Flat Bocce: A Coming of Age Story?

Flat Bocce wasn’t created in a boardroom—it was discovered through play. What started as a simple, floppy hexagon designed for agility training became something entirely new when its creator, Jack Rutkowski, realized how much fun it was to throw. Unlike traditional backyard games, these soft hexagonal discs—soon to be called Flabs—could land on anything without rolling away. Suddenly, every space became a lawn game waiting to happen: beaches, alleyways, campsites, parks, even apartments.

Bocce was the closest comparison, but Jack quickly realized Flat Bocce had something different—overlaps. In traditional bocce, players get as close as possible to the target. But in Flat Bocce, you can land on top of the Jack, unlocking bonus points and creating offensive and defensive strategies that don’t exist in other disc sports or party games. The game evolved naturally, refined through countless matches with Jack’s college roommate, Flyn Cooley, who helped shape the rules to ensure fairness in all situations. The result? A kid-safe game that’s simple to learn but endlessly strategic—perfect for outdoor family game nights, camping trips, or competitive niche sports tournaments.

After years of refining the game, Jack had the first prototypes manufactured in China. But a problem emerged—the Flabs didn’t float. Living in Santa Monica, he saw how easily they could be lost to the ocean. It wasn’t until he found a U.S. manufacturer in Traverse City, Michigan, that the perfect material—neutral buoyant TPV—solved the issue.

By 2024, Flat Bocce was officially launched, with Flabocce manufacturing Flat Bocce kits and the North American Flat Bocce Association (NAFBA) was founded to govern the sport, ensuring competitive integrity and expanding access to underserved communities. Whether it's being played at family reunions, Special Olympics events, or neighborhood get-togethers, the game continues to grow.

Design Philosophy: A Challenge Worth Mastering

At first glance, the Flab is an odd object—a floppy hexagon, lightweight, and unpredictable. But that’s the point. The beauty of Flat Bocce is learning how to control it. Like frisbee games or beach games, the challenge lies in mastering the throw—finding the right spin, loft, and landing angle to outplay your opponent.

Jack could have redesigned the Flabs for easier throws. But like American football, where the oblong shape forces players to develop unique skills, Flat Bocce rewards those who adapt. Some players master the fling, others prefer the float, and some excel at flopping the Flabs into position. It’s not about finding the perfect design—it’s about learning to dominate the game within its unique constraints.

Flat Bocce’s limitless court means it can be played anywhere, on any surface. The scoring plane creates dynamic gameplay, where the environment influences the strategy. And the instant win—a perfectly executed shot that completely covers the Jack—is a moment of pure skill and triumph, like a hole-in-one in golf.

The Future of Flat Bocce

Jack envisions Flat Bocce becoming a televised sport, much like cornhole on ESPN. He believes that as more players experience the game, the competitive potential will only grow. But at its core, Flat Bocce doesn’t need stadiums or million-dollar sponsorships to succeed. If it simply becomes a go-to outdoor game for families, campers, and beachgoers, that’s a win.

As Jack reminds himself, “Once you release your creation into the world, it’s already a success.”

Now it’s your turn to play.