Load of balls

One of the well known problems with warfare is troop boredom. To combat this, officers spend much time devising amusing training exercises.
The Arabs had such an exercise for their artillery soldiers, who had to remain strong and dexterous to roll and load cannon balls during the heat of battle. They called this exercise al Bok'har.
It apparently was very popular with the lads, so much so that they and foreign forces adapted it to play at home. Over time it evolved and the balls became more civilian friendly, until today it remains and is nown as "bocce".
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