Bocce looks like one throw style until you watch experienced players. Point throws roll softly toward the pallino. Bank shots use side rails to redirect balls into position. Volo throws send the ball through the air to strike a target. Raffa throws use rolling force to knock competitors aside. Each technique fits specific tactical situations. This guide compares the four throw styles in 2026. For the broader gameplay context see our How to Play Bocce Guide.
Key Takeaways
- Point: the standard soft rolling throw aiming to sit close to the pallino.
- Bank: uses side rails on built courts to redirect the ball into position.
- Volo: aerial throw common in Italian competition, aims to strike a target ball.
- Raffa: hard rolling throw aiming to knock competitor balls aside.
- Most casual players rely on point throws with occasional raffa attempts.
The Point Throw
Point (or pointing) is the standard bocce throw. The player rolls the ball softly toward the pallino, aiming to have it come to rest as close to the target as possible. The technique uses a smooth underhand motion with the ball released near ground level. Speed is moderate to slow; the goal is precision rather than power. Most beginner throws are point throws. Coverage of bocce fundamentals in Britannica's entry on the game traces point throwing as the historical foundation of the sport.
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Best for: practicing the point throw. Resin construction rolls consistently for repeatable technique development.
The Bank Shot
The bank shot uses the side rails of a built court to redirect the ball toward a position that would be blocked by direct approach. The player throws with enough force to bounce off the rail at a calculated angle and settle near the pallino from a new direction. Bank shots are tactical rather than routine; they solve specific court situations where competitor balls block the direct line. The technique requires a built court with functional rails. For court coverage see our Bocce Court Construction Guide.
The Volo Throw
Volo is the Italian aerial throw. The player releases the ball in the air rather than rolling it along the ground. The volo throw aims to strike a specific target ball (an opposing bocce ball or the pallino) directly rather than approaching along the ground where competitor balls might intercept. The technique is common in Italian competition and specific tournament variants. The Federazione Italiana Bocce sanctions competition formats where volo throws are standard practice. For complete scoring variant coverage including volo see our Bocce Scoring Rules and Variants guide.
The Raffa Throw
Raffa is the hard rolling throw. Rather than rolling softly to settle near the pallino (point), raffa rolls with force to knock competitor balls aside or displace the pallino itself. The technique fits specific tactical situations where the current court position favors the opponent and displacing balls would flip the frame. Raffa requires practice to execute reliably; too much force and the ball rolls past the pallino; too little and it fails to displace the target. Coverage of bocce play technique in Wirecutter broader outdoor sports coverage consistently positions technique variety as the mark of experienced players.
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When to Use Each Throw
Point: the default for most throws. Use when the court is open and the goal is to settle near the pallino. Bank: use when a competitor ball blocks the direct line and the built court has functional rails. Volo: use when a competitor ball or the pallino needs to be struck directly and the ground approach is blocked. Raffa: use when the current position favors the opponent and displacing balls would flip the frame.
Learning the Sequence
New players should master the point throw first before adding tactical variety. Most beginner frames can be won with well-executed point throws alone. After the point throw becomes reliable, add the raffa throw for competitive situations. Bank shots and volo throws are advanced techniques that reward specific court knowledge. For complete strategy coverage see our Bocce Strategy Tips and our Beginner Strategy 10 Concepts guides.
Grip and Release for Each Throw
Point throw: cradle the ball in the palm with fingers spread underneath. Release with a smooth follow-through and low release point. Bank shot: firmer grip with more wrist snap for angle control. Volo: overhand or sidearm grip depending on trajectory needed. Raffa: firmer grip with follow-through emphasizing forward force. For complete grip coverage see our Bocce Grip Techniques Guide.
Court Surface Effects on Throw Technique
Surface type affects how each throw behaves. Packed clay rolls fast and true; point throws settle predictably; raffa throws travel long distances. Oyster shell rolls slower with more friction; both techniques need more force. Grass rolls slowest and least predictably; casual play is the natural fit rather than competitive technique. For complete surface coverage see our Best Bocce Court Surfaces guide.
Common Throw Technique Mistakes
Overthrowing on point (releasing with too much speed). Underthrowing on raffa (not enough force to displace targets). Inconsistent release point across throws (destroys the throwing rhythm). Aiming for the exact pallino position rather than the settle position (ball needs deceleration distance). For complete mistake coverage see our Bocce Common Mistakes Guide. The United States Bocce Federation tournament training guidance emphasizes these fundamentals.
Why Buy Practice Bocce from BuyBocceBalls
We carry sets appropriate for every level of technique development. Every set ships from our US warehouse in one to two business days. For players developing throw technique, our team can advise on the right set for the practice environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common bocce throw?
Point throwing (soft rolling throw toward the pallino) is the standard default technique.
What is a raffa in bocce?
A hard rolling throw aimed at knocking competitor balls or the pallino out of position.
What is volo in bocce?
An aerial throw that strikes a target ball directly without rolling along the ground.
What is a bank shot in bocce?
A shot that uses the side rails of a built court to redirect the ball into position.
Which throw technique should beginners learn first?
Point throwing. Master soft rolling accuracy before adding tactical variety.
