The basis of the game Bocce can be traced back to similar games that were played in Egypt around 5000 BC. Records dating back to the 3rd Century BC indicate the popularity of the Bocce-like game with Roman soldiers, then spread through Europe, Asia, and North America. In France, the game Petanque was developed, while England played lawn bowls. In Italy, the original game of Bocce has flourished with great popularity.
Object of the Game
Bocce is played with 8 large bowling balls called Bocce balls and one smaller target ball or pallino. The object of the game is to roll your bocce balls closer to the pallino than your opponent. The placement of pallino is determined at the beginning at the beginning of each frame by one team throwing it between the center line of the court and the far boundary line (line A below). Each team then takes alternate turns to throw their balls toward the pallino in hopes of (1) placing their ball closest, (2) moving the pallino closer to their ball, or) moving the opponent’s ball away from the pallino.
Construction (General Guidelines)
The Bocce Court area is approximately 12’ x 60’/ Although this is the recommended court size, variations are acceptable provided foul lines and in-bound markers are clearly established. If you are planning to build a personal court for recreational use for you, your family and friends then the size should be whatever fits in your backyard.
The court surface may be composed of base screening, clay or artificial turf (grass style surface) providing there are no permanent or temporary obstructions in the court that would interfere with the straight line delivery of the bocce ball from any direction.
The side and end walls of the court may be composed of any material that would not move during play and be at least as high as the bocce balls. The side or end walls may be utilized for bank shots or rebound shots.
All Bocce Courts should be clearly marked with the following:
1’ from side boards-in-bounds for first throw of pallino
3’ from back boards-in-bounds for first throw of pallino
4’from back boards-foul line for pointing.
(Distance may vary provided foul lines are clearly marked)
9’ from back boards-foul line for spocking or hitting.
(Distance may vary provided foul lines are clearly marked)
Half court marker-minimum distance pallino may be
thrown on first throw of the pallino.
Courts may have additional minimum distance markers for the pallino
which would over-rule half court markers.
During the course of play; however, the pallino may never come to rest
closer than the half point marker or frame is considered dead.
All Styles Court Information
Construction of a level surface 91’ long and 13’ wide with side and back walls accommodates all styles of play including the “Open Rules” and both recognized International disciplines. If you are planning to build a personal for recreation use for you, your family and friends then whatever fits in your backyard. We recommend the larger size because it’s the most user friendly.
Side walls and back walls are desirable. They should be constructed of wood, preferably sunken treated wood or bolted to concrete walls to provide resilience. Walls may however can be constructed above ground.
Artificial (Synthetic) Turf Style, Base Screen Style, Clay Base Style
Synthetic Turf
Synthetic Turf
Synthetic Turf
Synthetic Turf
Synthetic Turf
Basic Screening Material
General Maintenance
Maintenance of artificial (synthetic) bocce court is very minimal. Like any turf, it must be kept clean of foreign material. The surface should be lightly blower-cleaned or lightly brushed using a broom as necessary to remove debris. Insect repellants (granular & spray) must be used as necessary (usually semi-annual) to keep ants/insects off the turf material. Weed/grass control using industrial strength weed killer products must be used perriodically (semi-annual) to keep weeds /grass from growing into the turf material.
Clay or Basic Screening courts need to be rolled, clean and raked regularly.With annually attention to materials replacement & repairs. Please contact us for all your bocce needs.
Official Bocce Equipment & Supplies
Contact our office for current prices
(Authorized Dealer)
Aussie Sweep This unique combination tool from Australia helps pick up and remove leaves, pine needles, stones, and other debris found on your courts while grooming. Clay and Base Screening style bocce courts.
Beverage Holder Drink holders so you don’t have to carry around when playing. Usually close to playing area but not on the court. All surface usage.
Bocce Balls We offer the following sizes for the leading bocce manufacturer in the USA. Model NREPC 4500 -114mm (4.5”), Model NREPC 4250 -110mm (4.3”), Model NREPC 4200 107mm (4.2”) MOST POPULAR, NREPC 4000 - 102mm (4.0”), Model NREPC 3500 90mm (3.5mm) –This set is not striped.
Set includes: 4 Dark Red Bocce Balls, 4 Dark Green Bocce Balls, 1 Yellow Pallino Ball (57mm), One Set of Rules. Theses balls are made of hard plastic composite materials (like material bowling balls are made). Extra balls are available are also available on request.
Bocce Ball Carry Bag Model NREPC 999. Dimensions 9” x 9” x 9”, Extra heavy duty Nylon Cordura material, Reinforced wrap-around carry handle, Color matches the set above Green & Brick Red handles, Holds 4 to 9 bocce balls & 1 Pallino. Sold separately. All courts usage.
Court Sweep Broom We recommend a GCSB2 with two rows or the GCSB3 with three rows. Width is 28 inches and has a powder coated 66 inch handle for easy none start service. All courts usage.
Court Blower We recommend a heavy duty Black & Decker Blower purchased from either Home Depot or Lowe’s. All courts usage.
Drag Brush/Lute The drag/lute combination NRDBL has three individual rows of 6” bristles. Two softer, outer bristles move the finest particles clay or screenings, and a third firm, inner bristle levels low spots and divots. Turn the brush over and you have a 7’ lute, perfect for cutting out high spots or leveling small patches. We have a smaller Pro Lute Rake listed below.
Hand Roller Small hand roller ROLHAN18, is perfect for the club that needs touch-up work around court edges, patching low areas and smaller court areas. The drum size is 18” x 24” and can be filled with water for a total weight of 320 lbs. This unit is all steel and comes with a scraper bar for removing any build-up on the drum.
Lute Rake This Lute/Rake is available in two different sizes NRLR36 (36 inch wide) and the NRLR30 (30 inch wide). Magnesium/Aluminum combo head with strong wrap around bracing. Handle is 82 inches (Powder Coated) and connected to the head with solid metal plug. Clay & Base screening style courts only.
Material Spreader Tru-flow material spreader. Sand, clay or screening material are all offered in this 24 inch unit. All court surfaces could possible use one of these units.
Scorekeepers We sell the Score Tower Game Scoreboard & Drinkholder. Features include the following: Hi-Visibility front and back graphics are readable for both ends of the court, provides scores to everyone, holds drinks, 5 color coded Score Clamps to match your teams gear, rugged stakes, durable and easy to assemble. Also available Portable Scorekeeper with flip numbers up to 99.
Measuring Tape Standard retractable and locking measuring tape. Some special types come with attached calipers. Recommended size 12ft to 25ft long. Metal tape in plastic or metal housing.
