DodgeBall
Classic High-Energy Team Sport
About Dodgeball
Dodgeball is a dynamic team sport where players on two opposing teams attempt to throw balls at opponents while simultaneously avoiding being hit. The primary objective is to eliminate all members of the opposing team by hitting them with thrown balls, catching balls thrown by opponents, or causing opponents to commit violations such as stepping outside the designated court boundaries.
This high-energy sport can be played both informally in schools and recreational settings, as well as formally as an international competitive sport. Various international governing bodies including the World Dodgeball Federation (WDBF) and World Dodgeball Association (WDA) establish standardized rules for competitive play, while USA Dodgeball serves as the primary governing entity for the sport in the United States.
Suitable For
Ages 8 and up
Duration
1 hour per session
Group Size
12-30 participants
Equipment
Soft foam balls
Equipment & Ball Types
WDBF foam dodgeballs used at international championships
Dodgeball utilizes various ball types worldwide, including 8.5-inch rubber balls, "no-sting" rubber, foam, and cloth balls. USA Dodgeball incorporates all ball types across multiple tournaments held by their organization and member leagues. The World Dodgeball Federation primarily uses foam balls for their World Championships, with plans to include cloth balls as these are the most widely used globally.
WDBF Specifications
- • 6 balls per game
- • 6 players per side
- • Primarily foam balls
- • Used in World Championships
Ball Selection Factors
- • Court size considerations
- • Level of play
- • Number of players
- • Amateur games: 3-10 balls
Balance is key: More balls increase action but can result in stalemates with excessive blocking. Too few balls remove the element of stealth, as players can easily track all incoming threats.
Court & Playing Area
Dodgeball can be played on any surface with clearly marked boundaries and a center line, including basketball courts, volleyball courts, or designated fenced areas.
Elite Dodgeball Court
- • Dimensions: 50 ft × 25 ft (15m × 7.6m)
- • Neutral zone: 10 ft (3.0m) wide at center
- • Used for competitive tournaments
WDBF Court
- • Dimensions: 60 ft × 30 ft (18m × 9.1m)
- • No neutral zone
- • World Championship standard
Games can also be played outdoors on soccer pitches, football fields, beaches (organized by WDBF), and even trampoline parks (USA Dodgeball tournaments).
Gameplay & Match Format
Match Duration
Informal matches: Played until all players on one side are eliminated.
WDBF format: Matches last 40 minutes total, split into two 20-minute halves. As many sets as possible are played during this time. A set ends when all players on one side are out. One point is awarded per set won. Teams switch sides at halftime.
Starting the Game
Balls are distributed by:
- • Even distribution: Balls divided equally between teams
- • Center line rush: Balls placed on the center line; players rush to grab them (called the "opening rush"). Grabbed balls must be returned behind the attack line before throwing.
In WDBF regulations, players may only run for balls on their right side of the court.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Live vs. Dead Balls
A ball is "live" from the moment it leaves a player's hand until it touches the floor, wall, or ceiling, at which point it becomes "dead."
Getting Out
Players are eliminated ("out") if hit by an opponent's live ball. Dead balls do not count as hits.
Catching
If a player catches a live ball, the opponent who threw it is out, and one eliminated teammate returns to play ("revived" from the outbox). Failed catches result in the catcher being out.
Blocking (WDBF Rules)
Players may block thrown balls using another ball. The blocked ball remains live and can still hit players out or be caught. Dropping the blocking ball results in elimination.
Violations & Penalties
The following result in elimination:
- • Stepping outside the court or on boundary lines
- • Entering the opponents' zone
- • Kicking a ball
- • Displaying poor sportsmanship
- • Stalling (holding a ball for over 10 seconds without action)
Dead balls leaving the court can only be returned by designated ball retrievers.
Basic Tactics & Strategy
Positioning & Movement
- • Move toward neutral zone when attacking
- • Stay on back line when not attacking
- • Don't block teammates' line of sight
- • Never turn your back to opponents
Coordinated Attack
- • Call out to coordinate attacks
- • Target same opponent from different angles
- • Number opponents left-to-right
- • Call out targets by number
Throwing Technique
- • Throw with one hand for accuracy
- • Aim below the waist (avoid head shots/catches)
- • Throw when opponent is distracted
- • Learn to throw curved balls
Advanced Strategy
- • Develop team-specific tactics
- • Create calling systems
- • Higher leagues require specific training
- • Rapid tactical decision-making
Optional Rules & Variations
The following optional rules may be implemented in informal games or by mutual agreement:
Head Shots
Rules vary: the thrower may be out, the person hit may be out, or neither (hit doesn't count).
Jailball
Eliminated players go to "jail" behind opponents' back line. They can return by capturing a dead ball or by capturing a ball and hitting an opponent with it.
Basketball Court Special Rules
Balls hitting the backboard or going into the goal may have special status, such as reviving all eliminated teammates.
No Lines
When few players remain and dodging is easy, "No Lines" eliminates team zones—players can move anywhere on court for better positioning.