Italian Festa Day / Backyard Bocce Tournament
Backyard Bocce Tournament
Teams roll balls as close as they can to a small target ball in this Italian lawn game, enjoyed in parks and backyards across Italy and Australia.
How to run it
- Explain the game: one small target ball is thrown first, then teams take turns rolling their balls as close to it as possible.
- Set up two or three courts on grass or sand with ropes or chalk lines.
- Play rounds of two against two, measuring close calls with string.
- Rotate teams in a round-robin and keep scores on a whiteboard.
- Invite any family members who play bocce to come and share tips or a demonstration.
You will need
- bocce set or tennis balls in two colours
- small target ball
- string for measuring
- ropes or chalk
- scoreboard
Make it easier or harderYounger children can roll from a closer line; older children can referee and keep score for the round-robin.
SafetyRoll balls underarm only and keep waiting players behind the throwing line.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 2, Outcome 3Children learn a game played across generations and practise fair play, turn taking and estimating distance.
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