Guide
Throw, hit, have fun! My favourite garden games for the whole family
by Michael Restin
Twelve fun-packed sacks
31/5/2022
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
I totally spaced on the trendy sport Crossboccia that took off a good decade ago. I’m only just discovering this urban remake of classic Boccia now. And you know what? Throwing flat balls is right up my alley.
Everything about Boccia, boules and Pétanque is good – provided you’re in good company and have time to spare. The only thing that might change over the years is the quality of the material you’ll go for. I was toying with the idea of getting high-end steel boules balls. Instead, on a whim, I bought Crossboccia on our last family holiday. Twelve soft little sacks that cause zero pain if you drop them on your toes and don’t roll away for miles.
We speak about throws over railings, onto benches or stairs. About the enthusiasm that’s sparked, when two immature minds play against each other and look for increasingly creative targets to chuck their balls at. The appeal lies in incorporating obstacles and viewing the whole environment as a playing field. Playing uphill or downhill isn’t a problem. Quite the opposite. It spices up the game. The possibilities are endless with these throwing, erm, balls? Sacks?
Old game, new rules
While the aim of the game is clear to me instantly, I have to learn the official rules (in German). While you can’t really knock your opponent’s balls out of the game as in classic Boccia, you can still stop them from making any points. This happens if you manage to chuck your ball on top of your opponent’s ball and at least half of it is covered.
Otherwise, the following applies: whoever throws the marker starts the game. Then, everyone takes turns throwing their ball. After that, it’s the player who threw their first ball the furthest that gets to throw the remaining two. At the end of the game, points are awarded for each ball closer to the marker than the opponents’ balls.
If the ball you’re getting points for is touching another one of yours, this is referred to as a «combo» and will earn you 3 points. If three are touching, you even get 6 points. Once you’ve reached 13 points (and at least two points ahead of the rest) you win a set. Winning two sets means you’ve won the match. I’ve never played the game like this so far. But hey, rules are made to be broken. Especially in Crossboccia
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
