DODGEBALL
A sport of aim and evasion played by two teams of six players. The objective is to "burn" (hit) opponents by throwing balls at them. A player is eliminated if hit and the ball hits the floor, or if an opponent catches a ball they threw. The key elements are throwing, blocking (using one's own ball as a shield), and catching.
Field/Court Dimensions
Rectangular: 18 x 9 meters (similar to volleyball), divided by a center line.
Eliminate all opposing players by hitting them with a ball or forcing their elimination through blocking or catching.
Dr. James H. Carlisle (Brought the concept to the U.S.)
1880s (Modern Format); Origins in Africa.
The concept of throwing objects to eliminate opponents stems from ancient African tribes as a form of training or ritual. Dr. James H. Carlisle of St. Mary's College, England, introduced a regulated version to the U.S. in the 1880s. It became popular as a recreational school game ("Dodgeball" or "Prisoner's Ball") and standardized as a competitive sport in the 21st century with the creation of the WDBF.
WDBF (World Dodgeball Federation)
WDBF World Championships.
Dodgeball is played in sets (usually 40 minutes in two 20-minute effective time halves), where a set ends when one team eliminates all players of the other. Each team starts with 3 balls and, after the signal, players must rush to a center line to grab one of the 6 available balls. The game relies on ball control strategy: having more balls allows for forced throws and increases the chances of elimination or catch. Strict rules govern contact, leaving the court, or crossing the center line.