1️⃣ Teams & Players

A bocce match can be played in several formats:

• Singles – 1 vs 1 (4 balls each)
• Doubles – 2 vs 2 (2 balls each)
• Teams – 4 vs 4 (1 ball each)

Each team uses four balls of the same color.

2️⃣ Starting the Game

The game begins with a coin toss.

The winning team gets to:

• Throw the pallino (small target ball)
• Throw the first bocce ball

3️⃣ Throwing the Pallino

The pallino must:

• Be thrown past the center line
• Stop before the back boundary line
• Remain within the side boundaries

If the pallino lands illegally, the other team throws it.

4️⃣ First Bocce Ball

The team that threw the pallino throws the first bocce ball.

Their goal is simple:

🎯 Get as close to the pallino as possible.

5️⃣ The Opposing Team Plays Next

After the first ball is thrown:

• The other team continues throwing until they place a ball closer to the pallino than the opponent.

Once they succeed, the turn switches back.

This continues until all balls are thrown.

6️⃣ Ways to Throw a Ball

Players may throw in two ways:

Punto (Pointing)
Rolling the ball to stop near the pallino.

Raffa or Volo (Shooting)
Throwing the ball to hit or knock away an opponent's ball.

Both are completely legal and strategic parts of the game.

7️⃣ Balls Hitting the Pallino

If a ball hits the pallino:

• The pallino remains wherever it lands, as long as it stays within court boundaries.

If the pallino leaves the court:

➡️ The frame is void and replayed.

8️⃣ Measuring Distance

If balls are close, players measure distance using:

• A measuring tape
• A bocce measuring tool

The ball closest to the pallino determines the scoring team.

9️⃣ Scoring Points

Only one team scores per round.

Points are awarded for each ball closer to the pallino than the opponent’s closest ball.

Example:

Team A balls closest = 2
Team B closest ball = farther away

➡️ Team A scores 2 points

🔟 Winning the Game

A traditional bocce match is played until:

🏆 12 points

Some leagues play to 15 points depending on club rules.

Traditional Bocce Etiquette (Important in Italian Clubs)

Italian bocce culture also follows unwritten etiquette:

• Do not step on the court while measuring
• Remain quiet when a player is throwing
• Shake hands before and after the match
• No arguing with the measurement

Bocce is considered a gentleman’s game built on respect and community.

✅ Fun Italian Saying on the Bocce Court:

“Chi è più vicino al pallino?”
“Who’s closer to the pallino?”

You’ll hear this phrase constantly during games.