Everything you need to know about bocce

Bocce is a term that refers to a game, in which heavy balls are used. This game is somehow similar to bowls. It is gaining more and more popularity in the world since it is relatively easy to play and does not require any special abilities or being in wonderful physical shape. Let us take a closer look at bocce.

Rules

When you play bocce, your physical endurance is not as important the ability to think logically. This game is played with leather-covered balls, similar to tennis balls. The ball can be pushed with a bat or a hand, as well as be directed through a special groove.

Bocce is somewhat similar to bowling or curling. To make a strike as effective as possible, players should think carefully before throwing the ball. Bocce is played by two teams, each of them has its own set of balls of the same color. White ball in the game serves as a target and is located at the edge of the field. During the match players should throw colored balls as close to the target as possible.

The game of bocce begins by placing the white target ball at the edge of the field. Then athletes throw six balls in a row. During the game, it is possible to throw balls in a speecial way to prevent the opponents from putting their balls close to the target. The player or team with the greatest amount of points is determined by the throws done in the beginning of the game. Players receive one point for each ball that is placed close to the target than the balls thrown by the opponents. Sometimes two teams score equal amount of points. In this case, the referee can arrange additional time. The team that scores the greatest number of points by grouping them near the target ball becomes the winner of the competition.

There are different ways of throwing the balls. It is possible to throw them from the side, or with the help of legs. These variations make it possible for people with disabilities to play this game, especially if they are not capable of walking. Bocce helps them to become more flexible and train their back.

Players

Bocce is a game that does not strictly limit the number of participants. Up to twenty people can play it. Their number is determined by the set of balls they are using. For instance, if they want to use the small set, there will be two to eight players on the field. If they opt for a bigger set, there can be up to twelve players. Finally, it is possible to mix to sets, so that up to twenty players can take part in the game.

Each player has four balls of the same color. This means that one player or one team can use the balls of their color only. One team can consist of two or four people. The number of teams can reach five. There can be two teams using the small set of balls, three teams using the big set of balls, and five teams using both sets at the same time. Since this game is popular among people with disabilities, sometimes their assistants take part in the game, too.

All players are divided into two categories in accordance with their age: those who are older than 18 form the adults category. The rest of the players are called juniors.

As it was mentioned previously, this game is extremely helpful for people with the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Why?

• Their back becomes more flexible.
• Children and teenagers learn to think logically and strategically.
• They learn to be more concentrated. Therefore, their intellectual functions develop.
• Bocce helps them develop their motor skills.

Championships

Official competitions can be held in three ways. Individuals, pairs or groups of sportsmen can take part in them. No matter how many sportsmen participate in the tournament, the field for the game will be 12.5 meters’ long and 6 meters’ wide.

The very first World championship was held in 1975 in Monaco. At that time, it consisted of one discipline only. It was pair bocce. Nevertheless, since then everything has changed, which is why modern bocce players can compete in six disciplines: individual tournament, pair tournament, the circle, the accuracy, the progressive, the relay race. Sportsmen from Italy, France, Slovenia and Croatia are considered leaders. They win almost all tournaments they take part in.

It should be mentioned that the European championship and the World championship are held every two years. The World championships are held in odd-numbered years, whereas the European championships are held in even-numbered years. Thus, sportsmen can take part in important international competitions every year. In addition, there can be separate tournaments for women and youngsters.

History

Bocce is a game with a lasting history. According to the scientific data, it was first mentioned several thousand years ago. Since then, it has gained a lot of popularity, and many games (such as bowling and curling) have originated from bocce.

It is believed that the game was invented in Ancient Egypt. Its rulers and rich people loved it and practiced it quite often. Then the tournaments were arranged by Romans. Then it became well-known in all European countries. Nowadays, this game is extremely popular among French seniors. Moreover, sometimes tourists are invited to lay it when travelling to Egypt, Turkey and other countries.

In 1984, bocce became a Paralympic discipline. The International Bocce Federation unites more than 50 national federations. Its head office is located in Switzerland. People from Italy, France and other countries located in Europe and America are in for bocce.

All in all, bocce is an exciting team game popular all over the world. Although anyone can take part in the tournaments, bocce is most helpful for people with disabilities.