How to Get Better at Playing Dodgeball

If you are in a dodgeball league or are thinking about starting one, there are a few things you need to know that will help you succeed and get better. By understanding a few basic techniques and strategies, you will find yourself a much better dodgeball player.

Things You'll Need

• Gym Shoes
• Patience
• Motivation to learn

Instructions

1. You need to be aware of what your personal strengths and weaknesses are. If you know that you don't have the greatest arm, there is no reason for you to be up at the line throwing at the best guys on the other team. If your main strength is catching the ball, you need to focus on catching the balls thrown by the best guys on the other team. By realizing your skills and knowing how you can contribute, you will certainly add value to your team and make yourself an asset.

2. While most people think that throwing dodgeball does not have much strategy behind it, it actually does. If you play in a co-ed league, it is usually pointless for you to look directly at a player, and try to get them out while they are watching you. Most of the time, they will either dodge the throw, or block it with the other ball. A better strategy when it comes to throwing is simple, throw at people that aren't looking. This can come in a variety of ways.

3. When you are trying to find targets to throw at, you want to make sure they don't see it coming. Most of the time, a good opportunity to throw comes when a player on the other team makes a throw, they are usually focused on watching their own throw, thus leaving them vulnerable to your throw. Another good strategy is to do a "no look" throw. This is slightly harder to master but can be an effective method. What happens here is you know in your head who you want to throw the ball at, but the key is to never look at them. Instead, look at another player and pretend you are going to throw it at them, at the last second, whip the ball at the intended target when they don't expect the throw to come. When it comes to throwing, these two strategies will help you become more dynamic in your abilities.

4. The other half of dodgeball included defensive tactics that will allow you to stay on the court for longer. Like the name indicates, "dodging" the balls thrown at you is extremely important. In order to avoid getting hit, you need to have good vision and awareness when under fire from throws. You should try to keep track of who on the other team has a ball and be aware that the ball can come at you from any direction. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the other team also helps when assessing where the throws might come from. Once a throw has been made and you see it coming at you, you have 2 choices.

5. When a ball is coming at you, an important decision has to be made in a split-second. You need to decide whether you dodge the throw, or attempt to catch it. In most leagues, if you catch the ball, the player who threw it is automatically out and a player from your team gets to come back in. That is a huge benefit to making a catch. Having a few catches in a row can really swing the momentum of a game around. However, it is important to pick and choose your battles. You don't want to try and catch everything that you can get your hands on, otherwise you will see yourself on the bench more than on the court. If you have any doubts that you will not be able to make the catch, then it is probably not worth attempting.

6. It is also important to know the situation of the game before deciding whether to dodge the throw or to make the catch. If you are the last player in and your team desperately needs a catch, it is essential that you at least attempt to make a catch. As mentioned earlier, a few catches by your team can swing an entire game around.

Tips & Warnings

• Know your strengths and weaknesses

• Know your opponents strengths and weaknesses

• Know the situation in the game

• Always have good vision

• Do not try to do too much