Dodgeball

Dodgeball is a fast team sport.

Two teams play on a court. You try to hit the other team with a ball. You must also move so you do not get hit!

If you catch a ball, the thrower is out. A teammate can then come back into the game. You can even use a ball to block a throw. Players use balls made of foam, cloth, or rubber. Some games use many balls to make more action. It is a fun way to run and play together!

Dodgeball is a fast team sport.

Two teams face each other on a court. The goal is to hit the other team with a ball. You must also move quickly to avoid being hit!

Players use many kinds of balls. Some are made of foam, cloth, or rubber. In big contests, the World Dodgeball Federation uses six balls.

Some games start with an opening rush. This is when players run to the center line to grab balls. You cannot throw a ball at an opponent right away. You must first move it back to your own side.

If a ball hits you, you are out. But if you catch a live ball, you can help your team! The person who threw the ball is out. A teammate can then come back into the game. You can also use a ball to block a throw.

Just be careful not to drop your ball, or you will be out too.

Many countries have their own ways to play. In China, players use small sand bags. In Brazil, the game is called queimado. People all over the world love to play!

Dodgeball is an exciting team sport built on speed and skill.

Two opposing teams face each other on a court. The main goal is to eliminate the other team. You do this by hitting opponents with thrown balls. You can also catch a ball thrown by an opponent. Another way to win is to make an opponent commit a violation. This might happen if they step outside the court lines. It is a game of quick moves and careful watching.

The game begins in different ways depending on the rules. In some games, players do an opening rush. They line up on the center line and run to grab balls. You cannot throw the ball at an opponent immediately during a rush. Instead, you must retreat or throw it to a teammate. Once the balls are in play, they are called "live." A ball stays live until it touches a floor, wall, or ceiling. If a live ball hits you, you are out. However, if you catch a live ball, the thrower is out and a teammate is revived.

Dodgeball has a long history of different styles around the world. Many countries have their own special versions of the game. In China, players use small round sand bags called "Sha Bao." In Brazil, the game is known as "queimado." In Iran, people call it "vassati" and enjoy playing it during picnics. Even in South Africa, schools play a version called "brandbal." These different names show how much people everywhere enjoy this type of play. It is a global way to have fun and stay active.

Professional groups help organize big tournaments for players. The World Dodgeball Federation, or WDBF, runs the Dodgeball World Championship. This big event has been held every year since 2012. In 2021, the WDBF had 80 different members. For their championships, the WDBF uses six balls and six players on each side. They often use foam balls for these matches. Other groups, like the World Dodgeball Association, might use five balls instead. These rules help make sure the games are fair for everyone.

Players use many smart tactics to win their matches. Some players move toward the center to attack their opponents. Others stay near the back line to stay safe. A good team might use a coordinated attack. They can call out numbers to target specific opponents from different angles. It is also smart to aim below the waist. This helps avoid hitting someone in the head. Learning to throw balls that curve can also give a player an advantage. Using these skills makes the game even more interesting to watch.

Dodgeball is a dynamic team sport centered on agility and precision.

In this game, two opposing teams compete to eliminate every member of the other side. Players achieve this by hitting opponents with thrown balls or catching a ball thrown by an opponent. A team can also win by inducing an opponent to commit a violation. Common violations include stepping outside the court boundaries or entering the opponent's zone. Because the game requires quick reactions, it is a popular activity in schools and professional leagues alike.

The mechanics of a match depend on the specific rules being used. Many games begin with an "opening rush." In this scenario, players line up on the central dividing line and sprint toward the center to grab the balls. According to WBFB regulations, a player cannot immediately throw a ball at an opponent during this rush. Instead, they must retreat behind an "attack line," located about one-third of the way from the back of the court. In some versions, players may only run for balls on the left side of the court, while the middle ball is contested by both sides.

Once the balls are in play, they are considered "live." A ball remains live from the moment it leaves a player's hand until it touches the floor, a wall, or the ceiling. If a live ball hits a player, that player is out. However, if a player catches a live ball, the thrower is out and a teammate is "revived" from the outbox. Players may also use a ball to "block" an incoming throw. If a blocker successfully uses a ball to stop a hit, the thrown ball remains live and can still be caught or hit a player. If the blocker drops their ball, they are considered out.

Equipment and court setups vary significantly between organizations. The World Dodgeball Federation (WDBF) uses six balls and six players per side for its World Championships. They primarily use foam balls, though they introduced a cloth ball category in 2022. Other groups, such as the World Dodgeball Association (WDA), specify the use of five balls. The types of balls used globally include rubber, "no-sting" rubber, foam, and cloth. Some versions, made of rubber or polyvinyl chloride, are called utility balls. Amateur games are highly flexible, often using between three and ten balls depending on the court size.

Professional competition has grown steadily over the years. The WDBF organizes the Dodgeball World Championship, which has been held annually since 2012. Originally, this was an open event, but it transitioned to a qualification-based system as membership increased. By 2021, the WDBF had reached 80 members, all of whom are also part of their respective continental federations. In the WBFB, matches are structured into two 20-minute halves. A single "set" lasts until one team is completely eliminated, and one point is awarded for every set won.

Success in dodgeball requires specific tactical knowledge. Players often move toward the neutral zone to attack while staying near the back line to defend. A common strategy is the "coordinated attack," where teammates call out numbers to target a single opponent from different angles. To maintain safety and effectiveness, players are encouraged to throw with one hand and aim below the waist. This prevents "head shots," which are controversial and may result in different penalties depending on the rules. Advanced players even practice throwing balls that curve through the air to trick their opponents.

Dodgeball exists in many cultural forms around the world. In China, a variation called "Diu Sha Bao" uses small round sand bags instead of balls. In Brazil, the game is known as "queimado" and often uses "jailball" rules. In Iran, a common version called "vassati" is a favorite for people playing during picnics. Even in South Africa, schools play "brandbal," which uses a tennis ball. These diverse versions show how the core idea of dodging and throwing has become a global tradition.