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Description

All children start by avoiding the throwers until they are hit and become one. The throwers team increases in size and the dodgers decline until only one, the winner, is left. Approximate playtime is 5 to 10 mins - possible to both extend or shorten play as time allows through play. Generally best for multiple short quickfire rounds. 10 minutes usually allows us 3 or 4 rounds.

Resources

2 to 3 soft balls for approximately 10 children (depending on age and ability). Add an additional ball for an additional 10.

Instructions

Players start in the middle of the game space, preferably lying flat (starfish style) on the floor. Begin by shouting dodgeball and throwing the first ball, watch as they all scatter (it is up to you whether if the ball lands on a child at this early stage that counts as an 'out' or not - can be effective for speeding up the game). Throw the ball with the understanding that if the ball hits the child anywhere on their body (head excluded) then they are out and join the throwers team. It can be left down to personal preference as to whether rebounding or bouncing balls that hit a child count as an 'out' or if the ball hitting a surface effectively deadens it - just make sure that whichever rule you prefer to play is established at the beginning, explained to all and remains consistent.

Once a child has been gotten out they join the throwing team and become a thrower. There is one major rule for those on the throwing team - they cannot move if they have the ball. Once a thrower gets the ball they cannot move with it. This encourages the throwing team to work together and pass the ball to successfully get other children out. It also balances the game by allowing everyone to feel involved and not suddenly becoming too challenging. Depending on the age group or player tendencies it might be worthwhile having a designated leader ball that only leader's can use. This can then be deployed by leaders to speed up the getting out process if play is taking too long.

In short:
1. The ball gets you out everywhere (excluding the face)
2. Once out you become a thrower
3. Throwers cannot move with the ball
4. Last child standing is the winner

These are the core rules with some outlined suggestions above for best play. This game is very adaptable to whatever programme needs you require and to alternate house rules should you want to adapt it in your own way for your own groups ability, age group and playstyle.

Tags

• active
• ball game
• emergency game

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