Boccia

Boccia is a Paralympic sport with no Olympic equivalent. It is a target ball sport which tests both muscle control and accuracy. From a seated position (which is ideal for wheelchair users), players propel balls to land close to a white marker ball (known as the jack). For players unable to grasp and propel a ball, a ramp can be used.

It’s an indoor sport, played on a court roughly the same size as a badminton court. You can compete as an individual, in a pair, or as a team of three.

Primary, Secondary, and SEND formats

Boccia is totally inclusive and can be played by anyone regardless of age, gender, ability, or disability. The Skills Festival allows all young people to develop the fundamental movement skills, including rolling, throwing, accuracy, and control.

Through individual and team activities, pupils can improve co-ordination, tactical awareness, decision-making, and an understanding of rules, fair play, and competition. Activities include:

• Cone Alley
• Flip It
• Gates Galore
• Beach Ball Blast

For those wanting a competitive, shortened version of the game, Boccia 12’s can be played by six people in two teams of three, playing two ‘ends’.

Equipment needed

• A level playing court (similar to a badminton or tennis court)
• Balls (six of one colour and one of a different colour to represent the jack)
• Bean bags can be used for a substitute for boccia balls
• Ramps
• Cones or tape to mark out the playing court for Boccia 12’s
• Cones or flat spot markers, hoops, beach ball (or similar lightweight ball)
• Chairs/seating