18 Dodgeball Variations

Barrier Dodgeball
In this variation barriers are set out for players to be able to hide behind. I have used things
like gym mats propped up on their sides, large cones, tables laid on their sides, chairs and
refrigerator boxes. If you find that players are just hanging out behind a barrier then let them
know they have to change barriers on the sound of the whistle. This gets them up and moving.
Using large cones is good too since campers are still a bit exposed when they try to hide behind
them.

Island Dodgeball
Teams must stand on a large mat or tarp as they play. Only one player at a time may step off to
collect balls but they cannot throw them unless they are on the “island”.

Powerball
The referee holds the Powerball, a larger or different colored ball. Occasionally during the
game, the referee will roll the ball along the centerline. Players have 10-15 seconds to retrieve
the ball and get it to the referee without getting hit. If they are successful one of their
teammates who has been in jail the longest gets to return to the game. You may impose rules
like, once the Powerball is picked up that player cannot be hit, or once the Powerball is
returned to the referee the player gets a free walk to the backline.

Hoop Shoot Dodgeball

If you are playing on a basketball court players can opt to shoot their dodgeball at the opposing
team’s basket. They must shoot it from their own side of the court.  If they make the basket (a
rarity) all of their team’s players in jail get to return to the game. It’s like a “jail-break” for that
one team.

Opposite Hand Dodgeball

All players must throw with their non-dominant hand. This is hilarious to watch.

Crackabout
This is an “every person for themselves” type of game. There must be specific boundaries (we
play in a small community room). Players can run anywhere they want in the room, or within
the boundaries. Play starts with the referee throwing the ball in the air. The player that gets it
can throw it at someone or take up to three steps, no more, before they throw it. The player
that retrieves it must do the same, take up to three steps (or hops) before throwing it.
Meanwhile, the other players can run around and dodge the ball. If a player is hit they must sit
down where they are (essentially they are frozen). If the player that got them out gets hit they
are back in the game (unfrozen). Also, players can catch the ball to save themselves and get the
thrower to sit down. So gameplay goes on for a while. This is our teens’ favorite version of
“Dodgeball”.
Four Quadrants
This is where the large square playing area is divided into four smaller squares. Each area is
home to a team (four teams are playing, obviously). Play is just like normal Dodgeball except
that players must be watching three other teams instead of just one. This variation makes it
hard to “hide”.

Jedi
One player from each team is chosen to be the Jedi. Jedis start the game inside of a Hula-Hoop
which is their “circle of force”. When a player is hit the must sit down. Jedis can heal them by
tagging them. If the Jedi has to come out of their “circle of force” to heal someone and they get
hit by a ball they are out. Each player that gets hit after the Jedi is eliminated goes out as well.
Once a player, or Jedi, is out they cannot return even if someone catches a ball. You may give
the Jedi a lightsaber (foam noodle) to carry. They can use the saber to tag their fallen
teammates. This gives them a bit more reach from their “circle of force”. I don’t use the
lightsabers personally but have seen other activity directors use them.

Medic
This is similar to Jedi except there is no “circle of force” for the Medic to “hide” in.

Protect the King

One player is chosen to be the King (or Queen). The other players are Knights and must not only
battle the other team (by playing Dodgeball, of course) but they must protect their King (or
Queen). Once the King or Queen gets hit the game is over.