Boccia 9-Point Test
Boccia 9-Point Test
Test and analytics explained
Test and analytics explained
The 9-Point Test is a very good exercise for any aspiring boccia athlete to discover their strengths and weaknesses on the court. RAM Sports has developed a product to make this training exercise easy and extremely informative with in-depth results analysis.
Challenge
Challenge
The object of the test is to record the result of 6 balls played to the jack ball in 9 positions around the boccia court. The shot is the 'Placement' shot or 'first ball on'. To achieve a perfect score, the ball must be touching the jack or within millimetres of it, in the centre of the ball and must not have pushed the jack ball i.e. shot had too much pace. For a ball within 15cm of the jack ball 5 points are awarded. Over 15cm and within 30cm, 3 points and within 45cm just 1 point. All balls outside a radius of 45cm score zero points. The line is recorded for each shot, Centre, Left or Right and also the pace, Perfect (X), Minus (-) and Plus (+).
The idea of the 9-Point target mat is to make it easier for coaches to quickly measure the distance from the edge of the jack ball to the ball played. If any part of the ball encroaches into the circle then the distance from the jack ball will be within the distance specified e.g. 15cm if the ball enters the blue circle.
The idea of the 9-Point target mat is to make it easier for coaches to quickly measure the distance from the edge of the jack ball to the ball played. If any part of the ball encroaches into the circle then the distance from the jack ball will be within the distance specified e.g. 15cm if the ball enters the blue circle.
9-Point Target Mat
The material chosen for the 9-Point Target Mat has been researched and compared to many materials to find the most suitable. Typical materials used for target mats are mesh polyester/PVC e.g. for banners, but this material creases when rolled. Rubber materials stick well to the floor and do not crease, but are typically 2mm thick to avoid tearing. Thick materials can affect the roll of the ball and the rubber will add a little friction.
The material used in our target mat is a waterproof vinyl that is just 0.20mm thick. The mat is 1524mm x 1064mm, so the sheer size and weight helps to keep it flat to the floor. No need to tape it down. It rolls well and is stored in a heavy duty cardboard tube. The mat will not crease if it is un-rolled to play and then rolled up when finished. Creasing will only happen due to force or mis-handling. The images above show how well the mat clings to the floor. Tests with boccia balls indicate that the 0.20mm makes little difference to the roll of the ball, if any at all, and the vinyl surface adds no friction.
The material used in our target mat is a waterproof vinyl that is just 0.20mm thick. The mat is 1524mm x 1064mm, so the sheer size and weight helps to keep it flat to the floor. No need to tape it down. It rolls well and is stored in a heavy duty cardboard tube. The mat will not crease if it is un-rolled to play and then rolled up when finished. Creasing will only happen due to force or mis-handling. The images above show how well the mat clings to the floor. Tests with boccia balls indicate that the 0.20mm makes little difference to the roll of the ball, if any at all, and the vinyl surface adds no friction.
9-POINT TEST ANALYTICS
Full details of how to score each shot is provided in the Microsoft Excel Boccia 9-Point Test Analytics workbook.
It is simple to use, with drop-down menus to select the score, the line and the pace of the ball. Charts and graphs are automatically updated so results can be viewed instantly.
ANALYTICS
- Results entered into MS Excel workbook are displayed in chart form.
- The analytics will highlight strengths and weaknesses on the court.
- If balls are numbered, the analytics will show how each one is performing.
Future Projects
Future Projects
