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Physical Education

Bocce Ball

Overview

Students roll balls as close as possible to a small target ball, using strategy to block opponents.

Learning Objective
Students develop aiming accuracy and simple strategy in a target ball game.

Resources needed

  • Small stones or balls (4 per pair)
  • One small target stone (the jack)

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Place a small target stone (the jack) about 5 metres away.
  2. 2 Players take turns rolling their stone as close to the jack as possible.
  3. 3 The player whose stone is closest scores 1 point.
  4. 4 If a player has two closer stones than any of the opponent's, they score 2.
  5. 5 After all stones are thrown, count points.
  6. 6 Move the jack to a new position and play again.
  7. 7 First to 7 points wins.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Throw instead of roll.
  • Play in teams of 3.
  • Add a block rule — knock the opponent's stone away.
More information

Teach: roll, aim, closer, further, score, block. The game is largely self-explaining once demonstrated.

Use a larger target and shorter distance for less experienced players.

Are students adjusting their force and direction based on previous throws? Are they thinking about blocking as well as scoring?

Stones of similar size work perfectly. The jack is simply a smaller or different-coloured stone. No purchased equipment needed.

Students focus only on getting close to the jack and ignore blocking the opponent. Introduce the blocking idea explicitly after the first round.

Bocce is played worldwide and is accessible to all ages and abilities. It develops fine motor control, strategy, and patience.

Activity details
Primary Medium 20–25 minutes 5 minutes prep Pairs, Small Group Outdoor
Topics
Target Games Aiming Strategy