If you know a boccia athlete under the BC3 classification, you are aware they can use an assistive device to propel the ball onto the court. Although you can buy a ramp from reputable manufacturers, note that they might not have the unique needs of the player in mind. Building a boccia ramp on your own is recommended for ensuring full compatibility.
To make a boccia ramp, you’ll first need to prepare the materials needed. Cut the plastic pipes and smoothen their surfaces. Gently screw the pieces together. Then, attach adjustable feet and base. Remember to paint the pipes in the preferred color of the athlete or team.
This article will cover all the steps to follow in boccia ramp production. We’ll also provide additional information about this equipment, including its importance and application in the competition.
How To Make a Boccia Ramp? A Step-by-Step Guide
A boccia ramp is necessary for athletes with severe physical disabilities. Follow the steps below to build a ramp from scratch.
Consult the Athlete
Before anything else, you must first talk with the athlete and consider their abilities and needs. Doing so lets you build a boccia ramp that they can use with comfort and confidence.
Identify whether the player has poor or great upper body movement. If they have limited control, you must use a lighter and more flexible material. But this ramp requires careful handling because it is more delicate. Meanwhile, athletes who can easily move their arms and trunks can benefit from a heavier and more solid construction.
While consulting a player, you can also learn if they need more sophisticated assistive devices. For example, those with poor trunk control require a ramp with a more stable base. That involves creating another opening in the ramp to help athletes determine the ball speed and distance.
Prepare the Materials
By now, you have a clear understanding of the abilities and needs of the athletes. And you likely have a planned design in mind.
The next thing to do is choose the necessary materials and tools for the ramp construction. The exact things you’ll need can vary depending on the player. But, in general, below is a list of products to prepare:
- PVC pipe (exact thickness and length vary based on the athlete; schedules 20 and 40 are standard thicknesses, and one-meter pipes are usually enough)
- 87° PVC elbow pipe (long radius) with double socket
- 45° PVC elbow pipe with double socket
- Saw (electric or manual)
- Vise or clamp
- Screws
- Screwdriver
- Hinges
- Measuring tool (ruler, straight edge, or measure tape)
- Sandpaper or utility knife
- Paint
You can order most of these products from local hardware stores or online stores (make sure to review the ratings).
Prior to building the ramp, keep these items in one place for easy access. Better yet, put them inside a bag or toolbox to prevent small tools from getting lost.
Wear Safety Equipment
Building a boccia ramp involves cutting and handling different materials. Wearing safety equipment is necessary to protect yourself from hazardous objects.
Put on safety gloves to prevent sharp tools from cutting your hand. Doing so can also improve your grip on different products.
Consider wearing a mask as well. Cutting materials will produce a lot of dust, which can trigger allergies, asthma, and other underlying respiratory problems.
You can also get safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and debris generated during construction.
Start Cutting
After preparing the necessary items and safety equipment, it’s time to make the ramp frame by cutting the pipes.
First, remove the plastic flanges at the top and bottom of the 45° elbow pipe. Place the pipe on a vise or clamp to secure it. With a saw, cut across through the pipe near the plastic flanges to remove the socket. This part will be the top area of the boccia ramp where the players will insert the ball.
Next, cut through the other elbow pipe (with an 87° angle) near the top flange to detach the socket. Then, saw through the bend of the pipe near a 45° angle. Remove the plastic leftovers to ensure a clean cut. This pipe is at the lower end of the ramp, where the ball will fall off.
As for the middle section of the ramp, take the long pipe. Cut it lengthwise to create two troughs where the ball will roll along. The exact length of the middle pipe can vary depending on the player. However, a length between 750mm and 1000mm is the standard.
If the player wants extensions, you can order another lightweight pipe to attach to the existing mid-section.
Smoothen the Surface
With all the pipes cut to their desired shape, you can now prepare them for fitting.
Use sandpaper or utility knife to remove burrs and create a smooth surface. This finish can also reduce the friction of the balls when the players release them onto the ramp.
Make sure to sand the inner and outer rim of the PVC pipes until the rough edges are gone. However, avoid oversanding because it can lead to poor fitting.
Screw Pieces Together
Now, grab the screwdriver and screws to glue all three pipes together. Make sure the ends are aligned correctly. You can draw a straight line at the back of the pipes to guide you.
Gently turn the screwdriver until the screws are tight and secure. Check if the pipes are fixed firmly before moving to the next step.
Install the Feet
After making the boccia ramp frame, you can work on its feet for support.
You can use either PVC pipes or wooden dowels. Measure and cut them into four small parts. Then, sand them to ensure a smooth surface.
Attach them to the bottom of the ramp using screws. Make sure they are evenly spaced to provide stability.
And depending on the request of the player, you may want to use hinges to adjust the ramp incline. Screw them near the top edge of the ramp.
Paint the Material
Once you’ve built all the parts, you can now paint the ramp. Any plastic-rated paint will do. However, we recommend using car aerosol sprays because they don’t require priming.
If using ordinary paint in cans, ensure the entire ramp surface is smooth before applying paint. Allow the product to dry for several minutes before using a second coat. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer to achieve a smooth, even color.
Test the Ramp
Finally, allow the athlete to test the ramp. Doing so lets you learn whether it performs as expected and meets the needs of the player.
If not, you can adjust the ramp construction as needed until the athlete is satisfied.
Why Is a Boccia Ramp Important?
A ramp is an important piece of equipment in an inclusive sport, such as boccia.
The ramp lets players propel the ball onto the court without having to stand up and throw it. Athletes with disabilities can remain seated throughout the game when using a ramp. Despite being seated, they still have full control over the ball. That allows them to participate competitively against able-bodied competitors.
How To Use a Boccia Ramp?
Boccia ramps are fairly easy to set up and use.
First, adjust the incline of the ramp depending on the playing style and ability of the athlete.
Next, grab the ball from a nearby table or an assistant.
Slowly place the ball on top of the ramp. If the athlete has limited arm and trunk movement, they can use pointers to move the ball.
Finally, loosen the grip on the ball to release it. It will roll along the ramp and towards the court.
Conclusion
A ramp is an essential piece of equipment for boccia players in the BC3 classification. It is available from different manufacturers. However, nothing beats a custom-made ramp when it comes to meeting the unique needs of the athletes.
You can create a ramp from scratch using plastic pipes. Cut them into pieces and glue them using screws. Attach wooden dowels or leftover pipes as feet support. Finally, paint the material to make it appealing.
Do you have other questions about making a ramp? Visit our contact page to send your queries!