What is bocce ball?
Bocce ball has been around for over 7,000 years. It’s a simple game that can be played nearly anywhere, from your backyard to a beach. However, if you want to have the most fun playing, you need a quality bocce ball set.
At the very least, a bocce ball set includes eight larger balls, one smaller ball and a case. We like the St. Pierre Sports Professional Bocce Set because it’s manufactured to international bocce ball standards. Here’s more about this enduring game, as well as how to purchase a quality bocce ball set.
What to know before you buy a bocce ball set
What is bocce ball?
Bocce ball is a game that can be played on a level patch of grass, the beach or a regulation bocce ball court. The object of the game is to toss your bocce ball toward a smaller ball, the pallino, which serves as the target. The team that gets the closest to the target is the only team that can score during that round. You get one point for each ball that’s closer than the other team’s best throw. The game ends when one team reaches 12 points while also being two points ahead.
How much room do you need to play bocce ball?
While the exact measurements of a bocce ball court can vary depending on which regulations you’re following, the World Bocce Association specifies a 76-foot court. However, if you’re playing for fun or you don’t have a large backyard, you can make accommodations as needed so everyone can enjoy the game.
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What to look for in a quality bocce ball set
Regulation vs. non-regulation bocce balls
When purchasing a bocce ball set, the first buying decision to make is whether you want to purchase a regulation or non-regulation set.
Regulation bocce ball set: A standard set of bocce balls contains four green balls and four red balls. Each ball in the set must be made with the same material and be the same diameter and weight. While tournament bocce balls can range from 100 millimeters to 115 millimeters in diameter, the Bocce Standards Association has defined a ball diameter of 107 millimeters with a weight of 920 grams as the standard size.
Since the size of the pallino is not as crucial to the game as the size of the bocce balls, the pallino can range from 40 millimeters to 60 millimeters in diameter. Finally, both the bocce balls and the pallino must be made of hard plastic composite materials.
Non-regulation bocce ball set: A non-regulation set of bocce balls can vary in size, weight, color and materials. Although the requirements aren’t as strict for these types of sets, you still want each ball to be identical in size and weight.
Bocce ball materials
Bocce ball sets can be manufactured using a number of different materials.
Plastic: Plastic bocce ball sets are lightweight, budget-friendly options that are best for children.
Metal: As long as you purchase stainless steel balls, which won’t rust, metal is an option for a backyard bocce ball set. The downside is that it can be difficult to determine whose ball is whose from a distance.
Wood: While wood may look classy and nostalgic, it isn’t a durable material for outdoor use and will likely let you down in the long run.
Resin: For the best bocce ball experience, you want a high-end resin ball with a foam core — think bowling ball. This material allows for precision balancing and durability, but it’s also the priciest. Lower-end resin is more affordable, but since it uses fillers, it’s also more prone to chipping and cracking.
Carrying case
Besides the balls, a bocce ball set comes with a carrying case. While this might not seem like an important element, a bocce ball set can weigh a little over 16 pounds, making a quality carrying case essential.
How much you can expect to spend on a bocce ball set
If you’re just looking for a backyard bocce ball set and you aren’t very serious about the game, you may be happy with one under $35. If you want to hone your skills and eventually compete on a tournament level, however, you’ll likely be spending more than $65 for a set.
Bocce ball set FAQ
Is bocce ball hard to play?
A. While it might be difficult to master, playing the game is very easy — as long as you can toss a ball underhand, you can play the game.
How many players do you need to play bocce ball?
A. Two or four players are ideal for competitions. If you’re playing for fun (and to include as many people as possible), you could play with as many as eight (four members on a team, with each getting one ball).
What is a pallino?
A. A pallino is the smaller, usually white ball that comes with a bocce ball set. This ball serves as the target.
What’s the best bocce ball set to buy?
Top bocce ball set
St. Pierre Sports Professional Bocce Set
What you need to know: This set is best for the individual who’s looking for a top-quality, solid resin bocce ball set.
What you’ll love: The eight bocce balls in this set are manufactured to international standards, making them suitable for backyards and competitions. The pallino in this set is yellow instead of the typical white.
What you should consider: While not a major issue, at this price point, some were expecting a tape measure to be included.
Top bocce ball set for the money
What you need to know: If you’re looking for an affordable bocce ball set that you can use for picnics, this offering will satisfy your needs.
What you’ll love: The value in this set is the balance of low price versus higher-quality materials. These balls come in two colors and feature two different patterns, which facilitates four-person play.
What you should consider: The storage case is not as impressive as the bocce balls.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This brightly colored set is best for the casual backyard player who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money.
What you’ll love: These appealing bocce balls come in bright yellow, blue, green and red, making them fun for younger players. This is the only set on our list that includes a measuring rope.
What you should consider: The synthetic material used in the manufacturing is not as durable as the material found in higher-priced sets.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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