes. This is another major difference between the two games.
6. The two games also differ in that bocce players take a few steps before they throw the ball, while petanque players throw the ball while standing still. Petanque rules require that players remain within a circle while they attempt their throw.
   Traditionally, they would simply draw this circle in the dirt at a diameter of 35-50 cm or 14-20 inches. But since 2005, they began using a red plastic circle with an inside diameter of 50 cm or 20 inches in formal games.
7. Another difference in petanque vs. bocce ball is in the court size. While they are of approximately the same width (13 feet), there is a major difference in the length of bocce courts and petanque courts. While a world championship petanque court runs 50 feet long, a regulation bocce court should have a length of 91 feet
8. Bocce courts need to be smooth and flat so the balls can easily run across the playing surface. But almost any terrain would be suitable for playing petanque even if there are trees and rocks in between. At the same time, bocce courts will be too smooth for playing petanque. The high lobs are likely to cause some damage to the court. An uneven terrain could make the game more challenging, which is preferable by many players.

9. As a result of the large size and the need for a smooth surface, it can be time-consuming and expensive to build a bocce court. There’s also the fact that bocce courts are typically required to have sideboards that will prevent the balls from bouncing off court. And they require constant maintenance if they’re going to remain usable.
   On the other hand, it’s much easier and cheaper to build and maintain a petanque court, as it is more flexible. And you can play it on almost any terrain and adapt the size according to space availability.
10. While bocce players are allowed to hit the pallino or jack, the jack would be considered “dead” if the same thing happened in petanque. And one end will be complete when this happens, even if there are players who still haven’t thrown their boule.
    In case this happens and there is only one team with remaining boules, this team will score one point for each of the boules they haven’t played. Otherwise, neither team will score a point for that end.
11. Bocce can have up to eight players with four on each team. While you do see people playing bocce with three-player teams, it is typically required that you have an even number of players on each team. This is to ensure that each team member can have an equal amount of balls to throw.
    But in petanque, each team can have up to three players. In single-player and two-player teams, each player gets to use three boules. But in three-player teams, each player can only use two.
12. A game of bocce normally ends when one team has scored 12 points. In some cases, this target score could increase to 15 or even 21. In petanque rules, the game ends when one team manages to score 13 points.

Conclusion

These are some of the main differences between petanque and bocce ball. As you can see, there are certain similarities when it comes to basic game structure and scoring rules. The main differences are in the balls and in certain playing rules. Both games are super fun and can be played by people across all age groups. So you should definitely give them a try and see which one’s more suitable for you.

The post What is the Difference between Petanque vs. Bocce Ball? appeared first on Recreation Insider.

Like every other sport, bocce has a host of terminologies that every player needs to know. You don’t necessarily need to know all the bocce ball lingo in the book, but learning some of the most common terms and phrases and their definitions will definitely give you an advantage. Plus, you’ll need to know these terms to understand your teammates who may be throwing some jargon around during the game.

Here are 32 of the most popular bocce ball glossary terms you need to know.

1. Advantage – In bocce ball terminology, the first team that gets to throw the pallino has an “advantage” or a “pallino advantage” over the other team. That’s because they have the freedom to place the pallino wherever they want in the court and they also have a clear shot at throwing the first bocce ball.
2. Backboards – Some people call these the end boards or the back walls. These are the shorter court walls that you’ll find at the opposite ends of a bocce ball court. 
3. Bank Shot – This is a shot in which you throw the ball so that it hits the sideboards and bounces against it to move as close to the pallino as possible. You can also refer to this shot as “banking.”
4. Bocce – Bocce is the name of the sport and is the plural form of “boccia,” which is Italian for “ball.” We’ve discussed the origin of the term in detail in our previous post exploring what is bocce.  You could further learn about the origin of the sport in our post where we discuss the history of bocce.
5. Bocce Balls – Bocce balls are the eight balls used to play bocce. You roll these balls and try to get them as close to the pallino a possible to score points. Unlike petanque, bocce uses colorful balls – mainly blue and red. You can find varying qualities and sizes of bocce balls in the market. Use our bocce ball set list to learn more about different bocce balls or learn more about lawn bowling.

6. Dead Ball – When an official has disqualified a ball because of some technicality or infringement, the ball becomes a dead ball.
7. Doubles – A doubles game is when there are two teams playing against each other with two players in each team. So there will be a total of four players for this game. You can also call this “pairs.”
8. End – More commonly known as a “frame” or a “round,” an end is a period of the game in which all players have taken their turns. The official will award points to the scoring team for that end before starting another end.
9. Foul – This is typically a foot foul or a line foul and involves a player violating the bocce ball game rules. It could be anything from stepping over the foul line or releasing the ball after crossing the foul line. The team that commits the foul will receive a penalty based on the type and frequency of the foul.
10. Foul Line – A foul line in bocce ball terminology is the line in a court that a player should not cross before releasing the ball. They must remain behind the foul line regardless of whether they’re playing a pointing shot or a hitting shot.
11. Fours – This is a game in which there are two teams playing against each other, with four players in each team. So there will be a total of eight players for this game. Some people would also refer to this type of game as “teams.”
12. Half Court Marker – As the name suggests, a half court marker is a line or marker that divides the court exactly in half. Typically, this would be a line drawn on the court surface halfway between the two backboards of the court.
13. Hitting – In bocce ball terminology, hitting is a shot that involves hitting other balls on the court in an attempt to displace them. These shots are typically forceful, because they’re supposed to carry the ball to the far end of the court. You may have heard of this shot by other terms such as “spocking,” “shooting,” or “popping.”
14. Inbound Lines – These are the lines that define the 12-inch boundary that the pallino must not cross during the initial throw.
15. Initial Point – This refers to the first ball that you roll towards the pallino at the beginning of a frame. As it is the first ball, it is also closest to the pallino at that moment. Therefore, it establishes the initial point of that frame. The player that tosses the pallino should also make the first roll to establish the initial point.
16. In Team – The in team is the team that has their ball closest to the pallino and holds the point. They will continue to be the in team for that frame unless the opposition gets ahead of them and becomes the in team.
17. Jack – Also known as a “pallino,” a jack is the smaller white ball that’s thrown at the beginning of each game. It may also come in other colors such as yellow or even metallic. The objective of the game is to get your balls as close to this jack as possible in order to earn points for the frame.

18. Kiss – Some people also call this a “baci.” It refers to a situation in which a bocce ball is touching or “kissing” the pallino.
19. Lagging – This is the basic throw in which a player tries to roll the ball as close to the pallino as possible. This throw is also known as “pointing,” as described in our article on different bocce ball throwing techniques. The throwing styles may vary according to the player, but the gist of it is to gently roll the ball towards the pallino. It’s a great option for beginners who are just learning how to play bocce.
20. Live Ball – A live ball refers to any ball that is legitimate and in play. Some people also call this a “good” ball.
21. Measure – This is the act of measuring the distance between the bocce balls and the pallino to determine which of them will get to score for that frame. This comes in handy when two or more balls appear to be in the same distance from the pallino. In this case, you’ll need to measure which of them is actually closer to the pallino.
22. No Point – Also known as a “tie,” this occurs when the closest balls from the two teams are at an equal distance from the pallino. In this case, the team that delivered the last ball will have to re-attempt their throw. If all the balls have been played for that frame, however, neither team gets a point.
23. Out Team – As opposed to the in team, the out team is the team whose ball is farther from the pallino and does not hold the point at that moment. They will continue to be the out team until one of their balls surpasses their opponent’s closest ball and they eventually become the in team.  
24. Penalty – This is where you’ll find similarities between bocce ball glossary and other sport terminologies. A penalty in bocce refers to the consequence of committing a foul or violating a game rule. It can be against a team or against a specific player.
25. Rule of Advantage – A rule of advantage refers to the option that a team gets when their opponents commit a foul. The team will get to make a choice depending on their ball position and the state of the game.
26. Sideboards – Sideboards refer to the boards that enclose the length of the court to keep the balls from rolling out of court. They are typically 6-12 inches high.

27. Singles – A singles game, also known as a one-on-one game, is a game involving two players who are playing against each other.
28. Social Bocce – Social bocce is a term for casual bocce games among a group of people. Typically, people will get together and form temporary teams for the day. It doesn’t involve tournament play or scheduled league plays and is solely for fun.
29. Team – A team on a bocce ball court can have a maximum of four players and a minimum of two players.
30. Tournament – Like with other sports, a bocce ball tournament involves several teams playing matches over a certain period of time. Losing teams get eliminated until there is only one team remaining, which then becomes the winner of that tournament.
31. Unified – This is a bocce ball terminology used in the Special Olympics and refers to a game in which an equal number of Unified Partners and Special Olympics athletes play on the same team. The Unified Partner should have an equal ability to the Special Olympics athlete they’re partnering with.
32. Volo – Volo refers to a hard and long throw in the air so that your bocce ball lands beyond the center line. The main goal of this throw is to spock another ball. However, volo is generally not permitted in court bocce because you could end up damaging the court surface or breaking other bocce balls. It could also be a safety risk for other players.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the most common bocce ball lingo and slang you might come across as you get familiar with the game. Learn the definitions of these terms and phrases to enrich your bocce knowledge. You can even check out our bocce ball FAQ reference guide if you want to learn more about the game.

The post 32 Bocce Ball Terms and Glossary appeared first on Recreation Insider.

In this post, we’ll deconstruct the main differences so you’ll have a better idea of what constitutes as bocce ball and what is lawn bowling. Let’s get started.

#1: Differences in Balls Used

The biggest difference between lawn bowl and bocce ball is in how the balls are shaped. Bocce balls are perfectly round, so they can travel straight down the playing surface towards the pallino or jack. The player’s throwing technique will determine how the ball travels, and they can even put some spins and curves into their throws.

On the other hand, a lawn bowl has an elliptical side instead of being completely round as you can see in the image below. This is mainly because it is supposed to travel in a curved path and the elliptical shape helps with that. Originally, makers of lawn bowls would insert weights in one side of the ball, creating a weight bias to produce the curving effect.

Because the official rules no longer allow the addition of weights, players now depend on the shape of the bowl alone to produce that bias. You may not instantly notice this slight difference in shape, but there’s a visible difference in how the balls look overall.

First of all, a lawn bowl is much bigger than a bocce ball. Some of the smallest lawn bowls have a diameter of about 116 mm and the biggest ones can go up to 127 mm in diameter. Meanwhile, a standard bocce ball measures 107 mm in diameter as discussed in our previous article on petanque vs. bocce ball.

Another difference is in the color of the balls. A bocce ball set comes with eight balls of two different colors, typically blue and red. If you’ve read our bocce ball FAQ, you would also know that some sets even come in four different colors. On the other hand, lawn bowls usually come in black and brown, although you may be able to find other colors too.

#2: Differences in Delivery Technique

If you observe how players deliver the ball in lawn bowling, you’ll notice that it differs from how you throw a bocce ball. In bocce, you use an underhand throw just like in softball. There are different throwing techniques in bocce but you typically toss the ball in the air to get it as close to the pallino as possible.

In lawn bowling, you roll the ball as close to the ground as possible just like in regular bowling. That’s why you can’t play it on surfaces like sand, where the ball will have a hard time rolling forward. This gentle rolling technique is similar to the specialized bocce ball throwing technique called pointing.

#3: Differences in Court Size and Surface

Another major difference between lawn bowling and bocce ball is in the court size and playing surface. Due to the shape of the balls and how the balls are expected to travel, there are significant differences in the kind of playing surface you can use for these two games.

Lawn bowling regulations are more specific and less flexible, mainly because of the unusual shape of the balls and the delivery technique used. As mentioned earlier, a lawn bowl has an elliptical side so the shape is quite unique. Plus, you need to use a rolling technique to deliver the balls so this makes it difficult to play on soft and uneven surfaces like sand where the ball wouldn’t be able to roll.

In lawn bowling, you need to use a bent grass playing surface so the balls can roll smoothly towards the pallino. Lawn bowling rinks are usually 19 feet by 120 feet, which is much larger than the typical bocce ball court.

The official bocce ball court size is around 13 feet by 90 feet, but for casual play, you can make adjustments according to how much space is available. Backyard bocce courts are slightly smaller than this.

Even in terms of playing surface, bocce ball courts offer more flexibility because there aren’t any official regulations for court material. Your playing surface could range from synthetic carpets (for indoor play) to grass or even packed dirt. A lot of people use sand, and more modern courts even use a poured liquid playing surface.

You’ll need to adjust your throwing technique based on what surface you’re playing on. For instance, rolling techniques could work best on smooth surfaces but you’ll need to actually toss the ball in the air when you’re playing on sand. Otherwise, your ball wouldn’t be able to move forward.

#4: Differences in Origin

Since there are so many similarities between the game rules, you’d think that they at least share the same history. While this may well be the case, there are some variations in the documented history of the two games.

The origin of lawn bowling has been traced back to the 12^th and 13^th centuries in London. In the biography of Thomas Becket, popularly known as the Archbishop of Canterbury, William Fitzstephen wrote about a game similar to lawn bowling called jactus lapidum. Although the popular belief is that jactus lapidum refers to the game of bowls, some also believe that round stones were used to play an earlier version of the game.

As we’ve thoroughly discussed in a previous article on the history of bocce, bocce ball’s origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt. An Egyptian tomb painting dating back to 5200 BC depicts two boys playing a game that looks very similar to bocce. Some even believe that the game could date back as far as 9000 BC in Turkey because of some ancient stone balls that were uncovered in the region.

Although these are suppositions, what we know for sure is that bocce can clearly be traced back to the time of the Romans. During the Punic Wars in 246 BC, Roman soldiers had already been playing a game with rules very similar to bocce ball. So while there is a possibility that lawn bowling has been adapted from bocce, there is no documented proof that the two games have the same origin.

Bottom Line

Both bocce ball and lawn bowling are extremely fun games that require skill and strategic throwing techniques. After you understand the differences between the two, you’ll have a better idea of how to play them. Whether you choose to play bocce or lawn bowling is up to you, but you should definitely try both to see which one you enjoy more.

The post Bocce Ball vs. Lawn Bowling – 4 Main Differences appeared first on Recreation Insider.

Bocce is one of the oldest games in the world and has grown in popularity over the years. It’s a favorite among Italians, and is sometimes called Italian lawn bowling. It’s common to see a group of elderly Sicilians gathering in the town square for an afternoon game of bocce. If you’ve ever been to Italy or watched movies and documentaries set in the country, you might have come across this scene before.

The game is easy to play and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. It’s also quite adaptable, with almost any flat surface substituting a bocce court, much like how you can turn most flat surfaces into a court for playing shuffleboard. So you never really have to worry too much about where to play bocce.

That’s perhaps one of the reasons why it has become so popular in the United States and other countries. The 2017 movie “Breaking Balls,” which was set around a bocce tournament, also added to bocce’s fame and popularity.

But what is bocce ball, really? If you’re not too familiar with the game, this post will help you learn all about it – right from its history and evolution to its game play. It will also help you understand some of the most important reasons why you should start playing bocce. We’ll even cover the topic of bocce pronunciation, which some people struggle with.

A Brief History of Bocce

The history of bocce can be traced back thousands of years, although there is no real knowledge of its exact origin. Some speculate that it originated in ancient Egypt around 5000 BC, because of cave paintings that depict boys playing a game of something that looks like bocce. However, this could be a completely different game altogether.

Others believe that bocce was played as early as 9000 BC in Turkey, because of stone balls that were found in this region dating back to that period. Again, there is no confirmation if these balls were used for playing bocce or some other game. But eventually, the game became popular among the Greeks and Romans, where players would substitute bocce balls with coconuts, bound rags, carved wood, and melons.

The earliest known period that bocce was played in its current form was in 264 BC, when Rome was fighting the Punic Wars against Carthage. They would form teams with an even number of players ranging from two to eight. They first threw in a small “leader” stone and would then take turns throwing larger stones at this “leader.” Whichever stone managed to get closest to the “leader,” would score.

Playing bocce helped relax troops and took their mind off the stress that came with fighting a war. And when the Roman Empire grew, other countries also started learning about the game. From being a popular game among the military, it grew to become a favorite with poets, sculptors, and scientists.

Even famous historical figures like Da Vinci and Galileo regularly played bocce because they saw how it was beneficial to the mind and body. You could also see bocce being portrayed in one of the works of the Flemish baroque painter, David Teniers.

Image Source:Wikimedia

The current popularity of bocce in different countries can be attributed to Italian immigrants. The word “bocce” is Italian and translates to “balls.” So referring to the game as “bocce ball” may be a bit redundant. In English the game is generally pronounced boch-ee but the more authentic Italian pronunciation sounds like bawt-che or boe-chae. The term has roots in the Latin word “bottia” for ball.

Details of the Game

For anyone asking, “What is bocce ball?” the best way to answer their question is by explaining how to play the game. Here are some of the essential details that you should know:

Where to Play Bocce

Traditionally, you would play bocce on natural soil and sometimes on asphalt courts. But you can play the game on most surfaces, as long as they are flat and fairly smooth. Bocce can be played on grass, gravel, and hard-packed dirt, and even on a deck or patio.

An official bocce court is 76 feet in length and 10 feet in width. But you can adjust these measurements depending on your available space, as long as the shape is similar.

Team Requirements

At the minimum, bocce can be played between two players. But it is an excellent team game, involving two teams with an even number of players each. However, you do sometimes see games in which there are three players on each team. At the most, you can have eight people playing bocce at a time (four on each team).

Equipment Required

Each game of bocce requires a set of bocce balls. The set will include:

• 1 pallino or jack, which is the target smaller ball
• 8 bocce balls, which are larger in size and come in different colors or patterns (four of each color)

There should be no differences in the bocce ball size, diameter, or material. In other words, this means that there should be no differences in the bocce ball weight either to make for a fair game. You can also opt to have a tape measure handy in case you need to settle close calls.

Image Source: Pexels

How to Play the Game

A bocce match begins with a randomly-chosen side having the opportunity to throw the pallino from one end of the court into the playing zone. The same side also gets the opportunity to bowl first once the pallino is in position. The other team then takes their turn and tries to get their ball closer to the pallino than the other team’s ball.

The end of the frame occurs when both sides have used up all their balls. Whichever team manages to get their ball closest to the pallino gets to score for that frame: one point for each of the balls that manage to get closer to the pallino than the other team’s closest ball. Game length varies depending on the region, but typically ranges from 7 points to 13 points.

Find Bocce Ball Sets on Amazon

5 Reasons Why You Should Play Bocce

Now that you have a better idea about what bocce ball is and how to play the game, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should play it. There are plenty of benefits to playing bocce, but here are the top five:

#1: It’s Enjoyable and it Relieves Stress

Bocce is a game of leisure and the main reason to play is to enjoy yourself! Set aside life’s stressors and worries for a little while to enjoy some recreation time with your friends and maybe even add some spice to it. Bocce combines social activity, light exercise, and outdoor time which is a great recipe for stress relief. Decreasing stress has health benefits and will have a positive impact on your mood and improve your overall quality of life.

#2: It Helps Improve Your Coordination

To be a good bocce player, you need good hand-eye coordination because you need to make sure you release the ball at the right moment and get it as close to the pallino as possible. And the more you play the game, the better you will get at it. So playing bocce can help you improve your coordination, which could come in handy for other activities as well.

#3: It Sharpens Your Mind

While some people may think that they can just throw their ball as hard as possible to win at bocce, that’s not exactly the case. Although a little strength is essential, there’s a lot more brain power involved in bocce. You need to carefully put factors like distance and velocity into consideration before you bowl. This engages your brain and keeps it active and sharp.

#4: You Get to Do Some Light Cardio

Bocce is essentially a low-impact game, but it does involve some light physical activity. Although you’re not going to burn as many calories as you would while swimming or cycling, it does enable you to do some light cardio. Staying on your feet and moving up and down the court after each frame are some mild forms of exercise

Image Credit: Brisbane City Council on Flickr

#5: You Can Improve Flexibility

Playing bocce involves movements such as bending your body and extending your arms. So you’re flexing and moving your joints without causing too much strain on them. This can be a great way to improve flexibility, which is particularly useful for seniors in maintaining their mobility.

Conclusion

After reading this post you should now be able to answer the question, “What is bocce ball?” You now know everything from a brief history of the game to how and where to play it today. You can pronounce the game boch-ee so English-speakers will know to which game you’re referring, or you can try the more authentic Italian pronunciation, boe-chae, to impress your friends. You also know a few of the top reasons why you should play this enjoyable game and if you’re interested in learning a close variant to Bocce, Petanque could be of interest or perhaps learn some additional bocce terms. Finally, if you’re sold on the game, why not check out some of the best bocce ball sets of 2019?

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