BOCCIA

Boccia is a precision ball sport played by athletes with severe physical disabilities. The game is played on a smooth, flat court, where players aim to throw leather balls as close as possible to a white target ball, known as the jack. Boccia requires exceptional accuracy, strategic planning, and control, making it a compelling and competitive sport.

Classification System

Boccia athletes are classified based on their functional abilities to ensure fair competition. The classifications are as follows:

• BC1: Athletes with cerebral palsy who throw the ball with their hands or feet and may use an assistant to stabilize their chair or assist in other ways.

• BC2: Athletes with cerebral palsy who have better functional ability than BC1 players and do not require assistance.

• BC3: Athletes with severe disabilities who use a ramp to propel the ball and are assisted by a sport assistant.

• BC4: Athletes with other severe physical disabilities (non-cerebral palsy) who throw the ball with their hands and do not require assistance.

This classification system ensures that athletes compete against others with similar levels of functional ability, promoting fairness and competitiveness.

Gameplay and Rules

Boccia is played on a rectangular court measuring 12.5 meters long and 6 meters wide. The game can be played in individual, pairs, or team formats. Each player, pair, or team has six balls, either red or blue, and the objective is to place their balls closer to the jack than their opponents.

The game consists of ends, with each end beginning with the jack being thrown onto the court. Players then take turns throwing their balls, aiming to position them as close to the jack as possible. Players can use their balls to knock the opponent’s balls away from the jack or reposition the jack itself. The end concludes when all balls have been thrown, and points are awarded based on the proximity of the balls to the jack.

Scoring System

In boccia, points are scored based on the number of balls closer to the jack than the opponent's closest ball. For example, if a player has two balls closer to the jack than the opponent's nearest ball, they score two points for that end. The player, pair, or team with the highest score at the end of the match wins. Matches are typically played over four or six ends, depending on the competition format.

What to Expect in the Paralympic Games

The Paralympic Games showcase the highest level of boccia, featuring athletes from around the world who have mastered this intricate and strategic sport. Spectators can expect to see intense matches filled with precise throws, strategic maneuvers, and thrilling competition. The game’s emphasis on strategy and control makes for captivating viewing, as athletes outthink and outplay their opponents.

Countries with strong boccia programs, such as Brazil, the United Kingdom, and South Korea, often produce top-tier athletes who excel in international competition. These athletes bring a high level of expertise and tactical knowledge to the court, ensuring exciting and closely contested matches.

As we look forward to the Paralympic Games, prepare to be inspired by the extraordinary performances in boccia. Whether you are a dedicated fan or new to the sport, the upcoming competitions promise to deliver unforgettable moments and a deep appreciation for the exceptional abilities of these athletes.

Who are we?

At Disability Sports Channel, we are dedicated to showcasing the achievements and stories of athletes with disabilities. Our mission is to inspire and inform by providing comprehensive coverage of disability sports from around the world.