Everything You Need to Know About Catching

Wednesday, September 27, 2017 - 10:00
Michelle
Senior Marketing Manager


Yes, ‘dodging’ is an important aspect of Dodgeball, and being able to throw hard might make you feel good about yourself but the real heroes are all of our ‘catchers’ out there! What’s better than getting an opponent out and one of your players back in at the same time? Actually nothing.

Catching Fundamentals:

  • Extend your arms/hands.
  • Keep your eyes on the ball you want to catch.
  • Establish a base (i.e. don’t be off balance).
  • Face the play (i.e. don’t turn your back).
  • Use your body to cushion the impact.
  • It’s harder to catch when you jump and are in the air.
  • Once you’ve committed to the catch, go for it!

When to Catch:

  • Single Throws:
    • It’s easier to make a catch if it’s thrown at your core.
    • Catching is always better than dodging but be conscious of the time/how many players are left.
    • Don’t force it!
  • Group Throws:
    • Sometimes it helps to focus on the ball coming from their hardest thrower because that ball will likely reach you first.
    • Once you make a catch, be ready to use that ball to block.

Tactics:

  • Ditch and catch (i.e. If you are holding a ball and someone throws a ball at you, you can quickly toss yours over the centerline and make the catch).
  • Deflection catch (e.g. If you are using a ball to block, focus on popping them up to increase your chances of a teammate catch and look out for your teammates doing the same).
  • If you attempt a catch but it’s not going well, do what you can to get the ball ‘up’ so a teammate may save you.

Happy catching!