BOCCE
STRATEGY
The bocce strategy discussed below is aimed at typical players in social type competitive leagues. Strategy in bocce matches of
highly skilled players and those that allow lofting of balls is not
covered.
Bocce
is good physical exercise. By using your brain to think about all
aspects of each shot by applying strategy, you also have good mental
exercise. In addition, you will win more games!
DEFINITION
strat·e·gy
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -gies
Etymology: Greek stratEgia generalship, from stratEgos
1 a : the science and art of military command exercised to
meet the enemy in combat under advantageous conditions
2 a : a careful plan or method b : the
art of devising or employing plans toward a goal
KNOW
YOUR TEAM and YOUR OPPONENT’S TEAM
-Be aware of the overall skills of each player. This is very
important so you can match player against player with similar
playing skills. A bad mismatch may lead to one end scoring points
almost every frame they play.
- Know the specific shot skills of each player. Some players are
better at rolling for points, others at banking, and others at
spocking. It would be great if all were good at all 3, but few are.
Often, depending on the position of the balls on the court, specific
shots are needed and therefore, it makes sense to use the person
best suited to make the shot.
-If a person plays much better when paired with another person on
the team, it may beneficial to set the team up that way.
TEAM
COMMUNICATION
-Team players at the same end should continuously discuss the
strategy to be played for each shot and decide who would be best to
make the shot. The old saying 2 heads are better than one certainly
applies in this case.
-Team players at the opposite end should provide the throwing end
as much information as possible about the position of the balls on
the court and possible plays available to them. It is helpful to
know how far away the closest opponent’s ball is from the pallino,
which ball is IN, how many balls are in, how far a ball is off the
side rail, how far the pallino is from the back wall, etc.
Remember this must be done within the rules by signals and without
going on the court or verbally telling them.
STAY IN THE GAME
-Watch your team mates and opponents each time they play a ball.
You can see how hard the ball is thrown & how far it went, the lay
of the court, and oddities on the court surface. For banking this is
particularly important so you can learn the best spot on the side
rail to aim your ball and how hard to throw it.
-Watch where balls end up and how they got there. Be aware of how
many balls that your opponent has left to throw. Always be planning
ahead based on these factors.
RISK
VERSUS REWARD
-Assess your play options for each throw. It may be appear
obvious what the play is but always consider what might happen if
you miss on the play. It is very discouraging to bump an opponent’s
ball in or to knock your points out. Be aware that sometimes there
is no good play and you need to play safe.
-If your opponent has balls left, think of what your opponent may
do with those balls to score points. You may want to play a blocking
shot.
PALLINO PLAYING
-Probably the most universal strategy in bocce is to place the
first ball as close to the pallino as possible, preferably right in
front of it.
-Placement of the pallino should be a spot that is suitable to
both team players. If one player has more trouble with distances
than the other, place the pallino in the best spot for that player.
However, if you note a weakness in your opponents for certain
placements, you may want to place the pallino there.
-When you go to throw the pallino take a bocce ball with you so
you can follow the pallino from the same spot you threw the pallino.
SPOCKING
- Spocking is a great shot to completely change your situation on
the court but too many missed spocks can be costly. Who and when to
spock must be given serious consideration.
-What is the probability that you will hit the ball you intend to
hit. Certainly if you can’t do that at least 50% of the time, you
should reconsider using the spock. If you are a good point roller,
consider a "soft spock", a pointing shot rolled a little harder than
normal.
-Consider all the ramifications if you miss – will your opponent
score more points, will you knock out your own points, will you take
too many of your balls out of play.
- When to spock is limited. If your opponent has placed the first
ball so close to the pallino making it unlikely you can score, it
may pay to try a spock with your first ball. After that you should
play defense and get your balls close to hold your opponent to no
more than 1 point. If your opponent has played all 4 balls and you
have 2 or 3 balls left, you should consider a spock if you can
decrease the opponent’s score or significantly improve your score.
Sometimes you need to clear out some balls so you can roll for
points with balls you have left. However, if it is the game ending
point, you have no choice but to hit the opponent's ball or the
pallino.
POINTING
-Other than the first ball played, you should consider whether
aiming for the pallino is the best shot. If you have a clear shot at
the pallino, go for it, but if there is a probability of bumping an
opponent’s ball in, moving the pallino closer to your opponent’s
balls, or knocking your point out, consider other options. Often
your opponent’s balls are far enough away from the pallino and you
can aim away from the pallino and still get in for a point.
-Generally, when pointing it is better to roll straight down the
court rather than cross court. If you are blocked from a straight
shot, check for an opening cross court or use the bank shot.
-Sometimes the probability of getting in for a point is small or
it is likely you will knock an opponent’s ball IN or your point out,
seriously consider playing safe and take the point(s) you have.
BANKING
-Bank shots are used to get around blocking balls.
- If you are comfortable banking and the pallino is within a few
feet of the side rail, a bank shot is often easier than a straight
shot.
RIDING THE RAILS
-A shot using the side rail is one of the easiest shots to make.
Always check to see if you can make a play by rolling down the side
rail. If a ball is sitting less than the width of a ball off the
side rail, you may be able to bump it over towards the pallino. If
your opponent’s IN ball is at the side rail, it can be bumped out
and replaced by your ball. When playing to a pallino in or close to
a back corner, you can place a ball on the side rail and bump it up
or stack your balls behind it by rolling down the side rail.
-Side rail shots should be played as close to the rail as
possible with a slight drift to the rail to prevent the ball from
banking off the rail.
-Generally side rail shots need to be thrown slightly harder to
overcome the rubbing of the ball against the rail and rolling on a
less packed court surface near the side rail. |
