Dodgeball Rules: Complete Guide

Dodgeball is played in gyms, recreation centers, and organized leagues with a shared set of core rules that shape how the game unfolds. While formats can vary, the structure of play, methods of elimination, and basic boundaries tend to follow consistent principles. Understanding these rules helps players know what actions are allowed, how points are decided, and how games progress from start to finish.

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Objective of the Game

Dodgeball is played between two teams with the aim of eliminating opposing players while keeping at least one player on your own team in play. Elimination occurs through successful throws, catches, and rule enforcement tied to boundaries and ball control. Games are typically fast paced, with momentum shifting quickly as players are removed and reintroduced depending on the format.

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Court Layout and Team Structure

A standard dodgeball court is rectangular and divided into two equal halves by a center line. Each team occupies one side at the start of play. Team size varies depending on space and rules, but most games feature between five and ten players per team. Boundary lines define where players may move. These usually include sidelines, back lines, and sometimes attack lines that limit throwing position. Staying within these boundaries is required to remain in the game.

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The Opening Rush

At the start of a match, dodgeballs are placed along the center line. Players begin behind their back boundary and move toward the center when play starts to retrieve balls. Crossing the center line during the opening rush is typically not allowed.

In many formats, a ball must be taken back behind a designated line before it can be thrown at opponents. This opening phase often determines early ball control rather than immediate eliminations.

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Elimination Rules

A player is eliminated when struck by a thrown ball that has not touched the ground, a wall, or another object first. Any direct contact with the body or clothing usually counts as a hit.
If a player catches a thrown ball before it hits the ground, the thrower is eliminated instead. Some formats also allow an eliminated teammate to reenter the game following a successful catch.

• Direct hits result in elimination
• Clean catches eliminate the thrower

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Catching and Deflections

Catching plays a major role in many dodgeball games. A clean catch requires full control of the ball before it touches the floor. If the ball is bobbled or dropped, the catcher is usually considered out.

Deflections are handled differently depending on contact. If a thrown ball hits another ball being held and falls to the ground, the player remains in. If the deflected ball then strikes the player’s body, the player is typically eliminated.

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Blocking With a Ball

Most rule sets allow players to block incoming throws using a ball they are holding. This is considered a legal defensive move as long as the ball absorbs the impact.

Blocking carries risk. If the incoming ball deflects off the blocking ball and makes contact with the player’s body, elimination usually applies.

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Movement and Boundary Violations

Players must stay within the court boundaries at all times. Stepping on or over a sideline or back line generally results in elimination.

Some formats allow limited crossing of the center line, while others prohibit it entirely. These rules are enforced to maintain spacing and prevent physical contact between teams.

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Ball Handling and Throwing Rules

Only thrown balls can eliminate players. Rolling, bouncing, or kicking a ball does not count as a valid hit. Players typically must throw with their hands and may not intentionally stall by holding the ball for extended periods.

Organized games sometimes use possession counts to ensure continuous play and discourage delaying tactics.

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Reentry and Substitution Rules

In some formats, eliminated players may return to the game under specific conditions, most commonly through catches made by teammates. Reentering players usually return from the back of the court.

Other formats use single elimination, meaning once a player is out, they remain out until the game ends.

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Ending the Game

A game ends when one team has no players remaining or when a time limit expires. If time runs out, the team with more players still in play is typically declared the winner.

In structured competitions, multiple games or rounds may be used to determine overall results.

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Rule Variations Across Formats

Dodgeball rules often vary based on age group, environment, and level of play. Differences may include ball type, number of balls in play, team size, and reentry rules.

Because of these variations, players are usually informed of specific rules before play begins to ensure consistency during the game.