The object of the game of bocce is to first throw out a small target ball, called a pallino, onto a flat, smooth and level court 10 feet wide and 76 feet long. The surface should, preferably, consist of tightly packed sand, earth or closely trimmed grass. Players or teams then take turns throwing eight large balls, divided evenly between the teams, as close to the pallino as possible without touching it. The team with the closest balls to the pallino scores points for that frame. The game continues through multiple frames until one team achieves a winning score.
Step 1
Form two teams of one, two or four players. Randomly select a player to throw out the pallino. If you are that player, stand behind the foul line, 10 feet from the end of the court, and throw the pallino to the other end of the court.
Step 2
Throw a large ball next. Try to get your ball as close to the pallino as possible without touching it. Once you throw your larger ball you are now "inside" or closest to the pallino.
Step 3
Allow the opposing player or players to throw balls and attempt to land one closer than your "inside" ball. If one of their balls lands "inside," the turn changes back to your team. If the opposing team throws balls that are all "outside" or farther than the first throw, your team then throws their balls to try to better their score. It is fair to try to knock the opposing team's balls farther away from, or your balls closer to, the pallino. Play continues until both teams throw all of their balls.
Step 4
Score the frame. Award the winning team one point for each ball closer than the closest ball of the opposing team. Award no points if both teams throw balls that are equally distant from the pallino and tied for "inside" position.
Step 5
Elect another player to throw the pallino and the first bocce ball to start a new frame. Continue to play frames until one team reachs the agreed amount of points needed to win the game.
Tips and Warnings
- The game continues through multiple frames until one team achieves a score, usually of 13, although, in casual play, any final number agreed upon by both teams is acceptable.
Things You'll Need
- Bocce court
- Bocce ball set
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