All Players

Preparation and delivery phase

All players must keep the body steady to avoid an undesirable change in power or direction of the shot. This may be more challenging for players with ataxia, athetosis or hypertonia (cerebral palsy).

Follow-through phase

The transfer of power back to the lower body/seat/back is controlled and the body is relaxed.

Deceleration takes place during the follow-through movements past the point of release of the ball.

After deceleration, the player’s body position relaxes, and they are quickly able to refocus on the ball they have delivered.

The outcome of the shot is consistent with the intention of the shot type chosen i.e. the ball behaves in the way and lands in the position the player intends it to.

Players who throw

The player must release consistently and at the optimal height/position on ball using rhythm and timing.

Players using build-up/practice swings demonstrate acceleration and must maintain speed and height in their delivering limb until the ball has been played.

All players must keep head steady throughout the preparation and delivery phase.

Players use a relatively larger range of motion than normal and demonstrate flexibility when using their chosen propulsion technique:

Underarm

Player must control core and potentially coordinating non-playing side to aid balance during acceleration.

Player reaches low down on their playing side showing relative flexibility and agility in the core.

Transfer of power from seat/back forward and in the direction of the playing arm.

Dart

Player must ensure elbow remains elevated throughout the preparation and delivery phase and height of the arm and hand is unchanged.

Player extends elbow and demonstrates agility, driving the forearm forward to release the ball.

Transfer of power from seat/back upwards and forwards.

Pendulum

Player must control core and potentially coordinating non-playing side to aid balance during acceleration. Player reaches low down on their playing side showing relative flexibility and agility in the core Transfer of power from seat/back forward and in the direction of the playing arm.

Overarm

Player must control core, maintain strong grasp of ball and maintain consistent arm position above the body during practice swings/build up. Player reaches above the shoulder or head on their playing side showing relative flexibility and agility in the core, shoulder and arm. Transfer of power from back and shoulders to front and core.

Chest push

Player must coordinate both hands and maintain elbow height during preparation and delivery phase.

Transfer of power from back/shoulders to hands as elbows are extended (demonstrating agility) and ball is pushed away from the body as the forearms drive forward.

Players who kick/use their feet

The player must strike the ball consistently and at the optimal height/position on ball using rhythm and timing.

Players using build-up/practice swings demonstrate acceleration and must maintain speed and height in their delivering limb until the ball has been played.

Players may utilise arms, holding on to their wheelchair to maintain balance.

Players must control core to maintain playing position, balance and prevent falls.

All players must keep head steady throughout the preparation and delivery phase.

Players use a relatively larger range of motion than normal and demonstrate flexibility when using their chosen propulsion technique:

In-Step/Toe Kick

Practice kicks/build-up kicks are aimed consistently and strength of shot is appropriate to the distance/shot type being performed. Transfer of power is from the thigh through to the ankle as the foot strikes the ball.

Toe Grasp: Player maintains strong grasp of ball and consistently elevated thigh and leg position above the wheelchair seat during practice swings/build up. During delivery phase, knee is straightened and leg is extended showing increased flexibility and agility. Transfer of power is from the thigh down the leg into the ankle (upwards and forwards).

Players who use a ramp

Players use a relatively larger range of motion than normal and demonstrate flexibility when stretching to use assistive device or reaching to deliver ball (this may involve the head, neck, chest or arm).

Players must control power and use more strength than normal when striking/pushing the ball to release it from the ramp.

During the preparation phase, player’s movements may accelerate to build momentum to deliver powerful shots.

Players may experience a transfer of power and weight distribution from the back of the body to the front or lower limbs/trunk/seat to the upper limbs as they push upwards and forwards to release the ball with a head pointer, mouth pointer or hand pointer.

Set-up

Able to move wheelchair/powerchair into the correct throwing/ramping position for the intended shot smoothly and accurately.

Preparation

Practice swings/manoeuvres are consistent without much variance in range of motion/direction except when the chosen shot type/delivery method requires building up momentum.

Is able to determine during practice swings/manoeuvres when the position/swing/manoeuvre is off and can confidently readjust position or swing/manoeuvre.

Where more of the body is involved in the shot type/delivery method (e.g. shoulders/trunk), these body parts move in a controlled consistent manner during practice swings/manoeuvres.

Delivery

The ball is released in a controlled consistent manner for the shot type/delivery method chosen.

Each release consistently delivers an appropriate level of power and momentum to successfully execute the shot.

The player keeps focus on the court during delivery.

Follow through

The range of motion in the follow-through is controlled, fluent and consistent for each shot type/delivery method.

The athlete maintains balance during the follow-through.

Set-up

How do you set up your start position?

Do you favour a comfortable position over efficiently of the drive?

How do you know which position is best?

Does the lighting, temperature, court markings and court surface affect your choice of shot/method of propulsion?

Will you select a soft, medium or hard ball?

What type of shot and propulsion method is needed to counteract the opponents’ shot?

What length of ramp (if applicable) is needed and how steep does the ramp need set at?

Preparation

How many practice swings/manoeuvres are you going to take?

Do you need to readjust your position once the practice swings/manoeuvres have been started?

What intensity does your swing need to be, and what range of motion is appropriate for the shot type and method of propulsion selected?

What parts of your body will be involved in creating momentum for the shot? Lower arm or whole arm? Trunk? Legs?

How hard will you strike the ball on the ramp with the head pointer (or equivalent) or push the ball on the ramp?

When do you know it’s time to deliver the ball?

Delivery

Have your practice swings/manoeuvres built up enough power and momentum to successfully execute the shot?

Where is your focus when releasing the ball?

At what point in the swing/manoeuvre do you release the ball?

How do you maintain technique when releasing the ball?

Does your technique change during release?

Follow through

Where is your focus during the follow-through?

What range of motion does the follow-through involve?

How do you ensure follow-through movements slow enough to avoid overexertion/overextension/striking the body or objects?

Decision making within overall competition

Are you able to effectively analyse your own and your opponents’ performance after each shot and decide what tactics to utilise on your next shot?

Can you make effective changes between ends?

Is able to determine when the position/swing/manoeuvre is off and can confidently and fluently readjust position or swing/manoeuvre.

Ensure that coaches, officials and opponents are clear of the court before setting up and delivering your shot

Ensure secure grip of the ball (where applicable) or secure placement of ball on the ramp before practice swings/set--up/delivery of shot

Take time to select most effective positioning of wheelchair/powerchair within the box during the set-up phase to avoid overstraining, to prevent buttocks from lifting out of the seat, to prevent hitting the wheelchair with your hand/the ball and to be facing the direction of travel of the ball.

Be aware of the vigorousness of your execution. Ensure that this is proportional to the distance required of the boccia ball and the type of shot being executed (i.e. vastly different levels of exertion are required for a Bounce Over, Placement or Push On). This should prevent the ball travelling out with the playing area and prevent overextending the players’ range of motion/overexertion, which could lead to injury or loss of balance.

Always use the most effective shot types and propulsion methods available to maximise score and impede the competitors’ score.

When playing in pairs or team events, work as a team to consider who is best placed to take each shot.

Tactical approach will be dependent on factors including the strengths of the player, the strengths of their opponents, the positioning of the box they are stationed in, the type of balls they are using (harder balls will roll further/strike harder, softer balls are easier to control) and the positioning/layout of balls in the court.

An example of a tactical approach may be that the player knows that their opponents’ accuracy is weaker the further they have to throw, so they opt to place the jack ball at the far end of the court closer to their own side. They may opt to aim their first coloured ball to stop directly in front of the jack ball, making it difficult for the opponent to get closer to the jack. The opponent may, however, take a tactical approach of aiming a hard ball directly at the player’s ball and the jack, so as to push both out of the court and force the repositioning of the jack ball in the centre of the court.

The pupil should be able to describe their tactical approach in relation to the position on court, the method of delivery, and the shot types indicated below.

Shot types and description

Pre-match

Comply with any requests for ramp/ball checks from officials.

Be ready to compete before the start time of your match and be in the call room on time (if applicable).

Listen to instructions from officials.

Respect the decision of the coin toss.

Proceed to your assigned box promptly following the officials’ instructions to avoid delays.

During Match

When not in play, move back from box so as to not impede competitors’ view or range of motion.

When in play, ensure wheelchair, equipment and ramp operators (where required) do not move out with the lines of the box.

When not in play, stay quiet and still to avoid distracting opponents during their turn.

Adhere to time limits for playing shots.

Respect the decision of the referees, line judges and timekeepers.

Shake hands with opponents, officials and coaches following the match (where possible).

When playing in pairs or team events, communicate and cooperate respectfully with teammates.

Stay focused, in control and demonstrate respectful behaviour and conduct towards opponents, teammates and coaches during and between ends, and before and after the match has concluded.