Mr. Dosland’s Tips for Dodgeball
Offense
Strategies
-Aim for the best throwers first. Get them out early so they don't eliminate any of your players. This also makes for more catchable balls thrown from the other team.
-Have two or three people throw at same person. Better yet, the person on the right aims for the right arm, left aims for the left arm, middle aims for the knees. It’s easy to catch or dodge one ball, it’s hard to dodge three.
-Throw at their knees, it is harder to catch. If it sinks or raises a little you are still ok.
-Return the favor. Throw at the person who just threw a ball, they are usually watching their throw.
Plays
(Toss up) Lob a ball that looks catchable, and then drill them with another ball. Works better if someone else lobs it up. Risky, make sure they don’t catch the first one or this really backfires.
(No Look) Look at one player or even point at one player and then drill a different player with the ball.
(Screen Pass) Go forward with a ball, then pass to a teammate on the other side of the court who throws it. Works better if you have an extra ball to throw, the other team will most likely be watching your first ball.
(Pearl Harbor) Sneak up the sides or fly at them from the back row and then catch them off guard.
(Shock and Awe) Get several teammates with balls and fly forward together and throw at a group of people at the same time.
(Two in the hand) Put two balls in the same hand and throw them at someone. Not accurate but looks cool.
(Follow the Leader) One player runs forward with a couple of balls. When they get near the front they bounce a ball between their legs to a teammate following them.
(Angles) Two people get on opposite sides of the court. Throw at the same time at the same person. They can’t see both.
(The Dance) Several players with balls stand side by side. Start doing a little dance then throw while they are wondering what’s going on or while they are laughing.
(Flying Samoan) One player get down on hands and knees, the “Flying Samoan” jumps off their back and throws the ball.
Defense
Strategies
-Have a wingman. When you go forward have someone cover you by looking out for sneak attackers.
-Don’t try to make a risky catch early, as more of your teammates go out then start looking to make more catches.
-Hide a ball behind your back every once in a while. Then when you don’t have a ball put your hands behind your back. This keeps them off guard and from coming to close.
-Always make sure your team has at least one ball. A threat is the best defense for keeping them from getting to close.
-Go back when you don’t have a ball. Make them throw it from a little farther than they want to.
-Play it safe if you are the last one left. Go back and wait for a good catchable ball. If you do try to get someone out go for the hardest thrower. Make sure it is not easy to catch though.