Boccia is played using hand-sized leather balls of specific weight and dimensions. Players who require it can use a ball-sending ramp.
The object of the game is for players to get their Boccia balls closer to the white target ball (or jack) than those of their opponent. For each ball closer than the nearest ball of their opponent, players score 1 point.
Boccia consist of a series of ‘ends’. Players take turns at throwing the target ball. When all the balls have been propelled into court, the points are calculated. This is repeated until every player has thrown the jack. The points are added cumulatively across all the ‘ends’. The player or team with the most points wins!
Unlike other bowls-type games, the player or team furthest away from the jack continues to play until they get nearer or all their balls are used.
Players must keep their feet, wheelchairs or ramps inside their box and stay behind the throwing line.
If the white target ball is knocked out of court during play it is replaced on the cross and play continues.
Boccia is a seated indoor game. Standing players use a chair.
Boccia can be played between individuals, pairs (two against two) or in teams (three versus three). However, in recreational play any number of players, using a ball or substitue ball each, can participate on any suitable flat surface.
The official Boccia court measures 12.5 metres by 6 metres wide. But in developmental Boccia, any size space can be used. Player boxes are 2.5 metres by 1 metre wide. The players using red Boccia balls play in boxes 1, 3 and 5 and those using blue balls in boxes 2, 4 and 6.
Players can propel the ball in lots of different ways depending on their abilities. The ball can be rolled, thrown or tossed using an overarm action, a dart-type throw, pushed with the foot or rolled down a ramp.
Choose a Target is a great way to introduce the game of Boccia. The version here shows players in a circle formation aiming towards a target hoop in the centre. This helps players to try different ways of propelling the ball and introduces the concept of turn-taking, an important discipline in Boccia. The team getting most balls in the target hoop wins; players can take turns at refereeing or leading the game.
Moving target helps players to develop power and accuracy by constantly adjusting to a moving target. A high-density ball is ideal as it requires a number of hits to keep it moving. Teamwork and organisation can develop by racing to knock the target ball over the finish line, or by playing a soccer-type game with the ball in the middle between two opposing teams. In this version take care of deflected balls.
Yes! New Age Boccia is played in sports clubs, schools and organised events all over the country. Please contact us on 01303 873 270 or fill out the form on the contact page to see when the next event is taking place near you.