Dodgeball Games
Traditional School Dodgeball
Traditional dodgeball is played in schools much like a game of tig. Two or three children are given soft balls and the aim is to hit all other children with the ball (usually below the waist) and put them out of the game.
As it is not a good idea to put children 'out' in games alternatives can be that the child that is hit becomes the catcher, or they have to do a specified exercise e.g jumping jacks until all other children are caught.
Dodgeball
Dodgeball is a recognised sport and it is becoming more popular in Scotland with competitions, hosted by the UK dodgeball association, throughout the year. www.ukdba.org
In dodgeball is count is split into two halves and each team can only play in their half. In the middle of the court there is a dead zone where the balls start at the beginning of the game, and neither team can enter this area.
There are several ways of being put out in dodgeball
The ball can not have touched, walls, floor or anything else before touching you to put you out. Although the ball can hit you anywhere, an intentional head shot is not permitted.
If an opposing player catches the ball you throw before it hits the ground you are out.
Any part of the body over the side lines or in the dead zone puts you out.
However if a team mate gets a full catch you are back in the game - first out, first in.
The game is player with 6 players and 3 balls.
All 6 player must start at the back of the court making contact with the wall. Only 3 players per team can run forward for the balls at the start of the game, and the balls must be passed back before they can be thrown at the opposition.
Games are usually best of 5, 2 mins games. Team with the most remaining player win, or if you knock out all 6 players within the time.
Dungeonball
Hall is split in half with 2 benches making the divide. All of the class are split into 2 teams. A mat is placed at the back of each half.
Small and large soft balls are needed for the game, the more the better e.g 15 big 10 small.
The aim of the game is to get the other team in your dungeon (the mat).
Big balls are thrown at the opposing team, the aim is to hit them below the waist, when hit that person must go around the benches to the dungeon on the opposing side.
Team mates can try to free anyone on the mat by throwing the small balls to them. You must get a full catch while standing on the mat to go free.
(variation can be if the team captain catches the ball all on the mat go free).
Children love this game and it is a brill end of term treat or a good application for the overarm throw (needed to free captured team mates)
Sit down dodgeball
This game is quite complex and is more suited to upper primary.
Two or three large soft balls are needed for the game. Anyone can use the balls thoughout the game, the aim is to stay standing throughout the game. When hit (below the waist) you must sit down, however if you are hit again when sitting, you can get back up and whoever threw the ball must sit down.
Once children get used to playing this game it is very enjoyable and can led to some sneaky tactics such as standing in front of friends that are sitting so that when the ball is thrown it hits them.
Full catch sits down the person that threw the ball.
When there are 4/5 players left declare them winners and start the game again. The more balls the harder the game so start with 2 and introduce more as the children get better at the game.
Dodgeball rounders
A good way to introduce a striking and fielding game to young children. All you need is 2 mats and 3 small foam balls. Using the length of the hall set up 2 mats one at each end.
Small teams of 6 children. Each team gets a turn to 'strike' or in this case throw, the team with the most runs wins. All other teams field.
First thrower throws all 3 small balls then tried to run to the mat at the other side. Fielders have to collect the balls then throw them at the runner, if hit the runner is out. If the runner makes it to the mat they stop and wait for the next thrower to throw before running back. Team counts the number of runs the can make before the are all out or before a set number of innings (turns to throw).
Variation is to use 4 bases.
Killer dodgeball/benchball Game emailed to us by Mary Mayes. Thanks!!!
One badminton court area;
Two benches in the middle;
Two benches at either end of the court
Teams....pretty much unlimited 7-15
3 or more soft touch volleyballs
Aims:
Hit an opponent below the waist
Once hit, the opponent stands on the opposing bench
If standing on the opponents bench the player can catch a ball thrown to them and either try and hit one of their opponents from behind, or throw the ball back to the thrower and be released from the bench.
Once all players have been hit a 'point' is scored for the team.
Rules:
Balls start on the middle benches - game starts on the word go or whistle, thereafter players try to hit their opponents below the waist. If they get hit they must go to the opposing benches
Players on the bench cannot get off to retrieve a ball
A player from the bench can only be released if they receive and pass to the same player and the ball is caught on the full (ie not bounced)
Tactics:
Defend the bench so that the opposition on it can't get a free shot at your team or pass it back...........
Free up people on the bench at appropriate times
Comments:
This is a great game for all ages and my year 11 girls love it.........it is energetic, exciting and very very competitive, even for the least competitive pupil.
The more skilful pupils quickly suss the advantages of defending the bench.
The less skillful tend to get hit quite often.
The more savvy pupils on the bench try to hit the pupils from behind, rather than get freed themselves.
Each 'game' can last for 5 -15 minutes depending on the tactics
Try it and enjoy!