Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know that pickleball is exploding in popularity, particularly among seniors. But this article is not about pickleball. It’s about bocce and how the sport is quickly gaining participants for several reasons — and you don’t even have to be Italian to enjoy it.
Consider its history. First played in its current form in Rome more than 3,000 years ago, bocce has become the third most popular outdoor sport in the world, after soccer and golf. More than 25 million Americans play what many describe as a “game of inches,” much like golf. That number isn’t far behind pickleball participation, depending on how one defines a “player.”
Pickleball, by comparison, was invented in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads who improvised a backyard game using ping-pong paddles, a Wiffle ball, and a lowered badminton net to entertain their apparently bored children.
Injury statistics between bocce and pickleball are worth considering. As with any outdoor recreational activity, participants should be mindful of potential risks, including heat-related illness, sprains, and even broken bones. It’s always wise to understand the physical demands of any sport before jumping in.
Bocce is somewhat of a blend between bowling and curling. Imagine a long, narrow bowling alley, but one typically made of crushed gravel. Instead of gutters, there are four- or five-inch-high wooden borders along the sides.
Like bowling, it involves balls that players throw. Here’s what else you need to know:
In friendly competition, opposing teams are typically comprised of four players each. Teams take turns throwing. The small target ball in bocce is called the pallino. It is thrown first at the start of each game. Players then roll the larger bocce balls, attempting to get as close to the pallino as possible.
Strategy is everything in bocce. As in curling, teams can block opponents’ balls from getting close to the pallino or try to place their own balls nearest to the target. It is far more a game of skill than one of chance.
The game demands strategic thinking and precise calculations of ball speed and distance. It also requires keen hand-eye coordination to deliver the ball exactly where you want it, according to The Arlington.
Bocce is relatively easy to learn and score. While the rules may seem confusing at first, most players catch on quickly.
It’s also a game that can help build camaraderie, hand-eye coordination, balance, and flexibility.
“It’s such an easy sport to learn, and keeping score is very simple,” says Sawgrass resident Sue Little, who has been playing for two years. “It’s not overly physical, so it’s perfect for almost anyone. Our community even has specific bocce balls for people who are colorblind. It’s such a great way to meet neighbors, socialize, and enjoy a little friendly competition.”
Bocce players are typically very willing to help newcomers. Jean Metzer has shared her expertise with friends and neighbors to encourage them to get involved. She is one of the Sawgrass team captains, and her team has been playing together since the community league was established in 2022.
Metzer says she has witnessed the evolution of the sport firsthand and watched its popularity continue to grow throughout the area.
There are several bocce locations in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes area, including private communities such as Sawgrass and Paynter’s Mill, George H.P. Smith Park in Lewes, and venues such as Crooked Hammock Brewery, Thompson Island Brewing Company, Mulligan’s Pointe, and Revelation Craft Brewing Company in Georgetown.
The Paynter’s Mill community became so enthusiastic about bocce that it installed courts several years ago, giving residents another recreational option alongside tennis and pickleball.
Whether you’re looking for a low-impact activity, a little friendly competition, or simply a reason to spend more time outdoors with neighbors, bocce may be worth a closer look. After all, sometimes the best games are the ones that have already stood the test of time.
Helpful Sussex County Resources
For readers interested in recreation and community activities throughout Southern Delaware, these resources may be helpful:
• Delaware State Parks: https://destateparks.com
• Sussex County Government Parks & Recreation: https://sussexcountyde.gov
• Lewes Chamber of Commerce: https://www.leweschamber.com
• Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce: https://www.beach-fun.com
• Southern Delaware Tourism: https://www.visitsoutherndelaware.com
• Delaware 211 Community Resources: https://www.delaware211.org
Many local communities, recreation centers, and homeowner associations also offer bocce, pickleball, walking clubs, and other social activities throughout the year.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
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