Bocce Ball Vs. Boules
The difference between bocce ball and the game of boules begins with their countries of origin. Bocce, the Italian game, is similar to bowling and is played on a flat lawn or on an earth-floored court. Boules, of French origin, is more like horseshoes and is traditionally played in public places on hard soil.
Volo
Two main types of bocce are played.The main difference is in the balls used. One type of bocce, called volo, uses metallic bronze balls. This version of the game has the same rules as the French sport named boules.
Rafa
Rafa, the second type of bocce, uses colored composite balls that are the size of grapefruits. Members of each team have matching colors of balls. Although rafa is played all over the world, Australians and particularly people in the United States play this type of bocce.
Boules
Boules, also called petanque, is played with metallic balls that are hollow and the size of an orange. Balls come in diameters between 70mm and 80mm and weights of 650 to 800g. Hand size and arm length usually determine the size and weight of the ball needed for each player.
Differences in Form
Most often, bocce players take steps as they roll the ball with their palms facing up. An exception is when playing volo, where metal balls are released with palms facing down while the players run forward to let go of the ball. Boules players keep both feet fixed as they toss the ball with an arched back spin and palms facing down.
Object of the Games
In bocce, the pallina, which is a small ball or object, is rolled down the alley first. The goal of the game is to roll the bocce closest to the pallina for a point. A score of twelve points is game. The same is true for boules, except that the small ball is called a cochonnet and game is eleven points. Natural objects can be used for the pallina or cochonnet when not playing professionally.
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