Pétanque uses hollow metal boules 7.05 to 8 centimeters across and 650 to 800 grams; USBF Open Bocce tournament balls are about 106 to 107 millimeters and 900 to 920 grams. Choose pétanque for its throwing-circle format and smaller boules, or Open Bocce for larger balls and flexible backyard play.
Pétanque and bocce both use boules and a small target, but the pieces, throw rules and formal layouts are different. Choose a set for the rules you want to follow: pétanque uses smaller metal boules and a throwing circle, while USBF Open Bocce uses larger balls and is designed for flexible recreational play as well as organized games.
Compare the equipment
| Detail | Pétanque | USBF Open Bocce |
|---|---|---|
| Competition ball | Metal boule, 7.05 to 8 cm and 650 to 800 g under FIPJP rules | Tournament ball, 106 to 107 mm and 900 to 920 g under USBF Open rules |
| Target | A small jack | A pallino |
| Throwing start | Both feet stay within the throwing circle until the boule touches ground | The USBF rules use a foul line and a pallino toss to start the frame |
| Space reference | National and international competition terrain has a 15 m by 4 m minimum | USBF Open rules list a tournament court, while unofficial courts can be smaller |
The FIPJP rules define the boule dimensions and the throwing-circle format; its 2026 rules update says no rule changes were made for 2026. The USBF Open Bocce rules specify tournament ball dimensions and state that unofficial courts may be smaller. Its About page describes Open Bocce as a backyard and beach-friendly format without fixed court requirements.
Compare the playing style
In pétanque, a player throws from a circle and must keep both feet inside it until the boule lands. FIPJP rules describe a 35-to-50-centimeter drawn circle, or a rigid prefabricated circle with a 50-centimeter inside diameter. National and international competition terrain has a 15-by-4-meter minimum, so a formal event layout needs a long, defined lane.
USBF Open Bocce starts with a pallino toss, followed by balls rolled or played toward it. The rules include a foul line and tournament layout, but the federation also describes Open Bocce as a flexible recreational version used in backyards and beaches. A casual bocce setup can therefore suit a yard where a full marked lane is impractical, provided players agree on the local rules.
Which set should you choose?
- Choose pétanque if you want metal boules, a defined throwing circle and the FIPJP competition format. Check boule diameter and weight, and make sure you have room for the kind of lane you plan to use.
- Choose bocce if you prefer larger balls and a format that the USBF describes for backyard and beach play. Compare ball sizes and whether the set includes the pallino and enough balls for your group.
- Do not choose by game name alone. Product sets can use different sizes and materials, so read the exact ball specifications and identify the rules they are intended to follow.
For another ball-and-target game with a measured lawn pitch, see Kubb set sizes and pitch setup. Compare with bocce ball sizes and court dimensions, then browse ball games.
Sources
Common questions
How big are pétanque boules?
FIPJP-approved competition boules are metal, 7.05 to 8 centimeters in diameter and 650 to 800 grams.
How big are bocce balls?
USBF Open Bocce tournament standards list 106 to 107 millimeters in diameter and 900 to 920 grams.
Can I use bocce balls for pétanque?
The official equipment sizes and rules differ. Match the set to the game you intend to play rather than treating bocce balls and pétanque boules as interchangeable.
Which is easier to fit in a backyard?
USBF says Open Bocce is played in backyards and can use unofficial courts smaller than its tournament layout. Pétanque event dimensions vary by competition, so measure your lane and choose a casual ruleset if you do not have event-size space.