No one really knows the origin of bocce.  One thing’s for sure – it’s beginnings are ancient.  Some report that ancient Egyptian paintings depict people playing what appears to be early bocce.  Others have said that the Greeks invented the game.  Most agree that the Romans are responsible for spreading bocce throughout the Mediterranean as they conquered.  One theory suggests soldiers played bocce with rocks to pass time in-between battles. With the cities of Torino, Italy and Lyon, France being the mecca sites for volo, it’s origin stems from the House of Savoy and is steeped in alchemy.  Over the centuries bocce became what it is today – a popular, commonly played ball sport and global favorite.  The word “bocce” is a plural of the word “boccia” meaning ball in Italian.

In modern times the Confereration Mondiale Sport Boules (CSMB) & Federacion International di Boules (FIB) regulate bocce at the international level.  The sport thrives in the Mediterranean with Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia, the Balkans, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco leading the way.

Volo, as it is called by the Italians, derives it’s name from the Italian verb “volare,” meaning “to fly” and refers to the manner of throwing a ball through the air in the attempt of striking away an opponents ball.  This form of precision bocce only allows for the utilization of the “volo” throwing technique. (See the “Rules” section for the complete bocce rules)

Volo is unique in many ways.  Currently all but one factory for metallic bocce balls reside in and around Torino.  A player is allowed to use custom-made balls with variation in weight, diameter, and pattern.  There is also any array of fillings of which to insert into the hollow balls for various performance and technique.  A true volo court will have no sideboards, only lines, and be 27.5 meters (90.2 ft.) in length.  A stick called the  “bachetta,” measuring 50cm (1.6 ft.) is used for precise marking of all balls played; minimizing the amount of luck involved.  Players are penalized for sloppy play leaving their opponent the option of enforcing the rule of advantage.  

Every other odd year the World Bocce Volo Championship takes place in a different country.  Currently about 30 nations participate in the event. France has the most registered players in it’s federation at around 70,000. They refer to the game as “Boule Lyonnaise.”

Umberto Granaglia is seen shooting on the index page of this site.  The Italian is largely considered the greatest volo player ever and was named “Player of the 20^th Century"
by the FIB in 2005.  He has won more world titles than any one.  His silhouette is recognized throughout the bocce world as his likeness embellishes the perfect player.  There are many great bocce champions, past and present, but none as accomplished or famous than Granaglia.