Buzz
Dodgeball is an exciting and dynamic game enjoyed by both kids and adults. The objective is simple: avoid being hit by the ball! However, there are numerous techniques to elevate your performance, sharpen your abilities, and make the game more competitive. By dedicating time to practice and improve your skills, you'll quickly become a top player and a favorite teammate on the dodgeball court!
Steps
Becoming an Effective Thrower
Understand how to eliminate players. There are various methods to remove players from the game. It's essential to familiarize yourself with these rules to enhance your throwing tactics. These regulations are fundamental to the structure of dodgeball!
- Players who are hit by a ball are eliminated. These balls may either be thrown directly or rebound off walls, floors, or other players to hit someone.
- Players stepping out of bounds are eliminated.
- Players whose thrown balls are caught by the opposing team are eliminated.
- Players who cross into the opponent’s side are eliminated.
- Players who throw headshots are eliminated.
- Once eliminated, players go to the “queue” and wait for an opportunity to re-enter the game when a teammate catches a ball. The queue follows the order of eliminations.
Work together with your teammates. While dodgeball may seem like a chaotic free-for-all, the most successful teams collaborate to devise throwing strategies. Assign numbers to your opponents from left to right, starting with one and ending with six. Coordinate multiple throws at one player to make it harder for them to avoid your attacks.
- Designate a “caller” for your team, typically the corner player. The caller can choose a target player by number and instruct the team to throw together at that player after counting to three.
- Focus on eliminating one player at a time for the best chance of success. Trying to take out multiple players at once might distract you from your immediate target. Stay patient and you’ll eliminate them all eventually.
Target the strongest players first. It may be tempting to go after the weaker players, but this isn’t always the most effective approach. It’s better to take on the toughest players while you still have the energy and strength to do so. Facing them at the end, when you're tired, could be a disadvantage.
- To identify the strongest and weakest players, observe your opponents before the match. If possible, watch one of their previous games or check online for information about their team.
Get closer to the neutral zone to make stronger throws. The closer you are to the opposing side, the more accurate and powerful your throws will be, making it harder for opponents to dodge them. However, this tactic can be risky since it also brings you closer to your opponents' attacks. Move swiftly, throw quickly, and return to safety.
- Be cautious not to cross into the opponent’s territory, as doing so will result in being eliminated from the game.
Aim low to reduce the chances of your balls being caught. Aiming for the chest or midsection gives your opponents a higher chance of catching your throws. Instead, aim lower, targeting below the waist, especially the shins. These throws are harder to catch and will likely force your opponents to jump, increasing the chances of getting them out.
- If you decide to aim higher than the waist, your throws must be fast and powerful enough to prevent the other team from catching them. Only attempt this if you have a strong and swift throwing arm.
Push players along the edges of the court out of bounds. If you spot an opposing player near the boundary, take advantage of the situation! The “caller” should direct the team to focus their throws on that player. They may become overwhelmed by the barrage and step out of bounds, leading to their elimination.
Use a side grip for a sneaky curve ball. A well-placed curve ball can catch your opponents by surprise, making it much harder for them to avoid. To master this, grip the ball on the side and throw it in a curved motion instead of a straight line. However, don’t attempt this in a game until you've practiced enough to perfect your technique.
- For an advanced version, try a wrap-around curve ball by twisting your wrist and hand around the ball as you release it. This will require even more practice but can add more power and curve to your throws.
Target a player right after they throw a ball. After an opponent throws their ball, they are at their most vulnerable. You have a brief window of opportunity when their focus isn’t entirely on avoiding other throws. This is the perfect time to strike.
- If they’ve just eliminated one of your teammates, take the chance for a little payback!
Throw a fake-out by looking elsewhere. This deceptive move can trick your opponent, making them unprepared for your throw. However, this tactic comes with some risk. Since you’re not looking directly at your target, your throw might not be as accurate.
- This strategy also leaves you open to the possibility of being caught off guard, as your attention is divided between your target and where you’re aiming. Be careful not to let this create an opening for a sneak attack.
Avoid headshots. Headshots are not only against the rules, but they are also dangerous. It’s not a smart strategy, as it could get you eliminated from the game. Even if you’re aiming for a tough hit, avoid targeting the head or neck, as injuring someone is never worth the risk—and it could cost you the game in the end.
Dodging and Blocking the Ball
Position yourself near the wall. By staying back from the center and closer to the wall, you’ll create more distance between you and your opponents, making it harder for them to target you. Just don’t position yourself too close to the wall, as deflected or missed balls could bounce back and hit you from behind. Leave a gap of around one meter behind you for safety.
Jump higher or use a split leap. Since your opponents will likely target your legs, being able to jump well is key. Practice jumping higher each time. You can also improve your flexibility to split your legs in the air, making it harder for your opponents to hit you.
Always stay aware of the boundaries. One of the most frustrating ways to be eliminated is by stepping out of bounds, especially as a corner player. Stay conscious of your position on the court at all times. This is crucial when dodging, as stepping out limits your ability to move in one direction.
Spread out to minimize the opponent's chances. Clustering in the center of the court creates a large, easy target for your opponents. Even if only a few players are left, make sure to use the full width of the court. Maintain good spacing to give yourself enough room to dodge incoming throws.
Use a blocking ball to deflect attacks. Many teams and leagues allow blocking, which involves using one ball to protect yourself from incoming throws. For some players, blocking may be easier to master than dodging. You can even have specific “blockers” on your team.
- Blockers can also shield teammates from being hit.
- Be careful to maintain a firm grip on your blocking ball—if you drop it, you’re out!
Don’t panic if you're the last one left. This is known as 'all-on-one.' It’s a situation that eventually happens in most games, so you’ll likely face it at some point. Keep your focus on dodging and aim for that perfect catch—it’ll bring a teammate back into the game.
- Stay low and crouch close to the ground during this intense moment to minimize your target area.
Catching the Ball
Always be ready to catch the ball. Catching is an often overlooked skill that can win games. Remember, catching a ball eliminates opponents just like throwing one. In fact, it’s even better because it gives you another ball to throw and adds a teammate back to your side! Always be prepared for this important part of the game.
Don’t attempt to catch balls that are too far out of reach. While you should always be on the lookout for catchable balls, don’t risk catching one that might slip through your hands. If you have to stretch or reach too much for it, let it go. Dropping it means you're out.
Use both hands to catch the ball. The best balls to catch are those that come directly toward you, allowing you to use both hands. This gives you better control and a higher chance of holding on to the ball, compared to a risky fingertip catch.
- Always use your full hands for the catch, taking the impact on your palms. Finger catches are harder to secure and maintain without dropping the ball.
Secure the ball by pulling it into your chest. Once you catch the ball, bring it close to your chest for added security. Some players may even catch it with their whole body, which offers extra control. Hold it there until you’re confident you have a firm grip. This will help prevent any accidental drops.
Quickly recover after a catch to stay in the game. You’ve caught the ball, great! Now, don’t waste time celebrating—this is when you’re most vulnerable to being targeted. As soon as you have the ball under control, get moving again. Stay alert and be ready to dodge and throw as needed.
Don’t hold onto the ball and stall the game. Holding the ball too long is considered stalling, which the referee can call you out for. You should be actively doing something with the ball after a few seconds—whether it’s blocking, rolling it back to the other team, or throwing it. After ten seconds of inactivity, the referee can send you out for delaying the game.
Adding Advanced Moves and Tricks
Have a corner player prepared to counterattack. Countering involves sneaking from the corner of the court toward the neutral zone to launch a surprise attack on an opposing player. It’s a bold move and requires a brave player willing to take the risk. When you counter, speed and surprise are essential.
- Save countering for moments when you only have one ball left on your side.
- Countering is especially effective after a player has been eliminated. The opposing team may be distracted, providing the perfect moment to strike!
Evade counterattacks with a dive or side-jump. Since counters rely on speed, they can be tough to dodge. A regular jump might not be enough to escape the ball. Instead, use a back dive or side-jump to get out of the way.
- Be extremely cautious when performing a back dive. These moves can be risky, particularly if you land awkwardly and hit your head. Try to absorb the fall with your bottom, and keep your head and neck safe from impact.
Eliminate your opponent with the "butterfly and the bee" distraction. This sneaky move involves throwing one ball up to distract your opponent. While their eyes are on that ball, throw another one straight at them to catch them off guard.
Introduce distractions into your strategy. Dodgeball can be unpredictable and fun. If your league allows cartwheels or synchronized jumps, use them to your advantage! These quirky moves can confuse your opponents and make the game more exciting.
- Coordinate a jump or cartwheel by using a code word.
- Ensure these moves don’t get you eliminated. Only attempt them if you're confident you can still dodge while your team distracts the opposition.
Trick your opponents into throwing you a catchable ball. This is known as a drop-catch. Hold the ball in front of you to bait the opposing team into targeting you. Drop your ball, and then catch one of their incoming throws.
- Only try this if you're sure you can catch the ball. If not, focus on dodging or use the ball you have to block their attacks.
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If another player on your team is a stronger thrower than you, pass them the ball! Teamwork is essential in dodgeball.
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Make sure your shoes are tightly tied before every game and practice. Don’t let them get too worn out; solid traction is crucial for a good performance in dodgeball.
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Always warm up and cool down for about 10-15 minutes before and after games to prevent injuries.
The following advice comes from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like you. If you have a valuable tip you’d like to share with the Mytour community, feel free to submit it in the field below.
- I position myself in the center and rarely get hit, making me the last player standing against the remaining team. I let them throw all their balls, collecting them for myself so I can control the game.
- Remember: even if you're hit, you’re not out until the ball touches the ground. So, make sure you put in the effort to catch the ball, even if you think you've been eliminated!
Important Warnings
- Be mindful that injury is possible while playing dodgeball. However, if everyone follows the rules, both you and your teammates—along with your opponents—will have a lower risk of serious harm.
- If a ball is coming for your head, duck down to protect yourself.
