Boccia is a ball sport, the Italian version of boules, which pits two competitors or teams against each other. The aim of the game is to place your own balls as close to the smaller ball (pallino) that was thrown first. You also try to hit the opponent’s balls away from the pallino (the so-called Raffa throw or Volo throw). The game is played on a flat court, either outdoors or indoors.

History of Boccia

Boccia’s origins can be traced back to the Stone Age. In the 13th century, people played "a Bocce" throughout Europe. In 1369, due to its great popularity, boccia was banned by Charles V in France so that the people would devote themselves more to military exercises such as archery and crossbow shooting. The ban could not be enforced in the long run, and the game of boccia became very popular again. In 1629, boccia games were banned again in France because manufacturers of paume rackets (the precursors to tennis rackets) feared economic competition. However, the ban was widely ignored.

Boccia players didn't have it easy in the rest of Europe either: In the 16th century, Henry VIII banned public boccia games in England because many people were neglecting their work and, in some cases, losing their possessions. Later, the ban was relaxed so that wealthy landowners could purchase a gaming license and organize boccia games on their own lawns. In Venice, Rome, and Florence, playing in public places was also banned out of concern for public order.

Boccia is now widespread in Italy, Austria and Switzerland, and other versions of the boccia game such as boules or pétanque are played mainly in France.

Boccia in Switzerland

In Switzerland, boccia’s golden age spanned from the beginning of the century to the late 1970s. Back then, it was seen as a family affair and played an important role in the integration of Italian immigrants.

Due to the expanse of culture and sport on offer today, boccia is experiencing problems in recruiting new players. The Swiss Boccia Association promotes and develops the sport of boccia throughout Switzerland. It is divided into three regions; by 2026, it has more than 1,300 licensed members and 94 clubs.