You’ve probably played bocce in the park or seen others enjoying it. Although it looks simple at first glance, it’s a sport that requires dexterity, focus, and often teamwork.
All this and more will be on display in Paris, where athletes will compete in boccia, the indoor Paralympic version of the outdoor sport, one of only two Paralympic sports that are not Olympic-like and can only be viewed at the Paralympics.
But first, let’s refresh your memory on everything Boccia so you can keep up with all the action. Here’s everything you need to know about this strategic ball game.
When did Boccia start?
This was many years ago. In fact, Paralympic.orgThis sport is perhaps the “oldest game played by mankind.” Excavations in Egyptian tombs have uncovered murals and carvings of the sport dating back to 5200 BC. In the earliest versions of the sport, which originated in Greece and Egypt, players threw large stones at a stone target. So it’s no surprise that the name that would later be called “Boccia” comes from the Italian word for “bowl.”
Let’s talk about Boccia as we know it: Boccia was originally developed for people with cerebral palsy, but it has gained popularity all over the world and is now played by people with any kind of neurological disorder that affects their motor skills.
Boccia debuted at the 1984 Paralympic Games in New York, where a total of 19 athletes represented five countries on the world stage. Forty years later, 124 athletes will compete in 11 medal sports at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
How do you play Boccia?
Boccia comes in several formats. Two teams play as individuals, pairs or teams of three. The first team has six red balls and the other team has six blue balls. The goal is to score the most points by placing the colored balls as close as possible to the white ball, called the jack. At the same time, you need to keep your opponent’s balls as far away from the jack as possible.
Athletes compete in wheelchairs and there are four classes depending on the level of disability.
- BC1 players play the ball with their hands or feet and have an assistant to help them position their wheelchair.
- BC2 players throw unassisted.
- BC3 players use a mouth-held or helmet-mounted pointer to push the ball down a ramp onto the court, and can also be assisted by an assistant.
- BC4 athletes are not permitted to have assistants during the competition.
How do you score and win in Boccia?
Scoring systems vary depending on the type of game (singles, doubles, team).
