Dodgeball

Dodgeball was first included in the School Games in 2014 and each year there are over 35,000 pupils participating in inter-school dodgeball events. British Dodgeball has been supporting SGOs and schools with training and competition delivery across numerous counties.

Dodgeball as a part of the School Games is focused on inclusion and providing more children and young people with the opportunity to be active through dodgeball. The fun dodgeball festivals celebrate the School Games values, and should be dedicated to providing all participants with a fun and engaging experience of dodgeball. The resources are aimed at teachers and SGOs, and will help support them to offer all pupils, regardless of ability, the opportunity to play and compete in dodgeball.

Find out more about how to play dodgeball formats.

Equipment needed

• Suitable indoor playing space (e.g. a badminton or volleyball-sized court)
• Foam / cloth balls (depending on age group)
  

A brief history of dodgeball

Similar to an Ancient Greek game played with seashells, the most commonly agreed consensus is that dodgeball as we recognise it today originated in Africa during the 19th century. Whilst the version of dodgeball played then was very different to the competitive sport played throughout the world today, the core principle of throwing cylindrical objects at an opposing team and the opposing team avoiding contact with the objects remains the same.

Dodgeball is currently not an Olympic sport but with the sport growing in popularity over the last decade, it may not be long before it makes its debut in a future Games.