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Boccia

The aim of the game is to throw leather balls - coloured red or blue as close as you can to a white target ball, or jack.

An Overview of Boccia

Boccia (pronounced 'Bot-cha') is a sport similar to bowls for athletes with a disability. Boccia is totally inclusive and can be played by anyone regardless of age, gender, ability or disability.

Boccia can be played by individuals, pairs, or teams of three. The aim of the game is to throw leather balls - coloured red or blue as close as you can to a white target ball, or jack. The balls can be moved with hands or feet, or, sometimes, with an assistive device. It is played indoors on a court similar in size to a badminton court.

At the end of each round, or end, the distance of the balls closest to the jack is measured, and points awarded accordingly - one point for each ball which is closer to the jack than the opponent's closest ball. The team/player with the highest number of points at the end of play is the winner.

Benefits

  • Requires high levels of accuracy, concentration and tactical awareness.
  • Provides physical, mental and social benefits.

Costs

A set of Boccia balls is ~£120

Adaptations and Equipment

A set consists of one white 'jack' ball, six red and six blue weighted leather balls. Other useful equipment to play could include ramps, referee paddles and tape measures/calipers.

Facts

  • Boccia is a target sport first introduced to the Paralympics in 1984.

Find Boccia Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

Boccia England

Contact Name
Boccia England
Contact Email
info@bocciaengland.org.uk
Contact Telephone
0115 967 8455
Boccia

Dartford Boccia Club

Boccia is a Paralympic Sport similar to Petanque or Boules.

It is played in a seated position and is therefore ideal for disabled and non disabled persons to play together.

Our club is also Autism friendly too.

Special Olympics Great Britain

Special Olympics Great Britain

Special Olympics offers a lifetime of learning through sport and benefits individuals of all ages and ability levels – from those with low motor abilities to highly skilled athletes.

UK Sport

UK Sport

UK Sport provides strategic investment to enable Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic sports and athletes to achieve their full medal winning potential.

Head of Sport

Could you be our next Head of Sport? Could you help to lead the most inclusive sport in the country?

Join us at a really exciting time in our journey to improve lives through the sport of boccia. Help to lead the development most inclusive sport in England.