Team Boccia: Draw, Block, or Knock

A 3-on-3 boccia game in which, before every throw, the team must announce whether it will draw close, block, or knock away an opponent's ball. Students practice group decision-making, accuracy, and reading the game situation.

How to play

1. Tape 4 courts, 13 × 26 ft. On each, two teams of 3 with 2 balls per player; the extra student referees with a tape measure or string (3 min).
2. Explain the three options with cards: draw (land next to the white jack), block (stop in front to cover the path), and knock (hit an opponent's ball away).
3. One player throws the jack and their first ball; after that, the team whose best ball is farther away always throws. Before each throw, the team holds up its chosen card.
4. After all 12 balls, the closest team scores 1 point for each ball better than the other team's best, plus 1 bonus point for each announced play that worked.
5. Play 4 ends of 4 minutes; a different player throws the jack each end (16 min).

Rules

• The team decides in quiet voices within 20 seconds.
• Each player throws their own two balls; no handing them to a teammate.
• Only the referee walks in to measure.
• Safety: throw underhand, rolling or with one bounce, and nobody is on the court during a throw.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: throws from the wheelchair or with a ramp, and a teammate hands over the balls.
• Autism: each card has a picture of the play to make deciding easier.
• Lower accuracy: may throw from a line 3 feet closer.

Learning goals

• Choose the best play based on where the balls are.
• Match throwing force to the chosen play.
• Make team decisions by listening to every opinion.

Equipment for a class of 25

• boccia sets: 4
• rolls of tape: 2
• play cards: 24

Teacher tip

Boccia balls are expensive: if you're short, use tennis balls in two colors with a little sand inside. Rotate the captain role every end so the same student doesn't always decide.

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