Bocce

Bocce Bocce (Italian Lawn Bowling) is a game of skill and strategy. This game is a cross between bowling and horseshoes. There may be anywhere from two to four to eight players in a game. Each player is given two balls (boccia) and then must take turns rolling the ball toward the pallino, which has been already thrown onto the playing area. The players are given points for the balls thrown closest to the pallino ball. Players may also throw on the fly, striking the ball to move the point ball. Balls, including the pallina, may also be displaced by the balls of other players.

Scoring
After all balls have been played, the game "frame" is concluded and only one team is awarded one point for each of its balls that are closer to the pallino than the closest ball of the opposing team. A team, then, may score up to a maximum of four points a frame.

If no team's ball is closer to the pallino (each is an equal distance away), no points are awarded for the frame. Often there is a measuring device present on the court's sidelines in order to assist you with this judgment.

Bocce is contested at the Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games, held at the University of Maryland, College Park. Check out the calendar for this years dates.

Key Terms
Boccia: A ball approximately 5" round usually of a different color or design. Used to throw towards a pallino.

Pallino: a smaller ball approximately 2 " round, also called the object ball. This ball is thrown out and must pass the mid-point of the court. The boccia balls are then rolled or tossed towards the Pallino.

Lagging: rolling the ball.

Volo: throwing the ball on the fly.