Ultimate Dodgeball

Gameplay

• 10+ Players 👥

• 7-10 Minutes ⏱️

What You’ll Need

• 3 balls (dodgeballs, playground balls, or similar)

• Basketball court or similar playing area

• Basketball hoop (optional but needed for the “jailbreak” rule)

• Whistle

Setup

• Place one ball at the center line and one on each free-throw line of a basketball court.

• Have all players start outside the boundary of the court.

• Designate out-of-bounds zones and clarify court boundaries.

How to Play

• Start with a whistle blow: All players enter the court and scramble to grab the balls.

• Get opponents “out”: If a player is hit by a ball, they must exit the court.

• Don’t walk with the ball: Players holding a ball can pivot but may not take steps. Walking = “out.”

• Stay inside the court: Stepping out of bounds = “out.”

• Re-entering the game:

  • Throw to return: Players who are out can retrieve a ball from the sidelines and attempt to hit a player on the court. If they succeed, they swap places.

  • Tag to return: Out players may run around the outside and tag someone standing near the edge. If successful, they swap spots.

• Jailbreak Rule (Optional): Any “out” player can take a shot at the hoop. If they make it, all “out” players re-enter the game.

• Catching Rule (Optional):

  • If a player catches a ball, the thrower is out.

  • If an out player catches a thrown ball, they switch places with the thrower.

• 5-Second Rule: No one can hold the ball for more than 5 seconds—keeps gameplay moving.

Say Something Like
“Alright everybody! This is Ultimate Dodgeball—your mission is to be the last one standing! But once you’re out, don’t sit still—you’ve got a shot to get back in. Whether it’s by tagging someone too close or landing a basketball shot for the ultimate jailbreak, you’re always in the action. Ready? Let’s go!”

Variations

• Jailbreak Rule: Out players can re-enter if someone makes a basketball shot from outside the court.

• Catching Rule: A caught ball means the thrower is out.

• 5-Second Possession Rule: Encourages fast decisions and keeps gameplay fast-paced.

Discipleship Teaching Points
This game teaches resilience and redemption—just like in our faith, failure doesn’t have to be final. There's always a way back in!
"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again..." – Proverbs 24:16

Secular Teaching Points
Encourages quick thinking, teamwork, and persistence. It promotes physical activity while also rewarding strategy and observation.

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Keywords: dodgeball, tag, court game, redemption game, last one standing, active group game, youth group, team sports, how to play dodgeball

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