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Dodgeball

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

Dodge court
Dodge court

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.

Opening rush
Opening rush

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.

Azalea team usa
Azalea team usa

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.

Cody Wikipedia (2)
Cody Wikipedia (2)

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.

Azalea team usa
Azalea team usa

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.

Cody Wikipedia (2)
Cody Wikipedia (2)

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.

Opening rush
Opening rush

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.

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File:Opening rush.jpg
Opening rush.jpg
File:Dodge court.png
Dodge court.png
File:Azalea team usa.jpg
Azalea team usa.jpg
File:Cody Wikipedia (2).jpg
Cody Wikipedia (2).jpg
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