How to Play Dodgeball

Assemble a team of at least 3 players on each side. To enjoy a traditional dodgeball game, you'll need at least 3 players on each team, but feel free to have more on each side if you'd like.

• Ensure that all players wear shoes with rubber soles, like sneakers, to prevent slipping on the court.

Place 1 or more balls in the center of the court. At least one ball should be available for players to throw, but using multiple balls will make the game faster and more intense. Position the ball(s) on the centerline.

• If using just 1 ball, place it at the exact midpoint of the centerline.
• If using multiple balls, distribute them evenly along the centerline.

Set a 10-minute timer. This is the maximum duration for a match, so make sure to start the timer before the first game begins. A game may only last a minute or two, but you can play several rounds to determine the overall winner.

• Alternatively, you can decide the winner by the number of games won, such as the first team to win 3 rounds or the team with the most wins out of 7 games.

Rush to the balls as soon as the game begins. Once you’re ready to start, blow a whistle or yell “go!” to signal the players to sprint toward the center. Any player can grab a ball, but teams may want to send their quickest player to get the ball if there's only one.

• Once a player grabs a ball, they must wait 5 seconds before throwing it, giving everyone a fair chance to grab one.

Try to avoid the balls thrown by the opposing team. As players rush for balls and aim them at the other team, you must dodge those incoming throws. Move around the court to avoid getting hit, but make sure to stay on your side of the court.

• If you successfully dodge a ball, you can pick it up and throw it at the other team.
• If the ball strikes you, you are out and must leave the court.
• If you catch a thrown ball, the thrower is out, but only if you catch it before it touches the ground.

Throw balls at the other team to eliminate players. Once you have a ball, you must throw it within 5 seconds. Be careful not to throw too hard to avoid injury! Also, aim to throw below the level of the opponent’s shoulders to prevent hitting them in the head. A headshot does not count.

• If you wait longer than 5 seconds to throw, you forfeit your chance and must gently roll the ball to the other team.
• Avoid crossing the centerline when approaching to throw the ball—doing so will get you out.
• Never aim for someone’s head or throw at a player who is already down!

Win by eliminating all of the opposing team’s players. The goal of the game is to be the team with players remaining on the court. If your team manages to tag out every player from the opposing team, you win!

• Even if only one of your players is still in the game and the other team has no players left, your team wins the match.
• If you wish, you can switch sides after each game to ensure fairness.
• After 10 minutes of play, the team with the most game victories is declared the overall winner of the match.

Mark a large circle with X marks around its perimeter. You can draw a circle or semi-circle using chalk on concrete or place an extra-large jump rope to form a semi-circle on the edge of a basketball court. Use chalk or tape to mark an X for each player who will be positioned outside the court.

• If the court you are using already has circles, you may choose one of those to serve as the circular court.
• The circle should have a diameter of at least 10 feet (3 meters).

Start with half your players inside the circle and the other half outside. Having fewer players inside the circle makes it more difficult for them to dodge the balls, so to balance things, start with half the players inside the circle and the other half outside. Players positioned outside should stand on an X mark.

• For example, if you have 8 players total, place 4 inside the circle and the remaining 4 outside.
• Players outside the circle can wear flags or special jerseys to distinguish them from those inside the circle.

Throw balls at players in the circle if you are standing on an X. Be sure not to throw the ball too hard to avoid injuring someone! When you throw, you cannot move from your X position, and you can only retrieve a ball if you can reach it without stepping off your X. Players inside the circle can move freely within the circle to dodge your throws.

• If you are outside the circle, aim your throws below the opponents’ shoulders to avoid hitting them in the head. In some cases, you might be required to throw underhanded.
• Never aim for a player’s head or throw at a player who is already down!

Avoid getting hit by balls if you're inside the circle. If you’re struck by a ball, you must exit the circle. The goal is to dodge the incoming balls. Once hit, you're out and must sit or stand on the sidelines until the game concludes.

• The game ends after 2 minutes, and the team with the most players remaining on the court wins.
• Switch sides after each round to ensure fairness.

Place several balls in the center of the court or gym. Survivor dodgeball’s goal is to be the last player standing. Start by placing a few balls in the center of the court, and players can race to grab them. You can adjust the number of balls depending on how many players are involved, but having a few makes the game more exciting and easier to engage in.

• For example, you might use one ball for every 2 to 3 players, such as 4 balls for 8 to 12 players.

Position yourself around the court's edge. Survivor dodgeball is different because there are no teams. Players choose where to stand at the game’s start. You can spread out or try positioning yourself for an advantage.

• If you want to be quick to grab a ball, consider standing close to the center.
• Although there are no formal teams, you may team up with another player to eliminate others, but eventually, you’ll face each other for the final showdown.

Dash to the center of the court to grab a ball when the game starts. When it’s time to start, a whistle or a shout of “go!” will signal the players to race toward the center of the court and try to grab a ball.

• If speed isn’t your strength, consider staying near the outskirts and conserving your energy to focus on avoiding balls instead.

Throw the ball to eliminate other players. Be sure not to aim for a player’s head! Focus your throws below their waistline. Never target a player who is already down, and avoid throwing the ball with excessive force! When you have the ball, throw it immediately to try to tag out another player.

• Remember, survivor dodgeball has no teams, so anyone on the court is a valid target.
• If the ball strikes the player, they are out.
• If they manage to dodge the ball, they can grab it and toss it back at you, so be prepared to move quickly!

Alternative Dodgeball Versions

Bludger Dodgeball (also known as Bombs Away): Players throw smaller dodgeballs at a large ball placed at the center of the court. The first team to push the large ball into the other team's court wins.

Team Survivor: Teams of two or more players aim to eliminate others until they remain the last team standing.

Bombardment or Pin Guard: Each team receives four bowling pins, which are positioned a few feet from the centerline. Players work to protect their pins while trying to knock down the opponent's pins. If a player is hit, they’re out. The team that knocks down the opponent's pins first wins.

Continue until there’s just one player left. As players are hit, they leave the court and wait on the sidelines. The last remaining player wins survivor dodgeball, so keep playing until only one player remains.

• To keep things engaging until the end, tagged-out players can wear a special jersey or flag. These players can still grab balls and throw them, but they are not eligible to win the game.

• Check out dodgeball leagues in your local area. It's a great way to get active while meeting new people!

• Dodgeball can be a bit intense! Avoid throwing the ball at anyone's head or targeting them while they’re down. Be mindful of how hard you throw the ball!
• Dodgeballs are softer than most sports balls, so being hit by one shouldn’t be painful. However, it can still be harmful if you throw it at someone’s head, so always aim below the shoulders or lower, aiming for the waist or legs instead.