But the best part about this game is that you don’t need to spend anything near a fortune to play. You can find some of the best Bocce Ball Sets without having to burn a hole through your wallet. All you have to be is a little smart.

Stay with us as we disclose some of the things to lookout for when shopping for a proper quality bocce ball set. We will also introduce you to some of finest Best Bocce Ball Sets through detailed, comprehensive reviews that’s sure to give you an insight on what to look for when shopping for bocce balls. Sounds good? Let’s start!

Buying Guide: Things to Consider

Type of Player

The first step into buying the proper bocce ball set involves realizing the type of player you are. You are never going to play enjoy, or even enjoy playing, if you pick a bocce ball set that is out of your expertise.

If you are a beginner or a learner, then we highly recommend that you start with bocce balls with a smaller diameters than regulation size (107mm). You can always work your way up as you improve and learn. Smaller, and more lightweight, bocce balls also tend to be great for kids and is more affordable too.

On the other hand, if you are someone who knows their game, then we recommend that you don’t skimp and spend a few extra bucks to buy the good stuff. Go for bocce balls that are of regulation size and a bit weightier. These bocce ball sets do tend to be a tad bit more expensive, but they are also more durable.

Material

Speaking of durability, we are going to be honest and put it right on the table: bocce balls tend to crack and break and chip like there’s no tomorrow. This goes even for some of the high-end and more expensive ones. What you want to look for is a supper compressed and dense ball. Usually, they are made out of poly resin composite materials, but you can find stuff much more reliable than this. Mind you, a bocce ball set cannot be used on every type of surfaces. Some work well on grass, some play well on sand.

Accessories

Although this isn’t a necessity, but is it super handy to have some accessories thrown in the bocce ball set. This could include a distance measuring tape, a cleaning microfiber fabric, etc, etc. Small tools and accessories like this really make the process of playing with and maintaining the set so much easier. It’s also less fuss than having to buy each accessory separately.

Carrying Case

And finally, you have the case of the carrying case! We cannot begin to emphasize the importance of a good carrying case for your bocce ball set. This feature is a must have! Having a carrying case or carrier bags makes sure you can store it safely and carry it with you anywhere you go. Apart from this, it also serves the purpose of safeguarding your bocce balls and protect from damages.

Reviews: 10 Best Bocce Ball Sets

1. Hey! Play! 80-76090 Bocce Ball Set

The first name to make it to our list of the Best Bocce Ball Set is the 80-76090 Bocce Ball Set from Hey! Play! This is the perfect example what a classic and typical bocce balls set looks like!

The 80-76090 Bocce Ball Set is a set of 8 bocce balls (duh…) and 1 pallino or jack. Each of the bocce balls has a diameter of 3.5 inches and features 2 different scoring patterns. As for the jack ball, it comes in the typical and traditional white colour with a diameter of 1.5 inches. Speaking of colors, the bocce balls come in red and green which is the iconic and tradition color combination from the very start.

Overall, you get 4 red bocce balls, and 4 green bocce balls and a white jack. Bocce balls, lower quality ones at least, have a tendency to crack and chip. The 80-76090 Bocce Ball Set includes balls that are made from high quality and durable poly-resin compound material that is not susceptible to cracking, break or chipping any time soon. Exactly what you want in a good bocce ball set. Due to this, the Hey! Play! 80-76090 Bocce Ball Set is perfect for playing on the common surfaces, like grass, sand, dirt, etc. But is just as great on the beach!

And to make sure that you can carry this set of entertainment wherever you go, the Hey! Play! 80-76090 Bocce Ball Set comes inside a beautiful and durable carrier bag. The bag measures 7 x 7 x 7 inches in dimensions and comes with a convenient handle.

Pros:

• Classic set
• Great for beginners and kids
• Good on the beach
• Includes a carrier bag

Cons:

• Cracks and chips anyway
• Not regulation size

2. Hey! Play! Budweiser Bocce Ball Set

Next up, we have yet another bocce ball set from Hey! Play!, which is their very popular Budweiser Bocce Ball Set.

The Budweiser Bocce Ball Set is a set of 8 bocce balls with 1 jack. This set is pretty much identical to the previous set, the 80-76090. Each and every ball in the Budweiser set has a diameter of 3.93 inches and features 2 different scoring patterns. For the jack ball, you have the typical and traditional white colour with a diameter of 1.5 inches.

The bocce balls in the Budweiser set come in red and yellow which is a refreshing variation from the common red and green balls. To tally up, you get 4 red balls, and 4 green balls and a white jack. What’s next is the aspect of durability. The Hey! Play! Budweiser Bocce Ball Set have balls that are made from high quality and durable poly-resin compound material that is resists breaking and cracking and chipping. Something very typical and common in many bocce balls now. This makes the Hey! Play! Budweiser Bocce Ball Set perfect for playing on the surfaces, like grass, sand, dirt, and as well as at the beach!

However, one thing we really appreciate about this Set is that it comes with a very convenient and high quality carrier bag. The bag measures 8 x 8 x 8 inches in dimensions and have a handle, makes it perfect for travel!

Pros:

• Great for beginners and kids
• Good on the beach
• Includes a carrier bag

Cons:

• Not the regulation size
• Finish comes off easily
• May chip

3. Playaboule Patented V3 DLX Lighted Bocce Ball Set

If you are looking for a set of bocce ball that’s a little more eccentric and out of the box, then the V3 DLX Lighted Bocce Ball Set from Playaboule is your right choice.

The Playaboule V3 DLX Lighted Bocce Ball Set is a patented set from the company. This set includes 8 bocce balls and 1 white jack. Now, here’s the fun part: the 8 balls in the set are of 4 different colors! You get a color for 2 balls in the colors: red, yellow, blue and green. Each of the balls is also textured for easy grip.

The V3 DLX Lighted Bocce Ball Set is made from the very high quality materials that last. You can play it on various different types of surfaces and is waterproof too! As for the size, this set comes in the standard and regulation bocce ball size which is 4.2 inches in diameter and 2 inches for the jack. Great for both beginners and experts! What’s more fun is that each of the bocce balls comes with built-in LED lights which makes sure that you can play your game even after hours.

Last but not least, the Playaboule Patented V3 DLX Lighted Bocce Ball Set comes with a handy and convenient bocce ball carrier bag with a handle. You furthermore get 2 measuring equipment and a set of batteries for the LED light. Definitely a standout from the crowd!

Pros:

• 4 different colors
• Sand and waterproof
• Textured; good grip
• Internal LED lights
• Standard regulation size
• Includes measuring tools and batteries
• Comes with a carrier bag

Cons:

• Short lifespan
• Not so good customer service

4. Park & Sun Sports Bocce Ball Set

The 4^th set on our list of the Top Bocce Ball Sets is the very vibrant, and very popular Sports Bocce Ball from Park and Sun.

The Park & Sun Sports Bocce Ball Set consists 8 very vivid and brightly colored bocce balls. You have a different color for every 2 balls in red, blue, yellow and green. You also, of course, have a white jack ball. Each of the balls have a diameter of 109mm and the jack of 50mm. The ball are made from high quality and durable poly-resin with grooved lines. You shouldn’t have to worry about chipping or cracking any time soon, hopefully!

What’s really nice about the Park & Sun Sports Bocce Ball Set is that it comes with an official jack distance marker  to make calculating and measuring distances easier and more accurate.

Then you have the super deluxe carrier bag. This bag isn’t just convenient, but is smart as well. The Park & Sun Sports Bocce Ball Set bag comes with internal padding and dividers to secure each and every ball.

Pros:

• Great for beginners and experts
• Bright, vivid bocce balls
• Includes a carrier bag
• Comes with a distance marker

Cons:

• Not beach friendly
• Tends to crack easily

5. Franklin Sports Advanced Bocce Set

Next up on our list, we have for you the Advanced Bocce Set from Franklin Sports.

The Franklin Sports Advanced Bocce Set includes 8 multi-color bocce balls and 1 white jack. The bocce balls come in 4 different colors in a pair of 2. You have the classic red and green, and you also have yellow and blue. Each bocce ball measures 100mm in diameter and you also have a 50mm diameter jack. They are made out of high quality resin that is weatherproof. Great for use at the beach or on the lawn. Great for beginners or expert players!

You also get a nice and flashy briefcase style carrier bag for the balls. It is nice and durable and comes with a convenient handle.

Pros:

• Classic set
• Great for beginners and kids
• Good on the beach
• Includes a carrier bag

Cons:

• Cracks easily

6. AmazonBasics Bocce Ball Set 

Next on our list of the Best Bocce Ball Set, we have for you the quality assurance of a pro: the Bocce Ball Set from none other than AmazonBasics.

The AmazonBasics Bocce Ball Set is a great way to shop the classic bocce balls set. This set includes 8 bocce balls in their traditional color combo which is red and green, and a white jack ball. Each of the balls is made from hugh quality poly-resin composite to make sure they are durable enough to prevent breaks and cracks. Great for on grass, at the beach, etc.

The bocce balls are nice with good weight, and measure around 100mm in diameter. Great for expert level players! What’s also nice is that you get a measuring device with the AmazonBasics Bocce Ball Set so that you can also take the most accurate scores!

To add to this, the AmazonBasics Bocce Ball Set also comes with a nice and sturdy carrier bag, with a handle, which makes traveling with the set heaps easier!

Pros:

• Classic set
• Great for beginners and kids
• Good on the beach
• Comes with a measuring device
• Includes a carrier bag

Cons:

• Breaks easily

7. GoSports Backyard Bocce Set

If you are looking for something that’s complete on its own, no fuss and great for the learners, then the GoSports Backyard Bocce Set is one of the Best Bocce Sets to get!

The GoSports Backyard Bocce Set consists of 8 multi-color bocce balls  and a jack. You have a pair of red balls, a pair of green, a pair of blue and a pair of green bocce balls. And of course, you have the white jack. What’s makes this set so great is that the bocce balls measure 90mm in diameter which is clearly on the smaller side. They are also relatively lightweight. This makes it a wonderful set for kids and learners! But don’t be fooled by the size. These balls are made from hard resin composite materials which should be very strong and durable. You also a measuring rope for distance taking!

And then, of course, you get a handy dandy carrier bag with the GoSports Backyard Bocce Set.

Pros:

• Small and lightweight; great for learners
• Good on the beach
• Includes a carrier bag
• Comes with a distance measuring tool

Cons:

• Poor color finish on the balls; tends to wear off

8. SeaTurtle Sports Luxury Beach Bocce Ball

Next on our list of the Best Bocce Sets, we have for one of the most popular sets out there: the SeaTurtle Sports Luxury Beach Bocce Ball from SeaTurtle Sports.

The SeaTurtle Sports Luxury Beach Bocce Ball set is undeniably a more unique set. It’s colors are more pastel and it just looks better, overall. This set contains 8 balls in 4 different colors: yellow, green, red and blue. They are definitely bright and vivid! Each of the balls is made from tough synthetic polymers and are injection-molded for long-lasting durability. They are crack proof and rustproof! Each of the bocce balls have a diameter of 74mm, and are fairly lightweight too. Great for the kids or adults. These balls are perfect at the beach or on grass!

And then, apart from the super convenient carrier bag, the SeaTurtle Sports Luxury Beach Bocce Ball Set also comes with a handy measuring tape. Neat!

Pros:

• Small and lightweight; great for learners
• Good on the beach
• Includes a carrier bag
• Comes with a distance measuring tool

Cons:

• Tends to split
• Gathers sand inside logo crevices; hard to clean

9. Baden Champions Bocce Ball Set

Alright, enough of the learners set. It’s about time we go down to business to some heavy-duty stuff. And the Baden Champions Bocce Ball Set is that just if you are looking for something a little more professional.

The Baden Champions Bocce Ball Set is no joke. This set is designed and made to be used to train and train the best. This set contains 8 bocce balls in the classic, no nonsense red and green colors. You also obviously have a white jack. The balls have multiple scoring patterns and are made form high quality Poly-Resin which resist breaking and cracks. Great on yards and non-sandy surfaces. The Baden Champions Bocce Ball Set is made to the regulation size, which is 107mm for the bocce balls and 60mm jack. They also have the proper weight of nearly 2 pounds. Perfect for experts and pros.

In the portable and handy carrier bag, you will also get a measuring tape. But that’s not all you come home with. The Baden Champions Bocce Ball Set also comes with a 90-day satisfaction guaranty! That’s a great deal, if you ask us.

Pros:

• Classic set
• Regulation size and weight
• Great for experts and pros
• Comes with a measuring tape
• Includes a carrier bag
• Has a 90-day satisfaction warranty

Cons:

• Tends to crack

10. Viva Sol Premium Bocce Ball Set 

And the final name to make it to our list is the Premium Bocce Ball Set from Viva Sol!

The Viva Sol Premium Bocce Ball Set resembles a quite a lot in terms of appearance and design with the SeaTurtle Sports Luxury Beach Bocce Ball. It has the same, bright and vivid pastel color finish to them. The Viva Sol set contain 8 balls in 4 different colors: red, yellow, green and blue. And you also obviously have the 60mm white jack. These balls are made from hard, durable resin which resists cracks. They are made to have a diameter of 107mm which is the professional grade and specification for bocce balls. Can be played on almost any surface too!

However, the most unique feature to the Viva Sol Premium Bocce Ball Set is it’s carrying bag, or case, as we should call it. The carrying case is made entirely out of wood and has a rope handle. It also features a built-in bottle opener! Takes to back to the 50s, aye? The case also has opening on the faces so that balls can stick out and showcase their brilliant colors!

Pros:

• Bright vivid colors
• Regulation size and weight
• Great for experts and learners
• Includes a wooden carrying case

Cons:

• Tends to chip

Final Words

If you are looking for a great way to spend some quality time with your friends and family, then a game of bocce ball it is! And we have put together everything you need to know in order to get started. Our buying guide is super simple and straightforward. Use it as a checklist while shopping and we can promise you that you won’t be disappointed. If you want to take the easier way out, then no problem. Head right to our detailed reviews of some of the Best Bocce Ball Sets in the market. We have a wide range of sets starting from classic to modern, affordable to fancy, and so on. Anything you are looking for, we have it right here!

Thank you so much taking the time to read along with us. We hope you found our guide super helpful and informative. Don’t forget to share this with a friend or family. Good luck!

The post 10 Best Bocce Ball Sets – Reviews With Buying Guide appeared first on Real Hard Games.

You are going to thank us for this one. We promise. Let’s start!

The History of Bocce Ball

Before we dive into the details, we think, it is only fair that we learn a little bit about the origins of this game. Bocce, pronounced bo-chee, is also called bocci or bocchie. This game, as fun as it is, dates back to some time. It is one of the oldest games, in fact! Bocce is said to have been invented and emerged in Ancient Egypt, but is said to have became and made popular by the Romans and Emperor Augustus. And If the Romans loved it, you know it’s got to be good, right?

Fast forward to the modern times, Bocce is now the game of the Italians! This fun, interactive sport is a staple, till now, in the streets of Italy. Everyone from the kids, to the teenagers, and to old men and women can be seen enjoying Bocce over some wine and cigars in the afternoon. It is only at the turn of the 20^th century, that the game gained immense popularity among people thanks to the massive influx of Italian immigrants into the US. Yet another great Italian imports alongside calzones and pizza. Thanks, Italy!

Fun fact: The word Bocce originates from the Italian word “boccia” which means ball!

Learning How to Play Bocce Ball

Enough of that. Now, let’s get to the most important part. And that is learning the ways around a game of bocce. We’d like to start off by saying right of the bat that bocce is very simple and easy to understand and play. It is a game for all age groups, and even toddler can play it! So, how do we do it?

Balls

Alright. In the game of bocce, you will have 8 balls of 2 different colors, usually green and red. 4 balls belong to one player, and the remaining 4 to the other. There is one smaller white ball, called the pallino (or jack), which plays a very significant role.

Court

The next thing you’ll need is a court is play on. The court is a plain, open strip of land, usually outdoors, in which you play bocce in. and the measurements, although not mandatory, are 13 by 19 feet (standard). You can obviously play in a court that isn’t the standard size, of course. Many people, in fact, make makeshift and rough courts out of wooden planks, chalk outlines, etc. More on courts laters so stay tuned.

Teaming up!

Now, mind you, this game can be played in teams or groups, or as individuals competing against each other. If you play as a team, you can gather as many as 4 players, in total. This is so that the number of players does not outnumber the balls. 5 players in team with 4 bocche balls don’t add up, right? You must make sure that everyone gets a chance to throw the ball. On the other hand, if you play individually, you get to throw all the 4 balls!

Rules of Bocce Ball

Concept of The Game

1. The rules that make up the game of bocce are as simple as it gets. You begin by deciding the first team, or person, to throw the jack ball into the court. You can decide for yourself, or let a coin toss decide it for you. Fair and square.
2. Next, after the jack in thrown almost halfway into the court, the game finally begins!
3. The distance at which the jack of the game is thrown into the court will decide everything. The idea is that that each of your bocce ball must be thrown as close to the jack ball as possible. And that’s it! That’s the game!

Having said that, it is easier said than done. And this requires lot of spatial reasoning, patience and control. You should be able to manipulate your throwing force at all times. Throw too lightly, and your bocce ball won’t go as far. Throw with too much force, and it will slide far too much. You must make sure that your bocce ball is closest to the jack than your opponent’s. It shouldn’t be behind or surpass the jack. The team with the most bocce balls closest to the jack wins! Players use many techniques like blocking and banking in order to ensure that their bocche balls are the closest to the jack.

Note: You can take turns by throwing 1 bocce ball from each team. Or, if you want, you can throw all your 4 balls at once, and then let your opponent throw all theirs. And then, finally, give point accordingly. We will discuss the scoring process in a bit.

Some Common Bocce Techniques

Blocking, as the name suggest, involves blocking the jack or creating a barrier around the jack so that the opponent’s bocce ball cannot reach it.

 Banking involves hitting the bocce ball on the sides of the court to create an angle so that your bocce reaches the jack at a diagonal.

How to Make a Bocce Ball Court?

Ideally, the standard and professional bocce ball courts are made outdoors and on plain, level land. The texture or surface of the court is usually grassy, but many people prefer playing on sandy surfaces as well. The standard court size is 13 feet wide and 90 feet long, maximum.

To make one, you may first and foremost want to begin by gathering resources. You will need some wooden planks (metal or plastics will do too), you will need a drill machine, a few screws and a chalk (or any sort of marker).

Try and find a plain, level strip of land. Preferably on your front or backyard. Begin my creating an outline and perimeter of the court as per the standard measurements. Then, drill the ends together. With a chalk or marker, mark a foul line. A foul line is a line beyond which players cannot step as they bowl the bocce ball at the jack. That’s it. Your bocce ball court is ready.

Now, keep in mind that you can always tweak a few things here and there as long as it doesn’t change of affect the game. You could make the court longer or shorter, narrower or wider, and even make it on an uneven piece of land. This would make the game a tad bit more challenging and interesting, don’t you think? You could even play indoors, but it is frowned upon by the moms.

Portable Bocce Ball Court

The toys’ section is teeming with bocce ball court. And we are not ashamed to say that purchasing one is heaps easier than building one. Portable bocce ball courts are portable by all means. They fold down, can be assembled and disassembled in no time, and travel well too.

What Kind of Bocce Ball Should You Get?

The type of bocce ball to get is a wide and vast arena. And we honestly don’t want to scramble your brains this hour of the day. So we are going to keep it very straightforward and simple!

Type of Learner

All the 8 bocce balls of your set should be of the same size and weight. Absolutely identical, no buts. These are usually made out of hard plastic composite materials, and come in various weights and sizes. We recommend smaller and more lightweight ones for kids or beginners. These are easier to hold and offer good speed and distance coverage. Great way to boost some confidence before heading on to the heavier one. Speaking of which, we recommend the heavier bocce balls for experts and pros.

Price

Bocce balls, overall, are pretty affordable if not cheap. You could easily get your hands on sets as cheap as 30 dollars, or less! But don’t forget, cheap price gets you cheap performance most of the time. They break and crack easily, and don’t have a proper balance to them. Great for children to practice with. On the other hand, you have your more expensive bocce balls which could cost as much as $100, or more. These are some serious stuff. Made pros and people who know their game. Most of the times, this type of balls are very high quality and offer as equally high performance. For people, who are looking for something proper quality but not too expensive either, you could look into medium expensive bocce balls which you should get at around $50 to $70.

What Size of Bocce Balls Should You Get?

The size of bocce ball to get depends entirely on your level of expertise and comfort. The standard size calls for balls that are 107mm in diameter. And tournament grade bocce balls call for measurements that are 100mm to 115mm. As for the weight, each ball should be around 920 grams or 2 pounds. As for the jack, or pallino, the tournament size calls for 40mm to 60mm in diameter. And the international standard size calls for a diameter of 40mm. Keep in mind that the size of the jack isn’t all that important, and shouldn’t bother you too much. It is the bocce balls you need to look into more carefully.

For kids, you have special bocce ball sets that are smaller and more lightweight.

Read our details review of the best bocce ball sets available in the market for a clearer picture.

How Do You Keep Score in Bocce Ball?

Remember the concept of the game? All you have to makes sure to win is to throw your bocce ball as close you the jack as possible. That’s it. And calculating the scores and point is pretty darn easy as well.

Score-keeping Method 1

If you are taking turns to throw bocce balls from each team, then use this method. The bocce ball that’s closest to the jack after the first shot from both teams earns 1 point. In this method, you will have to keep tabs and update the score board after each shot from both the teams. Having a clipboard and paper and pencil at hand is a great idea. You can have one of your friends of team mates take care of the score keeping while you play.

Score-keeping Method 2

This method of scorekeeping is for when you play all your bocce balls at once. After both you and your opponent team finish throwing all 8 bocce balls at the jack, the game stops. And now begins the evaluation. Walk carefully towards the bocce balls and inspect the results. Once again, the bocce balls closest to the jack wins. This method is faster and doesn’t need constant updating.

Score-keeping Rules

Say, if 2 of your bocce balls are closest to the jack. But then, the 3^rd closest is your opponent’s. How do we score that? In this case, you will earn yourself and your team points up to the number of bocce balls preceding your opponent’s bocce ball. If the 1^st and 2^nd balls are yours and the 3^rd is your opponent’s, then your get 2 points!

Final Words

And there you have it, folks. Bocce ball and all you need to know about it in a nutshell! Bocce is an amazing, fun and social game. It is, at the same time, very complex and demands a lot of control and patience. It is a fantastic game and we can’t wait for you to try it! Our article today has covered more or less everything you need to know about this amazing game. We covers the foundations and basics of this sport down to the buying guide for your next bocce ball set. Anything you needed to know, we got it here! We hope you found it useful and informative. You are going to love it, and that’s a promise!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read along with us. We can’t wait to hear more from you soon. See you next time. Cheers!

The post How to play Bocce ball – Rules of Bocce appeared first on Real Hard Games.