Bocce Ball

A Quick History of Bocce

Bocce's origin can be traced back to 5200 B.C. with ancient Egyptian artwork that depicts boys playing something that resembles the game. The game spread until it reached Greece in around 600 B.C. and then Italy. People from all demographics enjoyed playing with whatever they could find to serve as the balls, including rocks and even coconuts.1The game continued to spread and evolve with the Roman Empire and eventually made it all around the world, ebbing and flowing in popularity. Bocce rules have gone through many changes over the years, and organizations have been established to monitor leagues and tournaments. Bocce ball games have become an especially popular Special Olympics event. 

What Is Bocce Ball?

Bocce is one of the most widely played ball sports in the world. It's also one of the oldest yard games, with the modern version originating in Italy—hence it being known as Italian lawn bowling. 

Bocce (pronunciation: baa-chee) is a lawn or yard game that's played with eight weighted balls aimed at a smaller target ball, or pallino. The objective of the game is to earn points by getting your balls closer to the pallino than your opponent does.The "bocce" in bocce ball is the plural for the Italian word that means "bowl," and the sport is similar to British lawn bowling. The balls used in bocce ball and croquet also share some similarities; however, regulation bocce balls are larger and heavier. Bocce rules are fairly straightforward, and people of all ages and skill levels can play the game. Plus, you can use just about any patch of level ground as a bocce ball court. 

Two regulation courts availab.e.