How To Make a Bocce Scoreboard?

How To Make a Bocce Scoreboard featured photo

Do you find it difficult to keep track of scores in the middle of a bocce game? I’ve been in your shoes before. Whenever I play bocce, I usually forget the current score of both teams because I’m so focused on the game. Things changed when I built a bocce scoreboard, which I’ll share below.

To make a homemade bocce scoreboard, you must prepare the necessary materials and tools. Cut and prepare the wood for painting. Then, mark the scoring numbers and rounds. And remember to wear protective equipment.

In this article, I will teach you the step-by-step process of making a DIY bocce scoreboard. But first, I’ll cover the reasons why you need to keep score in bocce ball. 

Why Do You Need a Bocce Scoreboard?

Why Do You Need a Bocce Scoreboard

There are many reasons to get or build a bocce scoreboard from scratch.

First of all, the scoreboard helps you keep track of the scores, which determine the winner of every match. It is a necessity, especially if you’re playing bocce in competitive or tournament settings.

It also promotes fairness in the game. Since it lets you record and update the scores for each team, it prevents disputes from arising.

A bocce scoreboard can also influence your gameplay. Seeing the points in real-time affects your strategy and decision-making. For example, a team who is close to losing will try to hit the bocce balls of the other team instead of trying to get closer to the pallino.

Finally, the board enhances the overall game experience. It encourages a fun and friendly vibe where players can share playful banter with each other.

How To Play Bocce Ball?

How To Play Bocce Ball

As mentioned, bocce is necessary for keeping track of current scores. But how do you play bocce and earn a point in the first place?

Playing bocce ball is relatively straightforward. The game involves eight colored balls and a pallino or target ball.

Teams, consisting of two to four players, take alternate turns tossing the colored bocce balls. The goal is to throw the bocce ball as close as possible to the white pallino.

After all the players toss their balls, the match ends, and scoring begins. The player with the nearest ball to the target scores a point for their team. The scorekeeper adjusts the score accordingly using bocce scoreboards or other accessories. The first team to reach the pre-determined number of points wins the bocce ball game.

How To Make a Scoreboard in Bocce Ball?

Now that you know more about bocce ball and the importance of bocce scoreboards, it’s time to learn how to make one. Follow the steps below to build a DIY bocce scoreboard.

Gather the Necessary Materials

Gather the Necessary Materials

Before anything else, you must prepare the materials and tools you’ll need to make a bocce scoreboard. You can find the following items at your local hardware stores or online stores like Amazon.

  • A large piece of wood (particle board, plywood, or MDF)
  • A saw (to cut the wood)
  • Ruler
  • Pencil (to mark the cutting area and trace numbers and lines)
  • Wood stain or paint (to make the background vivid)
  • Acrylic paint markers or paint (for scores and rounds)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Rags
  • Water
  • Soap (to clean the wood, if necessary)
  • Sandpaper (to smoothen the surface)
  • Screws
  • Screwdriver

Keep these materials in one place to avoid confusion and save time when building the bocce scoreboard. Having a toolbox is recommended to store small tools and accessories, such as screws.

Wear Protective Equipment

While not required, I highly suggest wearing gloves because you’ll be dealing with paint and markers. Doing so will protect your hands from drying and irritation.

You might also want to use a mask to prevent inhaling toxic fumes and wood dust.

As for your clothing, decide on something comfortable. Long-sleeved shirts are good options to prevent paint from touching your skin.

Cut the Wood for the DIY Bocce Scoreboard

After preparing the necessary materials and wearing protective equipment, you can start working on the bocce scoreboard.

Get the large piece of wood you purchased. If it’s not in the desired size, use a ruler and pencil to mark your preferred dimensions.

Then, cut the wood with a handheld saw. Be careful and work slowly because the tool is very sharp. When working with a dense hardwood, such as mahogany, consider using a powered saw to cut it into boards.

Clean the Wood

With the wood cut to your desired size, it’s time to prepare it for customizing using paint.

Remove dirt and dust from the wood with soapy water. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean the wooden surface.

Allow it to dry before sanding the edges and surface. Doing so creates a smooth and even layer where you can paint numbers easily.

Brush off sanding dust before moving to the next step.

Use Paint or Stain for the Background

Use Paint or Stain for the Background

You can choose to paint or stain the entire wooden surface. It will be the background color for the bocce scoreboard.

Paint gives you a solid color. Feel free to choose a simple white or any shade you prefer for the background. However, paint can cover the natural texture and tone of the wood. And depending on the wood type you’re working on, the color may appear patchy. 

Stain produces a subtle color, so you don’t lose the appearance of the wood grain. At the same time, the stain protects and preserves the wood.

Either way, you’ll use a paintbrush to spread the product across the wooden surface. Carefully read labels and follow the application instructions to achieve a smooth, even layer.

Leave the wooden board under the sun to dry completely.

Mark the Scoring Numbers and Rounds

Once the wood is dry, you can mark the numbers and rounds on the background using a pencil. And with the help of a ruler, you can draw lines for the two columns where you’ll put the current team score. Don’t forget to put labels on the top of each column. “Team Red” and “Team Blue” are good options.

If you’re satisfied with the markings, the next thing to do is trace them with a permanent marker or paint. Use the ruler or stencils as a guide to achieve straight lines.

Allow the paint to dry.

Add Other Details

The good thing about making a homemade bocce scoreboard is the freedom of customizing it. For example, you can add the names of teams above the columns. You can also draw custom designs (flowers, hearts, pets, etc.) on the wood. Feel free to put different details to make your scoreboard unique from others.

Mount the Homemade Bocce Scoreboard

If you’re happy with the design of the bocce scoreboard, it’s time to mount it. You can choose to attach it to a wall, wooden post, or the border of your bocce court. Use screws and a screwdriver to secure it in place.

Conclusion

Bocce ball is a fun backyard sport that can be enjoyed by anyone. Just like any other game, scoring is an essential part of bocce.

You can make a homemade bocce scoreboard to keep track of the scores during the game. Simply prepare the materials, wear safety equipment, cut wood, and customize the surface. 

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