Common Dodgeball Tactics to Watch Out For and Try Yourself

Dodgeball is a game of trickery, and the more tricks you have up your sleeve, the better. Here are some of the most common tactics that I’ve seen at our league nights. When they work, you’re a hero. When they don’t, you might look a bit silly, but that’s part of the fun.

• Pump Fake: Pretend to throw but don’t release the ball, as this can stop your opponent(s) in their tracks.
• Fake Throw: Even if you don’t have a ball, you can still pretend to throw. Don’t think anyone would fall for this? Well think again!
• No-Look Throw: The use of misdirection with your eyes (i.e. don’t look where you’re about to throw). If you do this, please be safe out there and keep your ball low.
• Speed Change-Up: Pretend you’re going to throw it hard and then throw it lightly (more useful right up at the line).
• Distraction or ‘Decoy’ Ball: Your teammate throws a high lob to distract your opponent/target, meanwhile you throw a hard one at them. This one is tricky; keep in mind that if you miss the hard throw and your opponent catches your teammates’ lobbed ball, they are out.
• Conceal: If you have a ball, you can hold it behind your back so the other team doesn’t see it – on the flip side, you can also ‘pretend’ you’re hiding a ball when you are not.

Thanks for reading and see you on the court!