Size of the Bocce Ball
The size of your bocce ball is typically measured in millimeters and across its diameter. Sizes of bocce balls vary quite a bit and will help determine which bocce ball set is best for you. According to the Bocce Standards Association, the International Standard bocce ball is 107mm (4.2 inches) and weighs 920 grams (2 pounds.)
- A bocce ball that is smaller than 100mm is typically best for children
or beginners who do not plan to play often. This size is easiest to handle
and toss.
- Tournament bocce balls will range between 100mm and 115mm. Typically they
are not any smaller than the International Standard of 107mm.
- The occasional backyard bocce player will most likely appreciate a size somewhere
between 100mm and 110mm.
- The expert or professional bocce ball player will normally use a size somewhere
between 107mm and 115mm. The size will depend on the strength of the players
and their frequency of play.
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Size of the Pallino (Jack)
The size of the pallino, which is often called a jack, is also measured in
millimeters across its diameter. This characteristic is not as important as
the size of the bocce ball. There is no regulation size of the pallino. International
Standard size is 40mm, and sizes between 50 and 60mm are popular in the United States. (If you plan to use your bocce set in the backyard, longer grass can
often hide a smaller pallino. Aim for a bocce set with a pallino of 50mm or
larger for lawn use.)
Material of the Bocce Ball Set
The standard material of a bocce ball and its pallino is a poly-resin composite,
which would be much like the material of a bowling ball. Resin is the most popular material and will withstand frequent use better than other materials. Molded plastic is best for children or for beginners and can be somewhat "softer,"
although still very durable. In the past, wooden bocce balls were the norm;
lacquered wood bocce sets can be more authentic and are still commonly used.
 | Color of the Bocce Ball Set
A standard bocce ball set will include four dark green and four dark red balls. This is not always necessary, though, so there are multiple
color choices for you! The color is not usually an important characteristic,
unless you need bright colors for nighttime play or standard colors for tournament
play. It's always fun to have a good-looking and unique bocce ball set!
Stripes on the Bocce Ball
Stripes are important when it is necessary to differentiate between individual
players. Normally four of each color is all that is required. When bocce balls
are striped, there are two patterns used. Two bocce balls of each color have the same pattern marked on them, so that of the eight balls, there would be four different
varieties. When bocce sets have four different colors, they typically do not have stripes (because they don't need them). With striped or four-color bocce sets, you could try a four-team game.
Another variation that the striped/ four-color sets offer is for an odd number
of players, with each player throwing two bocce balls. At the end of the match, the
two balls closest to the pallino receive one point each, and if they both belong
to the same player or team, then there is an extra point received. When playing
this version, play to a total score of 12 or 15. |
