Throwing distance and competitive performance of Boccia players

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the relationship between throwing distance and competitive performance in Boccia players in order to establish a training program based on this evidence. [Participants and Methods] In total, 40 athletes, who competed in the Japan Boccia Championships and are certified players of the Japan Boccia Association, participated in the study. Participants threw the Boccia ball as far as possible, and throwing distances were compared between certified players (Group I, n=8), those who participated in the final round (Group II, n=9), and those who lost in the preliminary round (Group III, n=23). [Results] The maximum throwing distances were 16.38 ± 5.17 m (Group I), 10.67 ± 2.66 m (Group II), and 8.34 ± 2.73 m (Group III). Group I threw the ball significantly farther than Groups II and III. [Conclusion] Boccia is a target sport and throwing farther distances requires more effort. In addition, being able to throw at a longer distance means that Boccia players can throw a stronger ball and use this for various tactics. The results of this study suggest that long-distance throwing training would be effective in improving the competitive performance of Boccia players.