What is Bocce and The Best Bocce Ball Set

Bocce is a fun and exhilarating game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a particularly exciting activity for family events like BBQs and parties as anyone can join in. 

The rules are simple and kids will have a great time challenging their parents and grandparents to a game.

Of course, to play bocce at home, you will need a set of bocce balls and to know the rules.

This bocce ball game guide will help by sharing info about the game, how to play and the bocce rules and some tips for choosing the right bocce balls. 

We’ll also showcase several excellent bocce ball sets that are well-made and durable.

What is bocce ball

Bocce (sometimes called bocci or boccie) is one of the world’s oldest lawn games. Archaeologists have found evidence of people playing games that resemble bocce as far as 7,000 years ago

The goal of Bocce ( pronounced Baa-Chee ) is to throw eight weighted balls at a smaller ball called as Pallino, and the player who has his balls closest to pallino wins the round.

Back then, players would use objects like coconuts, pieces of wood, and melons instead of the balls that we use today. The rules of the game are simple. 

All you need to get started is: 

A target ball (called a pallino)Eight bocce balls ( four of each color to differentiate them )
A tape measure for comparing close shotsA bocce court.

NOTE – The court can be any rectangular space, but it is usually a lawn. 

Bocce ball court

Ball court size

Official bocce courts are 90 feet long and 13 feet wide, but you don’t need to have a space that precisely matches those dimensions.

bocce ball court size

Any lawn will do as long as you can mark the half way court, and the foul lines. The smaller the court in size, the easier the game will be.

Court surface

The official court surface is mainly deeply mow grass. However you can also play it on sand, gravel, hard packed dirt or clay. The surface must be hard though and not soft. Besides that, any of the surfaces we mentioned would work.

The surface also must be leveled, so no dips or height changes.

How to play Bocce ball

The game is started with a coin toss. The winner of the toss will choose a player to throw the pallino on the court. Ideally, the pallino should land in the centre of the court, at least 30 yards from the end of the court.  

Players then throw or roll their bocce balls in an attempt to get as  close to the pallino as possible. Opposing teams will often throw their bocce forcefully to knock their opponent’s bocce balls out of the way. 

Game scores system

The game is scored once all bocce balls have been thrown. This is the end of the round. A team earns one point for each ball that they have closer to the pallino than any ball from the opposing team. 

If a bocce ball is touching the pallino, it earns the team two points. If both teams have a ball equidistance from the pallino, no one scores a point for those balls.  

Rounds continue until one team reaches a set point total. If you are playing backyard games with friends or family, making the winner the first team to reach 12 points works well. If there are lots of players waiting for a game, you can reduce this number by a few points.

Although the rules of the game are simple, it is highly addictive and a lot of fun.  The perfect game to play after a BBQ or lunch.

Bocce ball information and ball sets

A standard bocce ball set contains 8 colored bocce balls and a smaller white pallino.

Typically, the colors used for the bocce balls are red and green, but some sets will use additional colors including yellow and blue. Each bocce ball will have markings on it, which can be used to determine who has thrown the ball in a game of doubles.

Bocce ball sets tend to come with other accessories like a carry bag and a measuring tape. Having a carry bag makes it simple to store or transport your bocce ball set. 

It also helps you keep all of the balls in one location and reduces the risk of losing one. Some bocce ball sets will use a timber box instead of a bag. While this can add a fair amount of weight to your bocce balls, it increases how well they are protected.

The cost of a bocce ball set can vary greatly. Cheap sets start around the $20 mark, Standard bocce sets will run you at least $30, but if you’re going to buy a professional set, you could need more than $100.

Bocce ball set buyers guide

Here are a few simple tips to help you buy the right bocce ball set.

Are the bocce balls regulation size

The International Federation for Bocce and the United States Bocce Federation say that bocce balls must be 107mm for men. Women can also use a smaller 106mm ball, which can be easier to hold with smaller hands. 

Bocce balls that are 112mm, 115mm or larger are not regulation size, despite the fact that they are often advertised as “expert” or “competition” balls. Full-sized bocce balls will weigh somewhere around the 2 pound mark ( 920 grams to be precise ).

If you are a bocce ball enthusiast intending to play competitively, you should look for bocce ball sets that match these specifications. This will ensure you are playing bocce ball as it is meant to be played. 

However, if you play with your family, you may prefer to use smaller or lighter balls (see below).

Who will be playing

Bocce ball can be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, some young children and adults with small hands can struggle to hold full size bocce balls (107mm). For this reason, many people choose bocce ball sets that are below regulation size.  

Many bocce ball sets have balls that are 100mm, 95mm, or 90mm in size. These smaller balls also tend to be lighter. This makes them much easier for young children to hold and throw accurately. There is also less risk of a child dropping a bocce ball and injuring themselves.

How competitive is the game

If your friends and family have become very serious about bocce, you might be better off investing in a professional level bocce ball set. It might be more expensive initially, but it will pay off in the long run as you, your family, and your friends enjoy years of bocce ball.  

The balls in a professional bocce ball set are very durable and less likely to crack, so you won’t have a situation where one ball from the set becomes easily damaged. 

They will also feel better in the hand and be more stable when they roll. Players will be able to use their skill to accurately throw the ball.

Think about price

Another consideration to make before buying a bocce ball set is its price.  Beginners sets start around the $25 mark, intermediate sets are about $50 and professional sets can go above $100. 

When considering your budget, think about how many years you might use your bocce set. If you plan to make bocce a weekly activity that you enjoy most weekends, spending a little extra might be a good idea.

What are the balls made from

The main difference between a cheap bocce ball set and a good one is the materials used to make the balls. Professional bocce balls will be made from thermoset resins or metal. 

These materials are heavy but they are extremely durable. They also produce a ball that rolls straight, allowing skillful players to make very accurate shots.  

Some cheaper bocce balls will contain miscellaneous filler materials including various plastics and metals. Unfortunately, the filler material made not be well balanced, which can affect how the ball rolls. 

Using filler material also means that the weight of each bocce ball may be different.  Some cheaper bocce balls will also use rubber. This can break down over time and change how the ball performs. 

The cheapest bocce balls are plastic shells filled with water.  Avoid these unless you only want something cheap and nasty!

What accessories come with the bocce ball set

At a minimum, a bocce ball set should include 8 colored bocce balls and a white pallino. Most will also come with a carrying case. 

The case can be made from different materials including canvas, leather, and timber. Timber cases provide additional protection, but they are heavier and more difficult to transport.  

Some cases will include padded or timber inserts to stop the balls hitting each other while being carried – but that is not always the case. Take a closer look at the carrying case to assess its quality. 

Bocce ball sets may also come with a measuring tape. This can be very handy if the game is close and there are two bocce balls very close together. Learn more about bocce ball accessories.

5 Best Bocce Ball Sets

Here are 5 bocce ball sets that are well-made, affordable, and guaranteed to provide you with many years of fun.

GoSports 100mm Regulation Bocce Set GoSports 90mm Backyard Bocce Set Perfetta Club Pro Bocce Ball Set Playaboule Patented V3 DLX Lighted Bocce Ball SetBaden Champions 107mm Bocce Ball Set
Rating: 4.5/5Rating: 4.6/5Rating: 4.8/5Rating: 4.7/5Rating: 4.0/5
Regulation Size: NoRegulation Size: NoRegulation Size: YesRegulation Size: NoRegulation Size: Yes
Contents: 4 100mm Bocce Balls plus 45mm White Pallino and measuring tapeContents: 4 90mm Bocce Balls plus 40mm White PallinoContents: 4 107mm Bocce Balls plus 50mm White PallinoContents: 4 107mm Bocce Balls plus 50mm White PallinoContents: 4 107mm Bocce Balls plus 50mm White Pallino and measuring tape
Ball Colors: Red and GreenBall Colors: Red, Blue, Yellow and GreenBall Colors: Red and GreenBall Colors: Red, Blue, Yellow and GreenBall Colors: Red and Green
Ball weight: 2lbs 4ozBall weight: 1lbs 11ozBall weight: 2lbs 4ozBall weight: 1lbs 4ozBall weight: 2lbs
Cost: $$Cost: $Cost: $$$Cost: $$Cost: $$$
  • GoSports 100mm Regulation Bocce Set
  • Rating: 4.5/5
  • Regulation Size: No
  • Contents: 4 100mm Bocce Balls plus 45mm White Pallino and measuring tape
  • Ball Colors: Red and Green
  • Ball weight: 2lbs 4oz
  • Cost: $$
  • GoSports 90mm Backyard Bocce Set 
  • Rating: 4.6/5
  • Regulation Size: No
  • Contents: 4 90mm Bocce Balls plus 40mm White Pallino
  • Ball Colors: Red, Blue, Yellow and Green
  • Ball weight: 1lbs 11oz
  • Cost: $
  • Perfetta Club Pro Bocce Ball Set 
  • Rating: 4.8/5
  • Regulation Size: Yes
  • Contents: 4 107mm Bocce Balls plus 50mm White Pallino
  • Ball Colors: Red and Green
  • Ball weight: 2lbs 4oz
  • Cost: $$$
  • Playaboule Patented V3 DLX Lighted Bocce Ball Set
  • Rating: 4.7/5
  • Regulation Size: No
  • Contents: 4 107mm Bocce Balls plus 50mm White Pallino
  • Ball Colors: Red, Blue, Yellow and Green
  • Ball weight: 1lbs 4oz
  • Cost: $$
  • Baden Champions 107mm Bocce Ball Set
  • Rating: 4.0/5
  • Regulation Size: Yes
  • Contents: 4 107mm Bocce Balls plus 50mm White Pallino and measuring tape
  • Ball Colors: Red and Green
  • Ball weight: 2lbs
  • Cost: $$$

GoSports Bocce Ball Set ( 100mm )

This premium bocce ball set from GoSports contains eight 100mm (3.94”) bocce balls and a 45mm white pallino ball. This size is slightly smaller than official regulation size, but it is much easier for children to play with.

The balls are designed in the traditional bocce colors of red and green. The high-quality poly-resin finish is glossy and very attractive to look at. It is also extremely durable and unlikely to crack or chip. The square and circular markings on the balls make it easy to tell which player owns a specific ball.

The bocce balls weight 2 pounds 5 ounces each, which gives them a very solid feel. However, being on the heavier side means very young children may struggle to throw them well.

This bocce ball set comes with an attractive canvas carry bag that contains internal dividers. This carry bag is very useful if you like to play bocce while traveling or visiting with friends. This is an excellent bocce ball set for enthusiasts and casual players alike.

Pros:

  • Well made and high durable
  • Beautiful red and green colours
  • Carry bag is stylish

Cons:

  • Balls are on the heavier side, so young children may struggle to throw them

GoSports 90mm Backyard Bocce Set 

This is another great bocce ball set from GoSports. This set is designed for family use, with smaller, 90mm (3.54”) balls that weigh 1lb 11oz each. 

These balls are much easier for children to handle, which helps them enjoy the game and do well.  There is also less risk of injury with these lighter balls should a child drop one on their foot by accident.

The eight balls in this set are painted in four colors – blue, green, red, and yellow.  This makes it much simpler for the children to track which player owns which ball. 

Despite being smaller and lighter, they also feel great in the hands of an adult and roll well. This bocce ball set also includes a canvas bocce bag and measuring tape.

Pros:

  • Highly durable bocce balls
  • Smaller size which makes them easier for children to use
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Not regulation size balls

Perfetta Club Pro Bocce Ball Set (107mm)

This is a very high-quality bocce ball set designed to meet official bocce ball regulations. Made in Italy, this set contains contains eight red and green bocce balls measuring 107mm in size, plus a 50mm white pallino. They come in a stylish bocce ball bag with handles for easy transport.

This set is made by Perfetta, who have been the official supplier to the world bocce ball championships for the past 20 years. The quality of the balls is obvious upon first handling them. 

The balance of each ball is perfect and they roll straight every time. You can really notice the difference between these Italian balls and cheaper Chinese products.  This bocce ball set is covered by a 10 year warranty.

Pros:

  • Incredibly well made
  • Manufactured in Italy – the home of bocce
  • Roll straight and true
  • Extended 10 year warranty

Cons:

  • Expensive

Playaboule Lighted Bocce Ball Set

Anyone who has played bocce ball knows how addictive it can be. Players often spend hours competing against one another and many matches only conclude when it becomes too dark outside to play anymore.

This lighted bocce ball set will let you continue playing even after the sun has set!  Each ball contains a built in switch that turns on an internal light. This light can either be set to be continuously on or to flash every now and then.

The balls in this set are regulation size at 107mm (4.2”). They are also designed to be waterproof, sand proof, and grit proof, which will keep the electronic components functioning for years to come. This set also includes a bight blue carry case, and 50mm pallino.

Pros:

  • You can play at night!
  • Children love using these glowing bocce balls
  • Affordable
  • Regulation size

Cons:

  • A lot lighter than normal bocce balls

Baden Champions 107mm Bocce Ball Set

This premium bocce ball set is made according to the official bocce ball standards.  Each ball is 107mm in size and weighs 2 pounds. The balls are extremely durable thanks to a thick poly-resin shell. 

This material is very resistant to cracking and chipping. This set comes with a measuring tape and 90-day warranty. The carry case is one of the best we reviewed, because it includes thick foam dividers to prevent the balls from hitting one another while in transit.

Pros:

  • Extremely high quality and durable product
  • Regulation size

Cons:

  • Dark color can become difficult to see in low light situations

Thanks for reading our Bocce Ball game guide! If you have any questions about bocce ball sets, please leave a comment below. Check out some of our best trivia board games and icebreaker games

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