How to Play Dodgeball

Start by picking even teams, team A and team B. The only limit is to the amount of people that can play is that the teams are even and there is a court or field large enough to hold everyone jumping around. Competitively teams are held from 6 to 10 players; 6 play and the others are substitutes.

Pick a field to play on. Basketball and volleyball courts that have no nets are great because they already have the half court line and side lines drawn out. Mark your court with the lines on four sides and one line down the middle. NADA rules say the field needs to be a rectangle and at least 50 feet long and 30 feet wide.

Select a ball to play with. When choosing a ball, you must take into consideration that you may be hit in the face with it. Volleyballs are very good, but any lightweight bouncing, rubber ball can do. Stay away from balls that are heavy or hard, like basketballs. On the Internet you can find true "Dodge Balls."

Line team A up on one side of the court as team B lines up on the other. Flip a coin to see which team gets the ball first. The object of dodge ball is to hit the players from the other team with a direct hit of the ball before they hit all of your team. The opposing team can catch the ball and throw it quickly back at your team in the same manner, trying to hit you and your teammates.

Describe the rules of the game, since many of us play differently, before the game starts. Rules such as players are only allowed out of bounds if they are hit and are "out" or if they are retrieving the ball from out of bounds. Also, if a player on the opposing team throws the ball and hits a player above the head, the ball thrower is out and not the victim. Decide if time-outs are allowed.

Win the game by being the first team to eliminate the other team from the field, or be the last individual on the court. NADA plays by stricter, more enforceable rules than are stated here.