Q&A for How to Be Great at Dodgeball

Practice! Make a target in your backyard and start throwing balls from different distances and angles until you're hitting it every time.

Put your body in front of it -- if it bounces off you, you will still have a chance to catch it.

If you have two balls in your hand, you lob one in the air, which distracts the opponent. While he tries to catch the ball, attack him with the second ball.

You can use the "backhand throw", which is more about power than accuracy. Simply step with your left foot (if you're right-handed), then twist your torso to the right and throw the ball. Gripping the ball and releasing it properly can improve the accuracy of your shot.

Practice throwing at targets. Do strength-building exercises such as arm spins, windmills, push-ups, anything that will add muscle, which will in turn put power behind your throw. But accuracy is the most important factor.

It is okay to hit someone directly on the chest, but there may be rules about hitting someone in the head, ask ahead of time.

Ultimately, it depends on the situation. The best dodge is the one where you don't get hit, plain and simple, but which also allows you to quickly transition into your "ready mode" for another incoming throw.

When the opponent loses concentration on the task at hand and stops paying attention, these are the easiest moments to make a score! Time your throws based on this, and make them regret their lack of focus.

No, a dodgeball will have more weight and difficulty when throwing compared to a football. If you want more accuracy then throw a softball or baseball. If you want more strength in your throw get a medicine ball and throw it against a wall, this should help your all around offense.

You'll probably have to practice outside of school. See if a friend (or several) is willing to practice throwing and catching the normal balls with you.

Many cities have sports and social clubs. Look for recreational dodgeball leagues where you can join as an individual or for university intramural programs. Most of the time there are players of a variety of skill levels on those teams -- that's the best way to learn the basics from players who've played before.

You need to throw the ball at a different angle.

Practice, practice, practice! Ask a teammate if they'd be willing to spend some extra time with you after your normal practice sessions are over. Have them throw all different kinds of balls to you, and you should eventually improve.

As long as you stay up straight, it is technically a legal move, but it's considered cheap.

A large rubber ball, like a kickball, is best.

Practice your reflexes and improve your speed. Turn to the side to avoid the ball.

If the other team is throwing, hard catch the ball with your whole body, not just your hands, and try to cradle it against your chest or stomach. If that's not possible, just try to dodge!

This depends on the context. Being aggressive will have the highest percent chance of eliminating opponents on offense. It is, however, much easier for you to be eliminated and place your team at a disadvantage with -1. Staying back gives you time to assess the playing field and opponent, and also a more realistic chance of catching balls, eliminating and opponent, and bringing one of your “outs” back on the court. Get great at both!

To be able to have an accurate throw, you will have to practice a lot. When practicing, try to aim at a target and see how close you are to hitting it. A tip is to point with your left hand (if you are right handed) and point at your target. This will improve your accuracy.

The only way to get someone out is by throwing a ball at them. A backhand throw might be a good throw to use.

Yes, it is because you are out when the ball hits you. If you play at school, simply tell the teacher or if you are somewhere else tell the referee. Or, just call them out loudly!

Throw it the same way as other balls but throw it at the legs rather than high. This will give you a better opportunity to get the player eliminated.

Do not get confused and do your best to back away. If the balls are coming high, drop to duck and if the are low, jump up.

Train in your dodging, even if you will be more likely to block. Also, try and act in a "defense" role. Hold a ball, get in front of a teammate, and block every shot.

No. These would cause serious injury. Dodgeballs should be used as they are light enough to not cause injuries.

Generally if a ball hits a surface such as the floor or a wall before hitting someone it doesn't count.