Boccia Team League: Decide Who Throws and How

Boccia games in teams of three where, before each ball, the trio picks a player and a shot type with a card: draw, hit or block. It builds strategy and accuracy in a Paralympic sport where everyone can compete together.

How to play

1. Boccia review: a white target ball (jack), 6 red and 6 blue balls, the team with balls closest to the jack scores, and everyone throws seated (4 min).
2. Introduce the three shot cards: draw close, hit to move an opponent's ball, or block the path. Demo each one (4 min).
3. Two-end games between trios: before each ball, the trio quietly decides who throws and which card to use and shows it to the opponents (16 min).
4. Switch opponents and play one more end with the rule that every player must use all three cards (5 min).
5. Quick analysis: which decision earned you the most points? (1 min).

Rules

• Throw seated on a chair or bench without lifting your seat.
• Only the thrower enters the court; the rest wait behind the line.
• The team whose balls are farther from the jack always throws next.
• Close calls are measured by the opposing captain in front of both teams.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited arm movement: use a ramp (a gutter), and a teammate facing away from the court sets it up following their instructions, as in the BC3 class.
• Low vision: high-contrast jack and a teammate describes ball positions out loud.
• Students who struggle to decide: the trio offers them two clear options to choose from.

Learning goals

• Make tactical decisions as a team.
• Adjust force and direction when throwing.
• Know the basic rules of boccia.

Equipment for a class of 25

• boccia sets: 4
• tape: 1
• shot cards: 12

Teacher tip

No boccia set? Rice-filled juggling balls or knotted socks with sand in two colors work. Common mistake: arguing over measurements; use a tape measure or a knotted string.

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