Petanque vs Bocce

We are often asked what the difference is between bocce, the Italian bowling game and petanque. The difference is right there traditional bocce is more of a bowling game, whereas petanque is more of a tossing game, like horseshoes. Bocce players take steps before throwing, petanque players stand still. Bocce balls are usually rolled palm up, petanque balls tossed palm down, so they get backspin upon release. Petanque balls are the size of an orange, hollow, and always made of metal. Bocce balls are larger and solid, about the size of a grapefruit, colored green & red are popular, and generally made of resin or wood. Bocce has different variations as to court size and layout. The court should be smooth and flat some rules call for wooden sideboards to make it an enclosed area. Petanque can be played on almost any terrain most players actually prefer an uneven terrain to make it more challenging. The counting of points and game tactics are very similar between the two games. Overall petanque is more flexible no need to find a court, and the equipment is easier to carry around. For the record, there is a variation of bocce bocce volo where balls are delivered palm down and metal balls are used. The players run up in this one is spectacular, similar to boule Provencale, the forefather of petanque.