Dodgeball is one of the exciting games that excites, shares teamwork, and promotes physical exercise among people from all walks of life. In addition to the traditional form, there are many varieties and game modes of dodgeball that would make it such a great, long-term game to enjoy. Classic Traditional Dodgeball is tackled by introducing major variations like “Doctor Dodgeball,” “Prison Dodgeball,” and “King’s Court.” These options suit PE teachers, casual players, and groups of youths keen to spice up their games of dodgeball!
In traditional dodgeball, two teams play each other to a “dodge death,” in which one side eliminates the other by hitting opponents with a ball. The objective is clear: the last team standing. Players can catch balls that are thrown their way to make returning teammates come back into the game, and once a player is hit, he goes out of the playing area. Players are fast-moving, team-working, strategic players.
Minimum Equipment
- Space: A defined gym or outdoor court.
- Groups: Two balanced groups of about 5-10 people each.
- Dodge balls: soft dodges; preferably five to six so that casualties can be minimized.
General Game Rules
- No player should cross the centerline before the game starts.
- If any player catches a ball, the one throwing it is out, and the one catching can bring a teammate back into play.
- The purpose is to dodge getting hit. Once hit, the player is out until the next round.
Types of Dodgeball
1. Doc Dodgeball
This version of the game must have at least one or two individuals for each team labeled as “doctors.” They protect their teammates from getting hit by hitting back the opponents.
Teams: Having at least two teams with one or two doctors in them.
Objective: Players aim to hit other players with the ball in the hope that they will not be hit back.
If a player gets hit, he or she must sit down until their doctor revives him or her.
The game continues until all players on either side have been captured or until the time is over.
2. Prison Dodgeball
The rule creates a “prison” space to which to send out of the game the removed players. They can be freed by their own team.
Teams: Two teams are of approximately equal size.
Prison Area: The court is divided into a prison area where the removed players go.
Rules:Whenever a player is hit, this player proceeds to the prison area.The prisoners freed by their own team can be freed by catching the balls thrown by the opposing team.The game continues when all the players of one team are in prison.
3. Court of the King
In this version, one player is assigned the role of the “king” or “queen,” who should be guarded by his or her teammates.The teams consist of two teams, each of which has a king or queen.
Objective: Touch the opponent’s king with the ground while keeping your own king safe.
Rules:Players go out only when the king is touched.When the king is touched, the game is finished as the other team wins.Players can deflect balls to shelter their king for exciting games..
Dodgeball games for kids of different ages
To be safe for the younger kids, the games of dodgeball have to be amended. Still, they must not lose the fun element. Some of the games listed below for the kids would get this trick done:
1. Soft Dodgeball
The game could be made easier by using soft foam balls and can divide the teams into smaller groups for better control.
Rules:Players are not allowed to overhand throw so as to avoid injuries to all the players and children, and no hitting above the waist is allowed.If a player is hit, a player can stay in the game if they want to do an amusing activity, like a funny dance, to “return.”
2. Freezer Dodgeball
When a player is hit, he has to freeze in place until one of his teammates touches him to unfreeze him.
Relps:This allows team playing instead of quick elimination.Players can only untag other teammates when they avoid the balloon that an opponent is inflating.
3. Balloon Dodgeball
Use balloons instead of balls and let it be fun, safe for very young players.
Relps:Players pop balloons at each other, and when the balloon pops, the person who threw it out is out.This is a great variation that would be super to develop hand-eye coordination with absolutely no risk of injury.
4. Target Dodgeball
Set up targets around the playing area (cones or soft toys).
Rules:Players score points by hitting targets as opposed to each other, which thus reduces aggression and focuses on the skill.
Teams shift to offense and defense every few minutes.
Conclusion:
Dodgeball is a very dynamic game with a degree of permutations and exciting ways of playing. “Doctor Dodgeball,” “Prison Dodgeball,” and “King’s Court” can introduce more exciting ways of playing dodgeball. Such versions retain the fun element while encouraging teamwork and strategic thinking.
Experiment with different variations, so every session is a little new experience for the game enthusiasts, exciting and challenging them in different ways. Gather your friends, students, or teammates together and try some of these dodgeball variations!
