1. Almost Bowling, but Not Quite
Bocce is similar to bowling in that you roll a ball towards the target, but the concept is a little different. The ball is called a bocce; it's 4 1/2 inches across and weighs about three pounds. The goal is to roll the bocce as close to the pallino as possible. The pallino is a 1 3/4 inch ball that's rolled down the lane before any of the bocce balls. The closest bocce to the pallino gets a point; players play to 12 points in a game. Depth perception, distance judgment and a sharp eye are essential to obtain success at bocce. It's a popular pasttime among the elderly because it's a great way to relax and exercise at the same time.
2. Strategic Plays
Unlike bowling, you have the opportunity to hinder the success of your opponent. Take your turn to knock your rival's ball away from the pallino. Or, you can knock the pallino closer to your ball. Either way, it's a brilliant strategic move that just might help you seal the win.
3. More Than a Game
Bocce is athletic and social, all wrapped up in one fun game. Bocce players get good exercise with the bocce itself, because of its weight and the distance required for throwing. Bocce works your main trunk as well as your arms and legs. However, bocce also works your mind. Beginners can play alongside experts; old and young enjoy bocce together; there's even no way to distinguish social class. Strategy is an important aspect of bocce, but the friendships you make while playing also are key to the game.
4. Make Your Own Bocce Court
While it's one of the most popular sports in the world, bocce courts aren't always easy to find in the United States. However, you can make your own court to play bocce whenever you want. First, lay down three to five inches of pea gravel, then add three inches of lime stone (crushed) then one to three inches of fine, powdered clay used on tennis courts. Use a brook or a rake to level the surface and wet the entire area. Add more clay to areas where puddles form to make sure your court is level. Expect your court to crack as it stabilizes itself; that's a good sign. Play often to make your bocce court firm, which equals a long-lasting court.
5. An International Affair
Bocce is one of the most popular sports in the world, dating back to before Christ in some countries. The United States Bocce Federation is the organization that represents the United States, and there are International organizations to support this sport. The Fédération Internationale de Boules (F.I.B.) is the world's oldest bocce organization. Internally, there's also the Confederazione Boccistica Inernazionale and the Confédération Mondiale Sports Boules. All these organizations help bring the sport of bocce to the forefront of the world, namely by encouraging countries to compete in the Olympics.
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