Chalk Target Zone Boccia

A team boccia game where the white jack is replaced by a chalk target of circles drawn on the ground, and each ball scores according to the zone where it stops. It is a simple way to introduce young students to accurate rolling throws and keeping score.

How to play

1. Draw 4 chalk targets with three circles (about 1.5, 3, and 5 ft in radius) spaced 16 ft apart. Mark a throwing line 13 ft from each target.
2. Form groups of 6 split into two teams of 3, one with red balls and one with blue balls. Each student has 2 balls.
3. Demonstration (2 min): roll underhand, looking at the target, with the arm swinging forward and the feet behind the line.
4. Game (3 min): teams alternate, throwing one ball each. After all 12 balls are thrown, score them: the center circle is worth 3 points, the middle 2, and the outer 1.
5. Play 3 games and rotate groups to the next target after each one. In the second game, players may knock opponents' balls out of the target.
6. Wrap-up (1 min): each group adds up its total points out loud to practice addition.

Rules

• Roll the ball along the ground, never through the air.
• Nobody steps into the target until all balls have been thrown.
• Wait for your turn behind the throwing line.
• A ball that stops on a line counts in the lower-value zone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throw seated or use a ramp made from a cardboard tube, with the student choosing the direction.
• Visual impairment: a partner claps from the center of the target to guide the throw.
• Advanced students: throw with the non-dominant hand in the third game.

Learning goals

• Roll the ball with the right direction and force.
• Add up the team's points correctly.
• Wait for your turn and cheer on teammates.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Boccia set: 4
• chalk: 4

Teacher tip

This is a calm activity that pairs well with math; let students do the counting. If you do not have enough boccia sets, tennis balls marked with colored tape work fine.

More main activities for Elementary