May 29, 8:48 AM
I have recently found one of the most enjoyable gems of a game that can help you and a friend (or foe) enjoy some outside sunshine on your apartment grounds without being drenched in sweat.
Bocce Ball!
The traditional Bocce ball game should be played on asphault, clay, or another hard service, but the best way to play is "West Coast" style....which is on wonderful green grass!
It's simple:
1. Players- Two teams of 1 to 3 players
2. Equipment- Each team is given four balls. One extra, smaller ball is used as the marker (also known as the jack or pallino.)
3. Rules- One of the teams throws the marker anywhere on the field to begin the game. This is followed by the same team bowling the first of their four scoring balls and trying to get it as close to the marker as possible. Then the next team will have their chance to bowl. The two teams will alternate until all balls have been bowled. All throws or bowls must be underhand motion.
4. Scoring- The team who has the closest ball to the marker is the only team that can score points. The scoring team receives a point for each ball that is closer to the marker than the other teams closest ball. Frames are usually played to 11 and a full game consists of best of 3 or best of 5 frames.
There you have it! The coolest thing about this game is that you don't have to spend a whole bunch of money on equipment. If you want to play absolutely the right way, you can buy a real bocce set, but I have found a cheap and easy way to play.
Use 8 old tennis balls to make up the Bocce Balls and then 1 old golf ball as the marker. It works brilliantly!
So get out on your apartment grounds and start playing some Bocce. Also, check with your manager there and see if you could set up an all day tournament/bbq event. They may even sponsor it! You'd be a Bocce League Commissioner. How sweet is that??!??!?!