Physical Activity

Dodgeball in the Church Gym

Dodgeball in the Church Gym can be energetic and fun when leaders use soft balls, clear boundaries, and safety-focused rules.

Time20 to 35 minutes
Best ForMedium groups
SpaceGym or cultural hall
SuppliesSoft foam balls, cones or tape for boundaries

How To Run It

  1. Use only soft foam balls and set firm boundaries.
  2. Explain that throws must stay below shoulders and that head shots do not count.
  3. Divide teams evenly and begin with a practice round.
  4. Use quick rounds so children who are out do not sit for long.
  5. Add return rules such as a caught ball brings one teammate back in.
  6. Stop play immediately if throwing gets unsafe.

Safer Variations

  • Doctor dodgeball with one healer per team.
  • Jailbreak where teammates can be freed by a catch.
  • Target dodgeball using cones instead of people.
  • Rolling dodgeball with balls rolled below the waist.