Regulation bocce balls are 107 millimeters across and weigh about 920 grams; many backyard sets use 90 to 100 millimeter balls that are easier for children. A set has eight balls in two colors plus a small target ball, the pallino. US Bocce Federation courts are 76 feet long and 10 to 13 feet wide, but you can play on any lawn. Resin and composite balls resist chipping better than older wooden balls.
Bocce is easy to learn and works on almost any lawn. Ball size and court surface decide how it plays.
Ball sizes
| Diameter | Typical use | |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | 107 mm | League and tournament |
| Standard backyard | 100 mm | Adults, casual |
| Junior | 90 mm or smaller | Kids and travel |
A full set has eight balls (four per team, in two colors or patterns) and one pallino.
Materials
- Resin and composite: durable, chip-resistant, the usual choice today.
- Wood: traditional, lighter, can split and chip.
- Ultra-light and soft: for indoor or beach use.
Court dimensions
The US Bocce Federation specifies 76 feet long by 10 to 13 feet wide. Backyard courts are often 40 to 60 feet by 10 to 12 feet. Leave space behind each end for players.
Building a court
- Mark and excavate a few inches.
- Lay landscape fabric and a compacted gravel base.
- Top with stone dust or crushed shell, compacted and leveled.
- Frame with pressure-treated boards or composite, with backboards at each end.
Basic play
Teams roll the pallino, then take turns rolling balls to finish closest to it. Points go to the team with balls closer than the opponent’s best ball. Games often go to 12 or 13 points.
For other lawn games, see kubb and pétanque, horseshoes and cornhole.
Setting up a yard for kids too? See trampoline safety and sizing.
Browse bocce and ball games.
Common questions
What size are regulation bocce balls?
107 millimeters in diameter, about 920 grams each, under international and US federation rules.
How big is a bocce court?
The United States Bocce Federation specifies 76 feet long and 10 to 13 feet wide. Backyard courts are often 40 to 60 feet long.
What is the best surface for a bocce court?
Compacted stone dust or a crushed oyster-shell surface plays fast and true. Grass is fine for casual games but slower and less even.
Can kids play with regulation bocce balls?
They are heavy for young children. A set with smaller balls, around 90 millimeters, is easier.