Be Great at Dodgeball

Dodgeball is a popular recreation game for kids in grades 6-12, but still is popular with adults today. The main objective of the game is simple, dodge the ball! There are many tournaments and series set up around the world for this game, and is great fun all around. Dodgeball is as fun as you make it, and being good at it certainly makes it more fun! Read on about how to be great at dodgeball.

Steps

Knowing the rules

  1. Know the intricacies of the rules. The concept is easy to grasp, but there are different sets of rules. Know which set you're using.

Clever tactics

  1. Don't ever stand still. If you do stand still, bounce on the balls of your feet to dodge if you need to.Try to stay on the balls of your feet at all times.
  2. Practice catching very fast balls. Also, practice catching balls thrown at your feet. These are the two most common throws you'll see.
  3. Try to throw low so your opponent has less chance of catching the ball.
  4. If you're going to throw at a person's mid-section, put all your force into it, so as to make it more difficult for them to get hold of it.
  5. Fake a throw at someone’s feet. When they jump, they'll have a split-second of air-time in which they won't be able to really maneuver much. Use it.
  6. Catch those balls! Catching an opponent's ball means an out teammate can come back in, and that is good, if you have only 5 people left standing.
  7. If you have a ball in hand, use it to deflect other balls thrown at you (banned in some leagues). Try to deflect them in an upward angle (not back at the other team) so that when the deflected ball bounces way up, and then back down, your teammates can catch it, thus eliminating the opposing player that originally threw it while gaining an advantage in the number of balls your team now has.
  8. When someone is about to make a headshot, use a duck-and-cover method. Drop to the ground and stay until you are sure they won't hit you while you are there. Remember, use the duck-and-cover method only if you have the time to spare. Examples would be that your side has all the balls, and only one ball is on the other side.
    • Another thing you can do is duck-and-cover with someone behind you. Then, the ball would be caught, and you won't be out.
  9. Observe your opponents outside the game. If you ever played dodgeball with any of the opponents, this will give you a good idea of how skilled they are. For example, if you know a kid on the opposing team that has a really good throwing arm, watch out for him.

Other helpful approaches

  1. Practice jumping and doing splits in the air to dodge low balls (if you're short), and practice rolling on the ground and getting up really fast to dodge high balls (if you're tall). Being able to drop into a push-up position quickly and recover also helps.
  2. If you're a person on the larger side, then stay toward the back and let the smaller people dodge the hits. You'll have more reaction time to get out of the way, and your power shots won't be affected much by the greater distance.
  3. Keep your eyes open for the closer opponents, but stay out of their sight. When they throw at one of your team, throw at them while they are unaware of your position.
  4. If you know someone is trying to get you out, attempt to get them out.
  5. After you aim for the legs several times, stop! The enemy will expect that you're aiming for the leg and try to catch the ball. Try aiming for the chest or faking a throw.
  6. Protect the teammates who are still standing! Use your ball to deflect another one aimed for one of your teammates! It may be gutsy, but it keeps your team alive in the long run.

Tips

  • If there's another person on your team that's a better shot than you are, give them the ball! Teamwork is key to dodge ball.
  • When looking for a ball, don't stay too far in the back, because they'll think your weak. But don't get too far forward, or you will be a primary target. Try to be in the middle group where everyone else is trying to get a ball.
  • Be confident! Everyone has their own type of advantage in the game. If you're small, you can dodge. If you're big, you've got power and can throw the ball fast. Find out what your strength is and play it.
  • Always keep your shoes double-tied.
  • It isn't essential to catch the ball thrown at you. If it doesn't look like a throw that you can catch, let it go.
  • Follow through with all of your throws. By following through with your arm and your leg, you can put more velocity on the ball(which is really intimidating!)#
  • Don't fall for the 'lob and throw'. It is an old but useful tactic. So keep your senses keen!
  • Always go for the legs, it is much easier and you do not need a good throwing arm.
  • Rejuvenate the grip on your shoes by cleaning the dust off of them frequently between matches. The increased traction will enhance your agility on the court.
  • If you want to get an opponent out quick, and you have two dodgeballs, throw one up in the air to distract them, then hit them with the remaining ball.
  • If the enemy has thrown several dodgeballs onto your side, line up the dodgeballs in a line, then throw them as fast as you can.
  • If your teammate and an opponent have a ball, but you don't, try to get the opponent to throw it at you. This will leave them open to attack, and your teammate can give them a righteous bludgeoning to the head.
  • In an effort to startle your opponent, try screaming while throwing the ball. This may let people think you are obsessed with the game.
  • Using inferior teammates as human shields is legitimate dodge ball practice.
  • Do 10 minutes of exercise or stretches before the game.
  • Don't throw a ball in the air and another at the opponent attempting to catch. It's a typical strategy which would only work if your shot is perfect. Otherwise, you miss the opponent catches the flying ball you threw first.
  • When the game begins stay back and let the balls come to you. That way you aren't in harms way while getting the ball.
  • If you catch a ball and then you are out, let the team member who plays better than you, so you can have more points.
  • Don't just run in a screaming, throwing, frenzy. This strategy is not very effective and makes you look like a fool.

Warnings

  • Possible injuries are broken noses, stomach pains, twisted ankles, cramps, anger, broken limbs, and hurt knee caps. Welts and red spots may occur if the ball is thrown hard enough.
  • If a ball comes for your head, duck. Bring your knees to an acute angle. Bring your legs to your chest as you slouch your back forward.
  • Other things may include stress if you do not have a good sense of sportsmanship.

Things You'll Need

  • 4-15 balls
  • 9 teammates
  • 10 opponents
  • Dodge ball court
  • A referee

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Sources and Citations

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