How to Play Bocce

Q: Do players alternate turns?

No. The team whose closest ball is <strong>farther from the pallino</strong> always throws next. This continues until they become the closest team or run out of balls.

Last Updated on July 8, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Bocce ball is one of the world’s oldest lawn games, yet it remains one of the easiest sports to learn and one of the hardest to master. Whether you’re playing casually in the backyard, at the beach, or in a competitive league, every match combines precision, strategy, and just enough luck to keep things exciting.

At first glance, bocce seems simple, throw your ball closest to a smaller target ball called the pallino. However, experienced players know there is much more involved than simply rolling a ball down the court. Choosing when to aim for the pallino, when to knock an opponent’s ball away, and when to move the pallino itself can completely change the outcome of a frame.

This guide explains everything you need to know, from setting up a game and understanding the rules to advanced strategy that experienced players use to win consistently. Even if you’ve never played before, you’ll understand the game after reading this guide.

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What You’ll Need

Before the game begins, gather the standard equipment.

A complete bocce set includes:

8 large bocce balls
1 smaller target ball (the pallino)
Measuring tape or measuring device
A bocce court or any reasonably flat playing area

The eight bocce balls are divided into two colors, with each team using four balls.

Starting the Match

Every bocce game begins with a coin toss between the captains of each team. The winner of the toss gets to choose which color bocce balls their team will use and earns the right to throw the pallino, also known as the target ball, to start the first frame. While this may seem like a small advantage, experienced players know that controlling the first throw allows them to choose where the opening battle will take place.

After the pallino has been legally thrown into play, that same player rolls the first bocce ball. From that point forward, teams do not simply alternate turns. Instead, the team whose ball is farther from the pallino continues throwing until they either become the closest team or run out of balls. This unique turn order is one of the biggest differences between bocce and other lawn games, and it creates countless strategic decisions throughout each frame.

Once the first frame has been completed and the points have been awarded, the team that scored throws the pallino to begin the next frame. This reward gives the scoring team some control over the pace and location of the game, although it doesn’t guarantee they’ll score again.

Example:

Team Blue wins the coin toss and chooses the blue balls. Their captain throws the pallino about halfway down the court before rolling the first bocce ball, which stops roughly two feet away. Team Red now takes its turn. Their first ball finishes three feet from the pallino, meaning Blue still has the closest ball. Because Red is farther away, they throw again. Their second shot rolls within six inches of the pallino, making Red the closest team. Now it’s Blue’s turn to throw. This pattern continues until all eight balls have been played.

Throwing the Pallino

Every frame begins by throwing the pallino. The throw must be made underhand from behind the designated throwing line, although players may bounce it off the sideboards if league rules allow. To be considered a legal throw, the pallino must cross the center line of the court, remain within the boundaries, and come to rest without touching the backboard.

If the first team fails to make a legal throw, the opposing team gets one opportunity to place the pallino correctly. If both teams fail, many recreational leagues simply place the pallino near the center of the court so play can begin without unnecessary delays.

Although the pallino starts in a legal position, it does not stay there. Once the game begins, players may legally strike it with their bocce balls, sending it to another location on the court. This often changes the scoring situation dramatically and is one of the most exciting parts of competitive bocce.

Example:

A player throws the pallino, but it lands only a few feet beyond the throwing line and never crosses the center line. Since the throw is illegal, the opposing team now has the opportunity to throw the pallino instead.

In another frame, the pallino is legally placed near the middle of the court. Later, one player intentionally throws a hard shot that strikes the pallino, moving it several feet closer to two of their own balls. Instead of their opponent scoring three points, the position changes and their own team now scores two points. A single well-placed shot completely changes the outcome of the frame.

Pointing vs. Hitting

Most bocce shots fall into one of two categories: pointing or hitting. Understanding when to use each approach is one of the keys to becoming a stronger player.

A pointing shot is a gentle, controlled roll designed to stop as close to the pallino as possible. These shots rely on accuracy rather than power and are often used early in a frame when there are few balls on the court. Players must carefully judge the speed of the court, since rolling too softly may leave the ball short while too much speed can carry it well past the target.

A hitting shot, sometimes called a spock or raffa depending on local rules, is much more aggressive. Instead of trying to place the ball beside the pallino, the player intentionally throws harder to strike another bocce ball or the pallino itself. A successful hit can knock an opponent’s scoring ball away, move one of your own balls into a better position, or even relocate the pallino to an entirely different part of the court.

Choosing between these two shots depends on the situation. If there’s plenty of open space around the pallino, a soft pointing shot is often the safest option. If your opponent already has several balls tightly clustered around the target, however, trying to roll another ball into the group may be nearly impossible. In that case, a powerful hit can completely reset the frame.

Example:

Blue has a ball sitting only three inches from the pallino. Red attempts a gentle pointing shot but stops eight inches away, leaving Blue in the lead. On Red’s next turn, they choose a hitting shot instead. Their ball strikes Blue’s scoring ball, knocking it several feet away while their own ball comes to rest four inches from the pallino. With one throw, Red turns a losing position into a winning one.

Throwing the Bocce Balls

Once the pallino has been successfully placed, the player who threw it rolls the first bocce ball of the frame. Every throw must be made underhand, although players may use different techniques depending on whether they are trying to place their ball close to the pallino or strike another ball already in play. Good players adjust the speed and angle of every throw based on the court conditions, the location of the pallino, and where the other balls have come to rest.

Unlike many other sports, bocce does not alternate turns after every throw. Instead, the team whose ball is not closest to the pallino continues throwing until they either take the lead or run out of balls. This rule keeps both teams involved throughout the frame and creates exciting momentum swings. A team that appears to be losing can quickly take control with one accurate shot.

Players may throw their two balls in any order unless a local league requires a specific rotation. This allows teammates to adapt their strategy as the frame develops. For example, a player who excels at accurate placement might throw first, while a teammate known for powerful hitting shots saves their throws for later when the court becomes crowded.

Example:

Team Green throws the opening ball and stops about 18 inches from the pallino. Team Yellow responds with a shot that finishes nearly three feet away, so Yellow must throw again because they are still farther from the target. Their second attempt rolls to within eight inches of the pallino, giving them the closest ball. Now Green becomes the team that is farther away and gets the next throw.

Playing Off the Sideboards

One feature that makes bocce different from many lawn games is that the sideboards are considered part of the playing area. Players are allowed to intentionally bank their shots off the sideboards to reach difficult angles or avoid other balls blocking their path. On some courts, experienced players regularly use the walls to curve their shots into scoring position.

While using the sideboards is perfectly legal, the backboard is treated differently. If a thrown bocce ball travels all the way down the court and hits the backboard without first touching another bocce ball or the pallino, it becomes a dead ball and is removed from play. This prevents players from simply throwing as hard as possible without any control.

However, if the thrown ball first contacts another ball or the pallino before reaching the backboard, the throw remains legal. Any balls moved during that collision stay where they come to rest unless another rule has been violated.

Example:

A player attempts a gentle bank shot, rolling the ball into the right-side wall before it curves toward the pallino and stops six inches away. Because the ball only contacted the sideboard, the shot is completely legal.

Later in the same game, another player throws far too hard. Their ball misses every other ball on the court and slams directly into the backboard. Since it never touched another ball first, it is declared a dead ball and removed from play.

Moving the Pallino

Many new players assume the pallino stays in the same location throughout the frame, but that isn’t the case. Once it has been legally thrown into play, the pallino becomes a live object and may be moved by any legal shot. Skilled players often use this rule to their advantage, especially when they cannot easily place another ball closer to the target.

Sometimes moving the pallino is a smarter strategy than aiming directly for it. If your opponent already has several scoring balls surrounding the pallino, trying to squeeze another ball into the group can be extremely difficult. Instead, you may intentionally strike the pallino and move it toward one of your own balls that is sitting farther away. Suddenly, a frame that looked lost can completely change in your favor.

Most leagues allow the pallino to be moved anywhere within the court after it is in play. If it is knocked out of bounds or back across the center line, the frame is usually declared dead and restarted according to local rules.

Example:

Team Red has three balls sitting within one foot of the pallino, while Team Blue’s closest ball is more than three feet away. Rather than trying an impossible placement shot, Blue throws a controlled hitting shot directly at the pallino. The pallino rolls several feet down the court and comes to rest beside one of Blue’s earlier throws. Instead of Red scoring three points, Blue now has the closest ball and may score the frame.

Hitting and Strategic Shots

While careful placement wins many frames, aggressive hitting shots often decide close games. A hitting shot is thrown with extra speed and is intended to strike another bocce ball or the pallino. Before attempting one in organized leagues, players may be required to announce their intention to the referee or the opposing team so everyone understands the type of shot being attempted.

A successful hit can accomplish several objectives at once. It might knock an opponent’s scoring ball away, reposition your own ball into a better location, or move the pallino to a more favorable spot. Because these shots involve more power than a standard roll, they also carry greater risk. Missing the intended target can leave your team in a worse position than before.

Experienced players rarely choose a hitting shot simply because it looks exciting. Instead, they evaluate the risk versus the reward. If there is still plenty of room to roll another ball near the pallino, a placement shot is usually the safer choice. Hitting becomes more valuable when the area around the pallino is crowded or when your opponent has established a nearly unbeatable position.

Example:

Late in a frame, Team Blue has two balls touching the pallino. Team Green has only one ball remaining. There is no open space left to roll another ball closer, so Green announces a hitting shot. Their throw strikes Blue’s nearest ball, sending it toward the sideboard while Green’s ball stops only four inches from the pallino. One aggressive shot has completely changed the scoring situation.

Balls That Leave the Court

Keeping your ball in play is just as important as placing it accurately. Any bocce ball that completely leaves the boundaries of the court is considered out of play and cannot be returned during that frame. This applies whether the ball rolls out on its own or is knocked out by another player’s shot.

Powerful hitting shots often produce dramatic collisions that send several balls across the court. While this can work in your favor, players should remember that their own ball can also end up out of bounds. Learning how much force to use is one of the skills that separates experienced bocce players from beginners.

If a ball simply touches the sideboard or backboard while remaining within the court after legally striking another ball, it stays in play. Only balls that leave the court entirely are removed.

Example:

A player throws a powerful shot that knocks two opponent balls toward the edge of the court. One opponent ball rolls completely out of bounds and is removed from the frame. Unfortunately, the shooter’s own ball follows it out of the court, so both balls are removed. Although the shot eliminated one scoring ball, it also cost the player one of their remaining throws.

Foul Lines and Legal Throws

Most bocce courts include at least two marked lines that players need to be aware of before throwing. The pointing line is used for normal placement shots, while the hitting line may be used for harder shots intended to strike another ball or the pallino. These lines help ensure every player throws from a fair and consistent position.

Players may step on the appropriate foul line as they release the ball, but they cannot step completely over it before the ball leaves their hand. In organized leagues, officials typically give players one warning for a minor foot fault. Repeated violations usually result in the thrown ball being removed from play or the pallino throw being declared invalid.

Although casual backyard games often ignore foot faults, tournament matches take them seriously because even a small step forward can provide a noticeable advantage. Throwing from a few inches closer to the target can make difficult shots significantly easier.

Example:

Sarah approaches the throwing line and releases her ball with her toe resting directly on the painted line. Her throw is legal because she did not step beyond it before releasing the ball.

Later, another player becomes excited during a hitting shot and takes an extra step forward before letting go of the ball. Since their foot crossed the foul line before the release, the official removes the thrown ball from play, giving the opposing team an advantage.

Scoring in Bocce Ball

Scoring in bocce is simple once you understand one important rule: only one team can score during a frame. After all eight bocce balls have been thrown, players determine which team’s ball is closest to the pallino. That team earns one point for every one of its balls that is closer to the pallino than the opponent’s nearest ball.

This means a team can score anywhere from one to four points during a single frame, depending on how many of its balls are positioned better than the opposing team’s closest ball. Once the score has been recorded, all of the balls are collected, and a new frame begins with the team that just scored throwing the pallino.

In many recreational games, the first team to reach 12 points wins the match. Some leagues prefer to play to 15 or even 21 points, while tournaments often use a best-of-three or best-of-five game format. Before the match begins, it’s always a good idea to agree on the winning score so everyone is playing by the same rules.

Example:

After all eight balls have been played, Team Blue has balls sitting 4 inches, 10 inches, 16 inches, and 28 inches from the pallino. Team Red’s closest ball is 14 inches away.

Because Blue’s balls at 4 inches and 10 inches are both closer than Red’s nearest ball at 14 inches, Blue scores 2 points. The Blue ball sitting 16 inches away does not score because it is farther from the pallino than Red’s closest ball.

Measuring Close Balls

There will inevitably be times when two balls appear to be exactly the same distance from the pallino. Rather than guessing, players should measure the distance carefully before awarding any points. In league and tournament play, only the referee or designated team captains are typically allowed to perform official measurements.

Measurements should be made without disturbing the balls whenever possible. Some players gently mark the position of the balls before measuring so they can be replaced accurately if one is accidentally bumped. Using a tape measure, calipers, or another measuring device helps eliminate disagreements and keeps the game fair.

If a ball is accidentally moved during the measuring process, it should be returned to its original position as closely as possible before continuing. Taking a few extra moments to measure correctly is always better than awarding points based on a guess.

Example:

Both teams believe they have the closest ball. From one end of the court, Team Green appears to be winning, while Team Orange insists their ball is closer. After measuring, officials discover that Green’s ball is only one-quarter of an inch closer to the pallino. Green wins the frame and scores one point.

Tied Frames

Occasionally, both teams finish with their closest ball exactly the same distance from the pallino. Although this doesn’t happen often, it is an official possibility, especially on slower courts where several balls stop together.

When the closest balls are tied, neither team scores during that frame. The balls are collected, and play continues with a new frame. Most leagues allow the team that scored during the previous frame to throw the pallino again, although local rules may vary.

Because tied frames do not change the score, they often add tension to close matches. Both teams know they missed an opportunity to gain valuable points, making the following frame even more important.

Example:

After measuring with a caliper, officials determine that Team Red and Team Blue each have a ball exactly 7 inches from the pallino. Since neither ball is closer than the other, no points are awarded. The score remains unchanged, and a new frame begins.

Player Conduct and Sportsmanship

Bocce is a highly competitive game, but it has always placed a strong emphasis on respect and good sportsmanship. Players should remain behind the appropriate lines while others are throwing, avoid distracting opponents during their delivery, and allow every player enough time to prepare for their shot.

Only designated players should enter the court to measure balls or retrieve equipment after a frame has ended. Walking through the playing area while balls are still in motion can affect the outcome of a shot, particularly on clay courts where footprints may alter the surface. Good etiquette helps preserve both the court and the integrity of the game.

Most disagreements can be resolved quickly through calm discussion or by taking an official measurement. In organized leagues, the referee’s decision is final. Whether you’re playing in a backyard with friends or competing in a tournament, treating opponents with respect makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.

Example:

While an opponent prepares to throw, another player begins offering loud advice from behind the court. The official asks the player to remain quiet until the throw has been completed. Although no penalty is issued, repeated distractions could result in warnings or additional consequences depending on the league’s rules.

Beginner Tips for Winning More Games

Many beginners focus only on throwing the ball as close to the pallino as possible. While accuracy is important, successful bocce players understand that strategy often matters just as much. Learning when to play aggressively and when to play safely can dramatically improve your results.

Spend time practicing different throwing speeds rather than always throwing with the same amount of force. Slow, controlled rolls are useful when placing a ball near the pallino, while firmer throws become valuable when attempting to move another ball or relocate the pallino. The more comfortable you become with both styles, the more options you’ll have during a match.

It’s also important to study the court before every throw. Small slopes, loose gravel, or worn areas of the playing surface can change the path of a rolling ball. Experienced players often adjust their aim slightly to account for these conditions rather than throwing directly at the target.

Finally, remember that patience wins games. Sometimes the smartest play isn’t the most exciting one. Instead of attempting a risky hitting shot, a simple placement that forces your opponent into a difficult position may be the better decision.

Common Mistakes New Players Make

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is throwing every ball with maximum power. Bocce rewards precision far more than strength, and many excellent shots require only a gentle roll toward the pallino.

Another common mistake is focusing only on the current throw instead of thinking several shots ahead. Every ball you place becomes an obstacle, a potential bank shot, or a defensive barrier for later in the frame. Planning ahead often creates opportunities that aren’t immediately obvious.

New players also forget that moving the pallino is a perfectly legal strategy. When an opponent has established a nearly impossible scoring position, relocating the pallino may be much easier than trying to squeeze another ball into an already crowded area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you hit another player’s bocce ball?

Yes. Striking another player’s ball is an important part of bocce strategy and is completely legal in most versions of the game. A well-executed hitting shot can remove an opponent’s scoring ball or improve your own position.

Can the pallino be moved after it’s thrown?

Absolutely. Once the pallino has been legally placed into play, it becomes a live target. Players may intentionally or accidentally move it during the frame as part of a legal throw.

What happens if my bocce ball leaves the court?

A ball that completely leaves the playing area is considered dead and is removed for the remainder of that frame.

Do players alternate turns?

No. The team whose closest ball is farther from the pallino always throws next. This continues until they become the closest team or run out of balls.

How many points can you score in one frame?

A team may score between one and four points, depending on how many of its balls are closer to the pallino than the opponent’s nearest ball.

Conclusion

Bocce is a game that’s easy to learn but offers nearly endless opportunities to improve. The basic objective of placing your ball closest to the pallino can be understood within minutes, yet mastering shot selection, court awareness, and strategy can take years of practice. Every frame presents new challenges, forcing players to decide whether to play aggressively, defend their position, or completely change the layout of the court with a well-timed hitting shot.

Whether you’re introducing friends to the game at a family barbecue or competing in a local league, understanding the official rules helps ensure every match is fair, competitive, and enjoyable. The more you play, the more you’ll appreciate the balance of skill, patience, and strategy that has made bocce one of the world’s most beloved lawn games for centuries.

If you enjoy bocce, you may also like similar precision games such as Pétanque, Lawn Bowls, Croquet, Kubb, or Mölkky. Each combines simple rules with surprisingly deep strategy, making them excellent choices for players who enjoy friendly competition outdoors.