Boccia

Boccia is a Paralympic sport that can be played by anyone, with or without a disability. Originally designed for people with severe cerebral palsy, it is now enjoyed by players with a wide variety of disabilities. It’s easy for a beginner to pick up quickly but builds in intensity and complexity as players hone their skills.

Boccia is a co-ed sport of control and accuracy, similar to curling or lawn bowling. Games last four or six ends. Players propel balls towards the target or “jack” ball. Each side has six balls (red or blue) per end to try and score points. The closest side to the target ball when all the balls have been played, scores. If the game is tied after all ends have been played, a tie-break end is played. Boccia can be played head-to-head, in teams of three, or in pairs.

If you can’t throw the ball, you can roll it or kick it. If a player cannot roll the ball or hit it with the foot, a ramp can be used. If he/she/they cannot release the ball with the hand, her/she/they can use the head or a hand pointer.

Boccia is played indoors, on a court that is similar in size to a badminton court.

The court includes six throwing boxes, one for each athlete. Athlete must stay in their box during their turn.

Boccia is a sport of precision, focus and accuracy. It is a complex and technical game where players must employ a great degree of both physical coordination and mental foresight. Boccia was introduced onto the Paralympic program in 1984. Today, it is played in over fifty countries.

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