Q&A for How to Play Dodgeball

This depends on how many players you have. As a general rule, half as many balls as the total number of players on both sides.

Not according to the official NDBL rules, the ball cannot make contact with the floor before hitting someone and getting them out, but you can choose to play however you see fit.

Throwing underarm doesn't use your entire arm, so if you want raw strength, go either over or sideways.

Of course not. Most likely they'll go over the rules before the game anyway. Just do your best and have fun.

It is difficult but try to anticipate which way they are going to through the ball. You can kind of lean one way to force them to throw it that way and then quickly go the other way.

If someone gets hit in the face, it doesn't count. The rules are either that you are out if you are hit below the shoulders, or below the waist. Hitting someone in the face could seriously injure someone. If you do hit someone in the face, even if it was an accident, apologise and ask them if they are okay.

A dodgeball is mostly just a glorified volleyball. However, sometimes, rubber or styrofoam kickballs can be substituted.

This is pretty much a grey area, because while its not technically touching the most of your body and skin, it is touching fibers of hair and enough to say you didn't dodge the ball well enough and are “out.” In this case, refer to umpire determinination.

Absolutely—it’s not just possible, it’s pretty common depending on the format. Dodgeball matches are often broken into sets, and each set typically lasts up to three minutes. But a full match can span two 15-minute halves with a five minute halftime break. So if you're imagining a single continuous game or a casual round among friends, ten minutes is totally within the realm of normal play.

No, you should not throw a dodgeball at a player who has already been eliminated or has fallen. Once a player is out, they are no longer an active target, and continuing to throw at them could cause unnecessary injury.

In the article stated above, it references that at least three players must be present for a match.

All throws count, regardless of your inability to catch the ball.

Having just two players in a dodgeball.match is a little lopsided. Too few players to throw, and way too few players to throw at. A round wouldn't take long, especially given experience. Don't try for just two players in your round, unless conditions require doing it.

Yes, especially if it's the only ball available, but be aware that its different weight and shape compared to a standard dodgeball will affect its flight and handling. You will need to adjust your throwing technique to allow for these differences.