What Is the Pallino in Bocce?

What Is the Pallino in Bocce featured photo

If you are new to playing bocce ball, you have likely come across unfamiliar terms. One of these words is probably the “pallino.” Learning the meaning behind this bocce equipment is essential for understanding the sport.

The pallino is the white ball in a bocce game. It is the target ball that teams or players must hit or get close to using the colored balls. Whoever tosses these balls nearest to the pallino earns a point.

Besides pallino, the target ball is also known by many names. This article will cover them in detail below. But first, I will give a brief overview of bocce ball to help you learn the importance of the pallino.

What Is Bocce Ball?

Bocce or bocce ball is a popular backyard sport enjoyed by adults and kids alike. The game involves throwing eight colored balls toward the target ball, which is usually color white. The player or team who tossed a ball closest to the target scores a point. The first team to reach a predetermined score of 12 or 15 wins the game.

Bocce ball can be played almost anywhere. There is no need for a formal bocce ball court unless you want to play professionally. Feel free to set up the playing area in your backyard using various materials like clay, grass, or sand. You can also go to public parks and community centers to play bocce.

What Is the Pallino in Bocce?

What Is the Pallino in Bocce

Bocce ball requires eight large throwing balls, a small target ball, and a measuring device. 

In the sport of bocce, the target ball has many names. The most common term for it is “pallino.” It is also called the jack ball or object ball.

The pallino is the smallest ball in bocce. It is usually around one to two inches in diameter. As for its material, it is typically made of wood or plastic. However, a metal pallino is also available to ensure durability.

The pallino or jack ball is the target of the colored bocce balls. You must toss these larger balls as close as possible to the pallino to earn points. 

Why Is the Pallino Color White?

The pallino is traditionally white in color because of several reasons.

First, white creates a strong contrast with the colorful bocce balls. It helps players see the pallino or jack with ease, even from a distance. Hence, it makes it easier for one team to get their bocce ball closer to the pallino.

The color white ball is also highly visible on various playing surfaces. Whether you have a clay, dirt, grass, or sand bocce ball court, the pallino still stands out because of its color. It gives players a consistent target to aim at regardless of the court surface material.

Finally, white is a neutral shade that does not lean toward any team or player. It ensures fair gameplay for all participants. 

Although white is the most common color for the pallino, it is not the only shade manufacturers use. A red or yellow jack ball is also available. Both are distinct shades that you can easily see on different playing surfaces. 

What Is the Importance of a Pallino in Bocce Ball?

The pallino is an essential bocce ball equipment.

It acts as the target for the other bocce balls. The primary objective of the bocce game is to get your team’s bocce balls as close to the pallino or jack ball as possible.

Another reason why the pallino is important is that it determines the score of the players. After each round, the team with their bocce balls closer to the pallino earns a point. 

The pallino also introduces a strategic element to the game. Since it is the target ball, players must carefully consider how they will throw their bocce balls to beat the other team’s balls.

Finally, the jack ball is a neutral target that ensures fair gameplay. It does not favor any team, player, or even bocce court type. It gives all participants an equal chance of winning without any unfair advantage.

How to Play Bocce Ball with the Pallino?

If you want to play bocce ball with the pallino, below are some steps to follow.

The first thing to do is set up the court when playing in your backyard. Know that the standard bocce ball court size for homes is 60 feet long and 12 feet wide. However, you can change the court dimensions depending on your available space.

Divide the players into two teams. These teams can have one to four participants. They also have four balls to throw. 

The two groups will use a coin toss to decide who will play the first bocce ball.

Next, the starting team gets to toss the pallino at least 10 to 15 feet away from the throwing area. Then, that same player throws the first bocce ball toward the target. The goal is to get closer to the jack than the opponent’s ball.

After the starting team has tossed their ball, the opposite team will have their turn. Players from both groups get alternate attempts to throw their bocce balls.

Once all the balls are in play, a referee will measure the distance between the balls and the pallino. The team with their ball closest to the target earns one point, making them closer to winning. 

The game continues until a team reaches the predetermined score. It is usually 11, 12, 15, or 16 points.

How to Score Points and Win in Bocce?

You can score points depending on the distance of the bocce balls to the pallino. Here is how scoring in bocce ball works.

After each round, only the team with their bocce ball near the pallino earns a point. The group scores one point for every ball that they have closer to the target than the opposing team. For example, if you have thrown two balls closer to the pallino than any of the other group’s balls, you get two points. However, if you only have one ball near the pallino, you score a single point for that ball.

Sometimes, the closest balls from each team are the same distance from the pallino. If so, the round is a tie. Both groups also do not receive points.

The two teams continue to earn points over several rounds. But once a group reaches a predetermined point total before the other team does, they are declared the winner. 

Conclusion

If you just started playing bocce, you may find the unfamiliar terms confusing. It is important to learn their meaning to understand and appreciate the sport.

One of the most commonly used words in bocce is the pallino. It is the smallest and the target ball of the larger, colored balls. It is an essential bocce equipment because it determines the score of the players.

Do you have other questions about the pallino? You can send your queries to our contact page, and we will get back to you soon!

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