Final answer:
The name of the smallest ball in bocce ball is the pallino, and it serves as the target ball for the players during the game.
Step-by-step explanation:
The smallest ball in bocce ball is known as the pallino. It is also sometimes referred to as the jack or boccino. In a game of bocce ball, the pallino is the target ball, which the players aim to get their bocce balls closest to. It is distinct from the larger bocce balls and is often a different color to be easily identifiable on the playing court. Starting the game involves one player throwing the pallino onto the playing surface, which then becomes the focal point of the round as players take turns trying to bowl their bocce balls as close to the pallino as possible.