Boccia /ˈbɒtʃə/, or bocce, is played by athletes with impairments affecting all four limbs. The name is derived from Italian word 'bowl'. Its history traces back to carvings of egyptian figures throwing stones recorded as early as 5200BC. It is similar to bowls and French pétanque, and is one of the two sports that has no Olympic equivalent (another one is goalball). The game requires strategy and pin-point accuracy. Most players use electric wheelchairs for mobility, and players are permitted to use assistive devices such as ramps and head pointers to propel the ball. There are 4 classes in boccia: - BC1: Players throw balls with hand or foot. An assistant is allowed to stay outside playing box for adjusting player's chair and give player the ball upon request. - BC2: Players throw ball with hand. No assistance allowed. - BC3: Players have severe locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs. They may use a ramp and a pointer to deliver the ball. An assistant is allowed to help set up the ramp/ball under the direction of player, but the assistant is not allowed to look at the court/play (that's why their back is always facing the court). - BC4: Players have severe locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs and poor trunk control. No assistance allowed.

A Quick Guide to Boccia 🔵⚪🔴

Q: How to Score? ⚪

Individual: 6 balls x 4 ends (rounds) Paired: 3 balls per player (6 balls in total) x 4 ends Team: 2 balls per player (6 balls in total) x 6 ends Player/team throws ball alternately. In every end, the referee measures the distance of balls closest to jack. One point will be given for each ball closer to jack than your opponent's closest ball. Player/team with more points wins.

Ale Tang

Sep 15

2 min read

Updated: Oct 12

Hong Kong has always been one of the top teams in the boccia world. In the image six-time Paralympian Leung Yuk-wing and new boccia star Cheung Yuen, both in BC4 class. — Leung Yuk-wing (BC4) is a world renowned player and six-time Paralympian, winning countless golds for Hong Kong. In Paris 2024, he paired with new star Cheung Yuen and bagged silver in Mixed Pairs BC4. Credit: HKPC

What is Boccia? 🔴

Boccia /ˈbɒtʃə/, or bocce, is played by athletes with impairments affecting all four limbs. The name is derived from Italian word 'bowl'. Its history traces back to carvings of egyptian figures throwing stones recorded as early as 5200BC.

It is similar to bowls and French pétanque, and is one of the two sports that has no Olympic equivalent (another one is goalball).

The game requires strategy and pin-point accuracy. Most players use electric wheelchairs for mobility, and players are permitted to use assistive devices such as ramps and head pointers to propel the ball.

There are 4 classes in boccia:

BC1: Players throw balls with hand or foot. An assistant is allowed to stay outside playing box for adjusting player's chair and give player the ball upon request.
BC2: Players throw ball with hand. No assistance allowed.
BC3: Players have severe locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs. They may use a ramp and a pointer to deliver the ball. An assistant is allowed to help set up the ramp/ball under the direction of player, but the assistant is not allowed to look at the court/play (that's why their back is always facing the court).
BC4: Players have severe locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs and poor trunk control. No assistance allowed.

How to Play? 🔵

There are two types of balls in boccia. The white ball that serves as the target is called 'jack', which players would try their best to get the coloured balls closest to it.

Coloured balls are in red and blue, for two teams. Six for each team, meaning 12 in total.

Venue is usually basketball/volleyball court, or any suitable space with flat and smooth surface. There's a playing/throwing area, which is divided into 6 rectangular boxes, where players must stay completely inside during play.

How to Score? ⚪

Individual: 6 balls x 4 ends (rounds)

Paired: 3 balls per player (6 balls in total) x 4 ends

Team: 2 balls per player (6 balls in total) x 6 ends

Player/team throws ball alternately. In every end, the referee measures the distance of balls closest to jack. One point will be given for each ball closer to jack than your opponent's closest ball. Player/team with more points wins.

There are 4 classes in boccia. One of them, BC3, allows the use of ramp and one assistant to set up the ramp. — Hong Kong gold winner Ho Yuen-kei (BC3) in Paris 2024 Paralympics and her assistant/husband. Credit: HKPC

boccia glossary terms — Some usually terms and concepts about boccia. Credit: HKPC

A Quick Guide to Boccia 🔵⚪🔴

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