What are the differences between lawn bowling and bocce ball?

While both lawn bowling and bocce ball are played outdoors and involve rolling balls towards a target, there are some key differences between the two games that set them apart. In this article, I'll highlight the main differences between lawn bowling and bocce ball, so you can better understand each game and decide which one you'd like to try. If you're interested in learning more about how bocce ball compares to similar games, you might find our comparison of bocce ball and petanque insightful.

First, let's talk about the playing surface. Lawn bowling is typically played on a flat, well-manicured grass surface, called a green. The green is divided into parallel playing strips called rinks. On the other hand, bocce ball can be played on a variety of surfaces, such as grass, sand, or a specially designed bocce court with a compacted crushed stone surface. Bocce courts are usually surrounded by wooden boards to keep the balls within the playing area. For more details on the specifics of a bocce ball court, check out our guide on official bocce ball court size and standards for tournament play.

Next, let's discuss the balls used in each game. In lawn bowling, the balls, called bowls, are not perfectly spherical. Instead, they have a slightly flattened side and a bias, which causes them to curve as they roll. This adds an element of strategy to the game, as players must take the curve into account when aiming their shots. In bocce ball, the balls are perfectly round and have no bias, so they roll in a straight line.

The objective of each game is also different. In lawn bowling, players roll their bowls towards a smaller white ball called the jack. The goal is to get your bowls as close to the jack as possible, and you score points based on the number of your bowls that are closer to the jack than your opponent's closest bowl. In bocce ball, players roll their balls towards a smaller target ball called the pallino. The goal is similar - to get your balls as close to the pallino as possible - but the scoring is slightly different. In bocce, only the team with the closest ball to the pallino scores points, and they score one point for each of their balls that are closer to the pallino than their opponent's closest ball. If you're new to bocce ball and want to understand the rules and scoring system better, our comprehensive guide for beginners can be a great resource.

Lastly, let's talk about team sizes and gameplay. In lawn bowling, teams can consist of one to four players, with each player rolling a set number of bowls depending on the team size. In bocce ball, teams can have one to four players as well, but each player typically rolls two balls, regardless of team size.

In conclusion, while lawn bowling and bocce ball may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct differences in playing surfaces, ball characteristics, objectives, and gameplay. Both games offer unique challenges and strategies, so I encourage you to give each a try and see which one you prefer! If you're interested in mastering bocce ball, don't forget to check out our article on bocce ball strategies, tips, and tricks to dominate the court.

Krystina Hansen

Bocce ball, sports journalism, travel

Krystina Hansen is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in bocce ball. Her career has taken her to tournaments across the globe, giving her a profound understanding of the sport and its athletes. Always on the hunt for emerging talent, she is a trusted voice in the bocce ball community.