Boules vs Bocce Ball Set: What's Actually in the Bag?
By AreYouGame.com | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Comparisons
Boules and bocce ball sets overlap more than you'd think. Here's how to tell them apart, what the AreYouGame Boules/Bocce Ball Set includes, and which game fits your backyard.
Quick answer
For most backyards, a combined boules/bocce set is the practical choice: the AreYouGame Boules/Bocce Ball Set gives you eight 73mm metal balls, a pallino, and a carry bag for both Petanque and Bocce variations. Choose a dedicated bocce set only if you need larger balls or a full-size court kit.
Boules vs bocce: the real differences
Boules (often called Petanque) and bocce are both target-throwing games where players roll or toss balls toward a small marker. The biggest practical differences are ball size, throwing style, and court surface. Bocce balls are typically larger and heavier, and the game is often played on a long, prepared court. Petanque boules are smaller and can be played on gravel, dirt, or grass with a stationary throw.
The AreYouGame set sits in the overlap: its 73mm metal balls are on the smaller side for bocce but workable for casual backyard play, and they suit Petanque-style throwing. That makes it a flexible starter set rather than a regulation kit for either sport.
What the AreYouGame set actually includes
The set contains eight polished alloy 73mm balls with four different striping patterns, a wooden pallino target ball, a pallino distance marker, and a green canvas carrying bag with a handle. The bag measures 12" x 6" x 3" and is recommended for 2-4 players, ages 14+.
The four striping patterns matter more than they look: they let teams and individual players identify their balls at a glance, which speeds up scoring and reduces arguments. The pallino distance marker is a small but useful extra for measuring close calls.
When a dedicated bocce set makes more sense
If you plan to play on a regulation bocce court, join a league, or host competitive games, a dedicated bocce set with larger balls and a full court kit is the better fit. The AreYouGame set's 73mm balls and canvas bag are designed for casual play, not tournament standards.
Similarly, if you want a set that doubles as a lawn bowling set for younger kids, check the age recommendation: this set is listed for ages 14+, so it's not the right pick for a family with small children.
Trade-offs to weigh before you buy
- Ball size vs court compatibility: The 73mm balls are smaller than regulation bocce balls, so they suit casual backyard play and Petanque-style throwing better than a prepared bocce court. Measure your space: a long, flat lawn favors bocce-style play; gravel or uneven ground favors Petanque-style throwing.
- Flexibility vs specialization: One set covers both Petanque and Bocce variations, which saves money and storage space, but it won't match a dedicated regulation set for either sport. If you already know you'll play competitively, buy a sport-specific set instead.
- Age range vs family use: The set is recommended for ages 14+, so it's aimed at teens and adults rather than young children. For a mixed-age family with kids under 14, look for a lighter lawn bowling set with a lower age rating.
Product facts
- Boules/Bocce Ball Set: Eight polished alloy 73mm balls with four different striping patterns, plus a wooden pallino and distance marker. Four patterns make it easy to tell teams apart and score close calls without extra equipment.
Boules/Bocce Ball Set - Boules/Bocce Ball Set: Green canvas carrying bag with handle measures 12" x 6" x 3" and is recommended for 2-4 players, ages 14+. The compact bag travels easily to parks or picnics, but the 14+ age rating means it's not a young-kid lawn game.
Who should buy which
Best for
- Casual backyard players who want one set for Petanque and Bocce variations
- Teens and adults looking for a compact, portable lawn game
- Buyers who want clear team striping and a pallino marker without buying extras
Not for
- Players who need regulation-size bocce balls for league or court play
- Families with children under 14
- Buyers who want a full-size court kit with boundaries and instructions
