Brush Up on Your Bocce!

The Tallahassee Italian Family Festa is Challenging You!

Or... Learn How to Play Bocce and Practice In Time for the Tournament

Bocce Tournament at the 2011 Tallahassee Italian Family Festa

Bocce Ball is an ancient sport, some say it dates back to Egypt in 5200 BC. But somehow it made it's way to Italy where it gained popularity.  In fact, it is the second most popular ball sport in the world after soccer. So it is interesting that the  Italian Family Festa is bringing it to Tallahassee this February. On Saturday is the Bocce Tournament and Sunday is Free Play.

Bocce reminds me of a cross between horseshoes and bowling. It is played with eight large balls and one smaller ball (called the pallino).  The game can be played one-on-one or with teams of 2 to 4. 

First, divide the bocce balls evenly between the number of players so each side has different color balls.

Choose a player to throw the pallino between two boundary lines.  After the pallino is thrown, the same player will throw his first bocce ball.  The purpose of the game is to get your bocce balls as close as possible to the pallino.  After the first player has thrown his first bocce ball, he is considered "inside" because his ball is closer to the pallino than any of the competitors' balls.  All other players are considered "outside."  Whenever a player is considered "inside," he will forfeit his turn throwing bocce balls.  All "outside" players will take turns throwing their bocce balls until one of theirs gets closer to the pallino than the "inside" player.

Players use strategy by knocking the other bocce balls or the pallino away from their competitor's balls.

After all players have thrown their bocce balls, the player that is "inside" will be awarded points. One point will be awarded to this player for every ball that is closer to the pallino than his closest competitor's ball. After the points are awarded, the frame is completed. Start a new frame by electing a new person to throw the pallino and to throw the first bocce ball. A game is won when a player reaches 13 points.

You can see how the game can be addictive. So much in fact, it has been banned several times throughout history.  It was banned by Emporers because it distracted their soldiers. It was banned by the Catholic Church because it led to gambling. But the people played it anyway. It not only survived, but it thrived.

The World Bocce Association states that 20 years ago, women represented only 5% of the participants in their tournaments. Now women represent 50% of tournament players.

2011's Bocce Tournament Champs

Dr. Erasmus Gerato and Roberto Altavilla

If you have never played before, I am sure reading this has you curious. We encourage you to go to the local sporting goods store and get a set of your own and practice over the next two weeks with a friend.

Then, CLICK HERE to register for the Bocce Tournament at the Italian Family Festival. You need a teammate, so invite your friend or spouse to play. You must bring your own bocce set. It is free to participate but you must pre-register online.

The 2012 Tallahassee Italian Family Festa will be held at John Paul II Catholic High School in Southwood on February 18th & 19th.

Featuring everything Italian, from food to novelties to entertainment (Including a Rat Pack Tribute!)

An Italian Car Show featuring Ferraris to Ducatis. A Bocce tournament and More!

Be sure to register for the Tomato Trot 5K Run/Walk on the site at http://www.tallahasseeitalianfesta.com/