
Do you ever wonder about the difference between bocce and boccia? That makes the two of us. As someone who enjoys bocce, I randomly encountered the term “boccia” while researching about tournaments. I did my own study to learn more about it, which I’ll teach you below.
The main difference between bocce and boccia is the players involved. Bocce is enjoyed by adults and children alike. Meanwhile, boccia is an inclusive version of bocce. It is developed for wheelchair users and individuals with other disabilities.
However, there are other differences to take note of, such as the history and equipment used. This article will cover the distinctions between bocce and boccia.
What Is the Difference Between Bocce and Boccia?
Bocce and boccia differ in several aspects, which I’ll show you below.
Definition
First, let’s look into the definition of both sports.
Bocce, also spelled as boccie, is an Italian game suitable for individuals of various ages. It is similar to lawn bowling and the French precision ball sport, petanque. The objective of bocce is to toss colored balls, known as bocce balls, toward a small target ball called the pallino. After a pre-determined number of rounds, the player or team with the most balls closest to the pallino wins the game.
Boccia literally means “bowl” in Italian. It is where bocce got its name. But in terms of sports, boccia is a variation of bocce. It is a game designed for individuals with disabilities or impaired motor skills. The objective is similar to bocce where participants throw the ball toward the target or jack. The player or team that succeeds in having the most balls near the jack emerges as the winner.
History
Bocce or boccie is an old sport dating back as early as 5200 BC. An English scientist discovered a painting that depicts two Egyptian boys playing bocce. The precision ball sport eventually spread throughout Ancient Greece and Rome. Most people accept that the present form of bocce started in Italy. Today, it is among the most popular sports enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Boccia is a fairly new sport, especially when compared to bocce ball. It started out as an event sport for the 1984 Paralympic Games. It was originally developed for athletes with cerebral palsy. However, the game now includes players with locomotor disabilities. Individuals are divided into four classes, depending on their functional abilities. Boccia is one of the Paralympic sports without a counterpart in the Olympics.
Gameplay

Bocce and boccia are fairly similar in terms of gameplay.
In the bocce Italian game, players throw large colored balls toward a small target ball. Individuals of each team take alternate turns tossing the bocce balls. Once all the balls are in play, the frame or match ends. A scorekeeper awards one point to every player or team with their balls nearest the pallino. After scoring, the next match starts. The first group to reach 12 points (or any pre-determined score) wins the game.
Boccia players also take turns rolling or tossing balls toward a white target ball, also known as the jack. The main difference between bocce and boccia is that every boccia match has throws and ends. The number of ends is based on the number of players. For example, if only two individuals are participating, they can only play up to four ends. Team matches last for six ends. After the players have thrown all the balls, the end or match is complete. Then, an official will measure the distance between the balls and the jack. The team with the ball closer to the jack than the opponent’s ball earns a point. The player or team with the most points after all ends emerges as the victor.
Equipment

Playing bocce ball involves eight colored balls, a small target ball, and a flat playing surface. The bocce balls can be any color. Most sets include four red and four green balls, but some products have four different colors of two balls. Scoreboards and measuring tools (such as measuring tape or string) are optional and not necessary. However, these pieces of bocce equipment ensure fair gameplay and convenience.
Boccia equipment is different from bocce. It consists of twelve large leather balls (six leather balls per team) and one small jack ball. A uniform is also a requirement in official boccia competitions. Items, such as ramps and splints, are common to help players toss balls, but they are not necessary.
Playing Surface

Bocce ball courts are usually located outdoors. However, indoor bocce courts are also popular among social clubs and community centers.
An official bocce court must be 91 feet long and 13 feet wide. But casual courts don’t need to meet the regulation dimensions. Typical backyard courts are 60 by 12 feet in size. In general, home courts can be whatever size that fits into your available space.
As for the court material, bocce is traditionally played in clay. Outdoor courts can also use grass, oyster shells, or sand. Synthetic turf and carpet are among the top choices for indoor courts.
In contrast, boccia is typically designed to be played indoors. Most boccia courts are located under a covered establishment. The dimensions of the playing area must be 12.5 meters long and 6 meters wide.
The surface of the boccia court must be flat and even. Playing areas can be made from concrete, wood, or rubber.
Strategy
Bocce ball strategy revolves around ball placement and precision. The objective is to get as close as possible to the pallino (the small target ball). So, players must know which types of shots to make to outmaneuver their opponents. They can also displace the ball from the opponents to gain significant points. However, they can take defensive strategies to protect the pallino or block the opposing ball.
Boccia is also a precision ball game. But instead of throwing balls offensively, boccia players usually plan the sequence in which they toss their balls. For example, they usually start with slower shots to gauge control. Then, they use subsequent shots to gain a strategic advantage over the opponents. This is perhaps due to the fewer matches involved in boccia.
Popularity
In terms of popularity, bocce outshines boccia. It was once a humble game in Italy and neighboring countries. Today, the game is enjoyed throughout Europe and North America. Many countries also have bocce federations or associations that organize tournaments yearly.
That said, boccia is still fairly popular, especially within the Paralympic community. It is among the few sports in which athletes with severe physical disabilities can join. As such, boccia has a unique niche in the ball game industry.
Conclusion
If you play bocce, you have probably heard about boccia. You may think they’re the same sport, but they’re not.
The main difference between bocce and boccia ball is the players they cater to. Bocce is played by almost everyone, regardless of age and gender. In contrast, boccia is an inclusive game designed for individuals with disabilities. There are other differences worth knowing, as I covered in this article.
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