How to Be Great at Dodgeball

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Dodgeball is a fun and fast-paced game for both kids and adults. To win the game, dodge the ball! This sounds simple, but there are actually lots of ways to be a tougher, better player and to make the game more competitive. If you spend some time learning and practicing skills to take your game to the next level, you’ll quickly become your teammates’ favorite dodgeball player!

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Being a Great Thrower

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are several ways that players can be knocked out of the game. It’s important for you to know all of them to strategize your throwing game. These rules provide the foundation for the whole game of dodgeball! [1]
    • Players who are hit with balls are out. These balls can either be thrown directly at them or will be rebounded balls that hit them after bouncing off the walls, the floor, or another player.
    • Players who step out of bounds are out.
    • Players who throw a ball that’s caught are out.
    • Players who cross into the the other team’s territory are out.
    • Players who throw headshots are out.
    • Once you get knocked out, you go into the “queue” to wait to be brought back in when someone on your team catches a ball. The queue goes in order of elimination.
  2. Even though dodgeball might look like a free-for-all, the best teams work together to make strategies for throwing. Number your opponents from left to right, starting with one and ending with six. Throw multiple balls at one player together to make it harder for your opponents to dodge your attacks.
    • To organize your group throws, make your corner player the designated “caller.” They can pick a player to target and call out that player’s number. Everyone should wait three seconds and then throw at the targeted player together.
    • You and your teammates should target one player at a time for the best scoring results. If you start thinking too far ahead about knocking out multiple players, you’ll distract yourself from your immediate goal. Stay focused and patient. You’ll get them all in the end.
    Advertisement
  3. You’re probably tempted to immediately go for the weakest links. This actually isn’t the best strategy. It’s better to go for the best players while you’re at the top of your game. It won’t be good if you have to deal with them at the end when you’re tired and dripping with sweat.
    • To figure out which players are the strongest and weakest, scout out your opponents before the game. Observe one of their games if you can. If not, see if you can find any descriptions of their team online.
  4. The closer you are to the other side, the more accurate and powerful your throws will be. This will make them much harder to dodge. This is a bit of a dangerous strategy, however, as it also puts you closer to your opponents’ balls. Move fast, throw quickly, and get back to the wall.
    • Be careful not to cross into your opponents’ territory. This will knock you out of the game. [2]
  5. If you aim at the chest or mid-section, it’ll be much easier for the other team’s players to catch your balls. Go for below the waist, aiming especially for the shins. These throws will be almost impossible to catch. They’ll also force your opponents to jump, which could provide more opportunities to get them out.
    • If you do aim above the waist, your throws need to be powerful enough to keep your opponents from catching them. Only go with this approach if you have an extremely fast and strong throwing arm.
  6. If you notice that one of the players on the other team is close to being out of bounds, take advantage! It should be the “caller’s” job to make the team target this player with a group throw. Your opponent could be overwhelmed by the attack and step out of bounds by accident. And then they’re out!
  7. Throwing curve balls can catch your opponents off guard, making it harder for them to dodge your throws. Practice this throw by gripping the ball on the side and throwing it in a half-circle, rather than a straight line. Don’t break this move out in a game until you’ve given yourself plenty of time to perfect it. [3]
    • Try doing a wrap-around curve ball by wrapping your wrist and hand around the ball and letting it loose. This will take even more practice to master, but it should give you some extra power and curve on the release.
  8. Your opponents are at their most vulnerable right after they’ve thrown the ball. You’ve got a second or two when their attention still isn’t completely re-focused on dodging balls. Target these players. [4]
    • If they’ve just knocked out one of your teammates, this is a great opportunity for some healthy, in-game revenge.
  9. This fake-out should confuse your opponents, and whoever you target won’t be ready for your throw. Be careful with this move, though. Your throw might not be as accurate, since you won’t be looking at your opponent when you release the ball. [5]
    • This could also be risky because it may give your opponents the chance to take advantage of your divided attention. Even though you’ll still be looking at the other side, you’ll be thinking about where your ball is going to go. This could provide an opening for a sneak attack to catch you off guard.
  10. It’s against the rules, and it’s dangerous. It’s also a bad move, as it knocks you out of the game. Throwing a ball anywhere near the head or neck isn’t worth injuring someone, especially since it could lose you the game anyway. [6]
    11. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Dodging and Blocking the Ball

PDF download Download Article
  1. This will put lots of distance between you and your opponents, and it’ll make it harder for them to target you. Don’t stand right against the wall, as this could cause deflected or uncaught balls to hit you from behind once they’ve bounced off the wall. Leave a few feet (or about 1 meter) of space behind you.
  2. Since your opponents are probably going to be aiming at your legs, you’ll need to be a good jumper. Practice jumping higher every chance you get. You can also increase your flexibility to split your legs in the air.
  3. There’s no more frustrating way to be eliminated than to put a foot out of bounds. Especially if you’re a corner player, stay hyper-aware of your position on the court. This is even more important when you’re dodging, since you’ll won’t be able to dodge in one direction.
  4. If you clump together in the center of the court, you’re creating a huge and easy target for your opponents. Even if there are just a few of you left, use the whole court. Always evenly space yourselves out. This will give you room to move around and dodge those balls.
  5. Most teams and leagues will allow blocking. This involves a player who uses one ball to keep other balls from hitting them. For some players, it may be easier to learn how to block balls than to dodge them. You can even have designated “blockers” on your team. [7]
    • Blockers can also protect their teammates from getting hit.
    • Keep a good grip on your blocking ball. If you drop it, you’re out!
  6. This is what’s called on all-on-one. It has to happen eventually for most games to end, so you’ll probably have to go through this at some point. Focus on dodging and look for that perfect catch, as this will bring back one of your teammates.
    • Stay low and crouched close to the ground during this scary time. This makes you a smaller target.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Catching the Ball

PDF download Download Article
  1. Catching is the underappreciated skill that wins dodgeball games. Remember that catching balls knocks people out just like throwing them. It’s actually better, because now you have another ball to throw and another teammate on your side! Always be prepared to take advantage of this part of the game. [8]
  2. Even though you should always be on the lookout for balls you can catch, don’t catch balls that you think you might drop. You drop it, you’re out. If you’d have to reach for the ball even a little bit, let it go. [9]
  3. Balls that you can catch with both hands are the golden ones. This means that they’re coming right at you. You’ll also be much more likely to keep control of balls that you can catch with both hands, rather than diving for one that you’d barely pull in with your fingertips.
    • Be sure to catch balls with your whole hand, taking the brunt of the catch on your palms. Fingertip catches are much harder to maintain without dropping them.
  4. Once you’ve got the ball in your hands, bring it into your chest. You may be able to catch some balls with your whole body, and that’s even better. Cradle it there until you’re sure you’ve got control. This will help you avoid dropping it. [10]
  5. Yay, you caught the ball! Now get moving again. Don’t celebrate, as this is the moment when you’ll find yourself targeted. Immediately after you have control of the ball, get back in the game and be ready to dodge and throw again.
  6. Stalling occurs when the referee decides that a player is trying to delay the game. Generally, you should be doing something with a ball after having it your hands for a few seconds. This could include blocking, rolling the ball back to the other team, or throwing it. After ten seconds, the ref can call on you for stalling and send you out of the game. [11]
    7. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Adding Advanced Moves and Tricks

PDF download Download Article
  1. Countering is when a player sneaks in from the corner of the court and very quickly moves toward the neutral zone to attack an opposing player. It’s a risky move, and it can only be performed by a single (and brave) countering player. If you’re countering, be speedy and go for the element of surprise.
    • Reserve countering for when you’ve only got a single ball on your side.
    • Countering is a good move to break out after there’s been an elimination. Players might be distracted, and this is the time to strike!
  2. Because counters are all about speed, they’re hard to dodge. You may not be able to jump fast or high enough straight up into the air to get away from this ball. Do a back dive or side-jump to avoid these tough throws.
    • Be extremely careful when you do a back dive. These dangerous moves could injure you, especially if you hit your head on the ground. Try and absorb the fall on the fleshy part of your bottom, and keep your head and neck up off the floor.
  3. This tricky move is called the “butterfly and the bee.” Throw one ball up in the air to confuse your opponents. While their attention is on that ball, throw a second ball straight at them. [12]
  4. Dodgeball can be a fun and even quirky game. If you’re in a league that allows cartwheels and coordinated jumps, do them! You’ll have fun with these slightly weird strategies, and they’ll confuse your opponents.
    • Time a group jump or a cartwheel by using a codeword.
    • Make sure that these moves don’t get you eliminated. Only do them if you’re sure you can dodge balls while you’re distracting the other team with your unexpected skills.
  5. This is called a drop-catch. Hold the ball you’ve got in front of you, inviting the other team to target you. Drop the ball, and catch a ball that’s been thrown at you.
    • Only do this if it looks like you’ll be able to catch one of the incoming balls. Otherwise, continue dodging the balls, or keep hold of the ball you’ve got to block them.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I improve my accuracy?
    Community Answer
    Practice! Make a target in your backyard and start throwing balls from different distances and angles until you're hitting it every time.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 71
  • Question
    How do I catch the ball in dodgeball?
    Community Answer
    Put your body in front of it -- if it bounces off you, you will still have a chance to catch it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 31 Helpful 70
  • Question
    What does "lob and throw" mean?
    Community Answer
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 41
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If there's another person on your team who’s a better thrower than you are, give them the ball! Teamwork is key to dodgeball.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Always check to make sure your shoes are tied before games and practices. Don’t let your shoes get too old before replacing them, as you need good traction to play dodgeball.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      • Remember to warm up and cool down before and after the games for about 10-15 minutes.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Show More Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • I sit in the middle and never get hit so I'm the last one against the remaining team. I let them throw all the balls so I have them all and can do what I want.
      • Remember: when you get hit, you're not out until the ball hits the ground. So, put some effort into catching the ball, even if you got hit!
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Be aware that you may be injured while you play dodgeball. If you respect the rules, however, you, your teammates, and your opponents will be less likely to get seriously injured.
        Thanks
        Helpful 15 Not Helpful 1
      • If a ball comes for your head, duck to protect yourself.
        Thanks
        Helpful 15 Not Helpful 4
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Play Dodgeball
      How to
      Do a Throw‐In in Soccer
      How to
      Play Sepak Takraw
      How to
      Play Lacrosse
      How to
      Play Handball
      Scoring in Curling: Everything You Need to Know to Understand the Game
      How to
      Play Muggle Quidditch
      How to
      Win in Dodgeball
      A Beginner’s Guide to Playing Gaga Ball
      How to
      Throw a Dodgeball
      How to
      Make a Shuffleboard Table
      How to
      Invent a Sport
      How to
      Play Netball
      How to
      Shoot in Netball
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://thendl.com/thendl-dodgeball-101.asp
      2. ↑ http://thendl.com/thendl-dodgeball-101.asp
      3. ↑ https://www.spudart.org/blog/throwing-techniques-dodgeball-strategies-secrets-tips-part-3/
      4. ↑ https://www.spudart.org/blog/throwing-techniques-dodgeball-strategies-secrets-tips-part-3/
      5. ↑ https://www.spudart.org/blog/throwing-techniques-dodgeball-strategies-secrets-tips-part-3/
      6. ↑ http://thendl.com/thendl-dodgeball-101.asp
      7. ↑ http://thendl.com/thendl-dodgeball-101.asp
      8. ↑ https://www.union.ic.ac.uk/acc/dodgeball/game/tips
      9. ↑ https://www.spudart.org/blog/catching-dodgeball-strategies-secrets-tips-part-7-7/
      1. ↑ https://www.spudart.org/blog/catching-dodgeball-strategies-secrets-tips-part-7-7/
      2. ↑ https://www.playerssports.net/page/dodgeball-rules
      3. ↑ https://www.union.ic.ac.uk/acc/dodgeball/game/tips

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 348,142 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Kathy Moors

        Jun 26, 2021

        "My team won in dodgeball and they all thought it was because of me! To be honest, I was actually good at throwing, ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement