Bocce ball is a popular activity in the United States. According to the U.S. Bocce Federation, there are up to 25 million bocce enthusiasts in the country, as of 2010. It is the third-highest participation sport in the world and is also considered the oldest known sport in history.
History
Bocce ball can be traced back to the Egyptians in 5200 B.C.E., according to Bocce.org. From the Egyptians, the Greeks and later the Romans picked up the sport. The game's popularity soared as it quickly spread throughout Europe. The game became so popular that some leaders felt it was threatening the nation's security because it was taking time away from archery and military training. Consequently, it was banned by Kings Carlos IV and V of Spain. The Republic of Venice followed suit and punished players with fines and threats of prison. However, bocce's popularity had grown too far and the rest of Europe continued to play. Bocce spread throughout the world and eventually came to America. In 1747, the first bocce leagues were formed and the first of the annual Bocce World Championships was established.
Rules
The basic rules for bocce ball are fairly straightforward. You must have two teams with an equal number of players on each. You play with eight large bocce balls and one small object ball. The game should be played on a fairly flat surface or court. The only player allowed on the court during a throw is the player throwing the ball.
How to Play
Flip a coin to see which team throws first. Once order is established, the first team throws the small object ball. The ball must land in bounds. If the first team is unsuccessful in throwing the object ball, then the second team gets a chance. The first player to throw the object ball successfully is the first to throw his bocce balls. If the throwing player fails to land his bocce in bounds, the opposing team will step up to throw. The first team to throw in its ball has the "point" bocce. The other team will then have a chance to throw and land a bocce closer to the object ball to become the new point ball. Team members may throw in any order but each must throw his equal share of balls. If the throwing team throws all its bocce balls out of bounds, then the opposing team gets a chance to throw. After all bocce balls have been thrown, points are scored and a new round begins.
How to Win
At the end of each round, points are tallied. Your ball must be closer to the object ball than your opponent's to score a point. For each of your team's bocce balls that are closer to the object ball then the other team's, you score one point. Only one team can score in each round. If both teams have a bocce that is equal distance from the object ball, the points are canceled out. The rounds continue until one team reaches nine points, or whatever number has been agreed upon in advance.
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