How to Play Bocce Ball - Basic Rules

Bocce Ball or often shortened to just “bocce” is a fun and competitive game that is easy to play and enjoyable for players of any age. With courts on the north side of the Clubhouse, Superstition Mountain members have been enjoying our newest amenity day and night.

Bocce was popularized in the United States by Italian immigrants, who brought the game with them and helped establish its cultural roots in communities across the country.

Ready to get in the game? Check out our crash course on the pastime.

Basic rules

A coin toss is used to determine which team goes first. With two teams, Bocce Ball is played by having one player from the first team throwing a small white ball, otherwise known as the jack or pallino. The jack is a smaller target ball or small ball. The player must properly toss or roll the pallino past the center line for a valid start. If a player fails to do so, the original team or the other team may re-toss the pallino.

The first team then throws the first bocce ball after the pallino is in place, aiming to get as close to the small ball as possible. Bocce can be played with two players, four players, or more per team. With two players, each player throws or rolls all their team's balls. With four players, each team member takes turns, and team throws are organized so that each player rolls or throws their assigned balls in sequence. The opposing team then throws their bocce ball, working to get closer than their opponent, and play continues with alternating throws. Balls can be delivered by throwing, rolling, or having them rolled or bounced down the court, as long as they stay within the boundaries.

Open bocce ball

The team with the ball closest to the jack (pallino) is called “in,” while the other team, with the farther ball, is “out.” The out team continues to throw until they get one of their balls closer to the jack and become “in,” or until they have played all their balls. Each team throws all their bocce balls (all their balls) in turn, using their team's balls strategically to gain advantage. In some games, each player may throw two balls, and play continues until all their bocce balls have been used.

At the end of the frame, only one team scores—specifically, the scoring team receives one point for each of their balls that is closer to the pallino than the nearest opposing ball (opponent's ball). Only one team scores per frame; it is not possible for both teams to score simultaneously. Team scores are tracked across frames and games, and only the scoring team receives points in each frame. After scoring, the next frame begins from the opposite end of the court, and the game resumes with the other team or the team that scored, continuing the match.

A player may hit any other bocce ball on the court, including an opposing ball or opponent's ball, to improve their position or disrupt the other team’s position. This strategic move, often called “knocking,” is a fundamental part of bocce play, allowing players to change the layout of balls on the court to their advantage. By skillfully targeting an opponent’s ball, a player can push it away from the pallino or move their own ball closer to score points.

Balls may hit or bounce off the side walls or walls during play, and there are no restrictions on striking the side walls. However, if a thrown ball hits the back wall (or wall) without first hitting the pallino or another bocce ball, it is considered dead and removed from play. Balls that are knocked out of bounds or hit the back wall in violation of the rules are also out of play. These interactions with the walls, side walls, and back wall are important aspects of bocce strategy and rules.

Bocce play

Typically play continues until one team reaches an agreed-upon score, often eleven, thirteen, or another odd number chosen before the game begins. This scoring target keeps the game competitive and engaging, encouraging players to use both precision and tactics throughout each frame. Bocce is not just a game, but a sport played around the world, with international competitions and a rich history.

Pay close attention to where you stand when tossing the bocce balls. The foul line in bocce is a critical boundary that players must respect when delivering their balls. Players are required to throw their bocce balls underhand and must not step over the foul line before releasing the ball. Stepping beyond this line can result in warnings or penalties, depending on the rules in play.

The bocce courts at Superstition Mountain are surrounded by expansive outdoor seating, fire pits and decorative lighting, and offering spectacular views of golf course. With convenient service by the Clubhouse bar, plan your next day or night around this fun pastime.

Ready to put your bocce skills to the test? Join the Superstition Mountain Bocce League. We have competitions held every Monday and Wednesday evening beginning at 5pm. For more information on the bocce courts and other member services, contact the Club Concierge at 480-983-3200. 

Looking for more fun ways to spend your time at the Club? Check out more of our blogs: Creative Dining at Superstition Mountain and Award-Winning Golf at Superstition Mountain.