Open Play
Marin Bocce Federation is open to the public. It is a great way to learn to play bocce or just soak in the sun with some friends.
Our friendly staff is here to help teach players how to play the game. You may reserve a court, or multiple courts, in advance by calling our office. We host many events, fundraisers and tournaments so please make sure to call in advance for availability.
Come Roll With Us
Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Please check the online schedule or call the office 415-485-5583 for weekend play availability, as we host a lot of tournaments and events on the weekends
THE FACILITY WILL CLOSE WHEN IT IS RAINING. PLEASE CALL OUR WEATHER HOTLINE TO SEE IF WE ARE OPEN (415) 419-3553
OPEN PLAY FEE/LENGTH:
$20/person drop-in fee for non-league players drop-in fee (cash only, or $25 minimum credit card)
$15/person drop-in fee for league players
$10/person drop-in fee for Children under 14 years old
Play up to 3 hours
Open Play reservations are priced per hour. Please contact our Executive Director, Jessica, for more information (415) 485-5583 or jessica@marinbocce.org
Event Court Reservations
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help run your great event. We reserve courts for your
Special Events
Fund Raisers
Team Building
Corporate Events
Family Events
Courts are open for up to 10 players per court.
-Non-Profit Rates: $50/hour per court (10 people max per court)
-Private Parties (league players included): $75/hour per court (10 people max per court)
-Corporate: $100/hour per court (10 people max per court)
Please call us at 415.485.5583 to check availability. Rates may vary depending on group size, number of courts, etc.
Event Days and Times
Tuesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (evenings available as well)
Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Basic Rules of Open Bocce
To play Bocce, you need two equal teams of either one, two, or four persons per team. On a four-member team, two players from each team are stationed at the opposite ends of the court and play alternate frames.
Once a team has been selected by a toss of a coin, a player from that team begins by tossing the pallino anywhere s/he wants between the yellow center line and the back wall. The same player, or another teammate, then rolls one of the larger balls as close as possible to the pallino.
The opposing team then rolls one of its balls, trying to get it closer to the pallino than the first team. If the team has not successfully rolled its ball closer to the pallino, it must continue rolling balls until it has done so, or has used up all its balls. If the team does roll closer to the pallino, then the other team rolls until it has a ball closer to the pallino, or has used up its balls. Play continues back and forth in this manner until all the balls have been rolled, ending the frame. Play moves to the opposite end of the court, after the points have been counted and marked on the scoreboard.
A point is awarded to one team for every ball that is closer to the pallino than the closest ball of the opposing team. The team that wins the frame rolls the pallino to start the next frame. A game is played to either 10 or 12 points.
The ball must leave the hand before the player steps over the foul line.
Strategies include knocking away an opponent’s ball, knocking the pallino to change its position, and banking shots off the side walls of the court.