Ramp Boccia with a Back-Turned Assistant
Ramp boccia where the player doesn't throw by hand but directs, by voice, an assistant who faces away from the court. Students practice precision, clear communication and respect for the independence of athletes with severe disabilities.
How to play
- Tape out 5 courts about 20 × 10 ft. Each has two rival pairs (a seated player and an assistant with the ramp) and a referee (3 min).
- The assistant faces away from the court. The player steers by voice (“left,” “raise it a hand,” “stop”) and only touches the ball to release it (2 min).
- One pair rolls the jack and its first ball, then the other pair throws. After that, the pair farther from the jack always throws, until each has used 6 balls.
- The referee measures: the closest pair scores a point for each ball closer than the opponents' best.
- Rotate roles every 6 minutes until everyone has been player, assistant and referee (18 min).
Rules
- The assistant never looks at the court or the ball; if they turn around, that ball is removed.
- Only the player decides the ramp's direction and height; the assistant gives no advice.
- Move ramps slowly, and nobody crosses the throwing line during play.
Variations
Easier
The assistant may look once per end, and the court shrinks to 13 ft.
Standard
Ends of 6 balls per pair with a back-turned assistant and boccia scoring.
Harder
The player may only use agreed numbers from 1 to 5 for turn and height.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: wheelchair users play from their chair and can be the assistant with the ramp on a low table.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: agree on shoulder taps for the assistant (left, right, two taps to release).
- Skill level: strong aimers play with the jack farther away.
Learning goals
- Give precise verbal instructions to direct another person's movement.
- Adjust force and direction of a ramp throw.
- Value the independence of athletes with severe disabilities.
Equipment for a class of 25
- boccia set: 5
- boccia ramp: 5
- chairs: 10
- masking tape: 2
Teacher tip
Explain that in ramp boccia the athlete decides and the assistant only carries it out. With no ramps, a PVC gutter cut in half and propped on a chair works.
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