How to play dodgeball

Two minutes of reading and you'll know enough to walk onto the court on a Tuesday. The official tournament format is further down, and the videos go deeper again.

How a KDA night runs

Tuesdays are casual, not tournament dodgeball. The number of teams, court setup and game rotation may change depending on how many players register. You play, you sit a game, then you play again. You stay with the team you selected in the RSVP sheet for the entire evening.

You choose your preferred Social or Competitive team in the RSVP sheet before the session. When you arrive, the committee will call out each player's name and team, then direct everyone to the correct court. We recommend the Social Court to newcomers, while experienced players can choose it when they want a relaxed game. If final numbers require a different setup, the committee may combine or adjust the courts and will explain the changes before play begins.

Nobody is going to quiz you on the rulebook. What follows is all you need.

KDA players holding dodgeballs and getting ready for a game
Dodgeball players smiling and high-fiving after a game
A dodgeball player preparing to throw during a game
A player ready with a dodgeball on court
Players cheering from the side of the dodgeball court
A dodgeball game in progress beside the match scoreboard
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Photography by @portu_graphy, @photoman.swk, @darrenphotography123 and other people in the community. Thank you!

A game, start to finish

Two teams, one court split down the middle by a centre line. Get everyone on the other side out before they do it to you.

1

The opening rush

Balls start on the centre line, teams start on their own back line. On the whistle everyone sprints for them. You can't cross the centre line to get one.

2

Take the ball back before you throw

A ball you grab from the centre isn't live yet. Carry, pass or roll it back behind your attack line first, then it's in play.

3

Hit them and they're out

Throw by hand at anyone on the other side. A ball that hits an opponent before touching the floor, a wall or anything else puts them out. Once it touches the ground it's dead and harmless.

4

Catch it and you win twice

Catch a throw cleanly before it lands and the thrower is out — plus the next player waiting on your bench comes back on. Catches turn games around more than throws do.

5

Last team standing takes the set

Clear the other side and the set is yours. If the clock runs out first, whoever has more players left wins it.

6

Reset and go again

Balls go back to the centre line, everyone returns, and the next set starts within about half a minute. A night is a lot of short games, not one long one.

How you get out

1A live ball hits you. A hit anywhere on your body or clothing means you are out.
2Your throw gets caught. Cleanly, before it touches the ground.
3You cross the line. Over the centre line or out of the court during play.

First-timer drop-in rule: if a regular player catches a first-timer's throw, the first-timer stays in and the catcher is out.

If you're holding a ball, you can use it to block an incoming throw. Drop it in the process and you're out.

Drop-ins and official competition

How KDA Tuesday drop-ins run

On court
6 players per side
Ball setup
6 balls at the middle line, with 3 on each side
Game block
Usually around 12 to 14 minutes
Interval
4 minutes, including up to 2 minutes of sudden death when needed
The focus
Play, learn and have fun. Winning is optional, not the reason everyone is there.
This is not how we play at Tuesday drop-ins The format below is for formal, official competitive dodgeball matches. Our weekly drop-ins use the more relaxed timing and rotation shown above.

This competitive format is used for events such as KDOT and sanctioned league matches under World Dodgeball Federation rules.

On court
6 players per side
Balls
6 at the middle line, with 3 on each side
Set length
Up to 3 minutes
Match length
Two halves of 20 minutes, teams change ends at the break
Scoring
As many sets as fit the clock — most sets wins

Rules are revised periodically, so the WDBF ruleset is always the final word.

Your first Tuesday, made simple

You do not need a team, equipment or previous experience. Come as you are and the community will help you settle into the games.

What to wear

Wear comfortable sports clothing and court shoes that let you move safely. Knee pads or other personal protection are optional.

What to bring

Bring drinking water and anything personal you need for an active session. KDA provides the equipment.

When you arrive

Check in, then listen for your name and RSVP team. The committee will direct you to the correct court and explain any changes to the night's setup.

While you play

Ask questions whenever you need help, take a round off if you need a break, and tell a committee member about an injury or if you feel unwell.

Watch it explained

New to dodgeball? Start with this short guide. It covers the basics you need before stepping onto court.

Start here: How to play dodgeball in four minutes

This is the main video to watch if you are joining us for the first time.

Watch formal competitive matches

These examples show how official competitive dodgeball looks at match level. The format is different from our Tuesday drop-ins.

Questions before you come?