Objective

The objective of dodgeball is to eliminate all players of the opposing team by hitting them with the ball or catching a ball thrown by them.

Setup

1. Teams: Divide players into two equal teams. Each team typically consists of 6-10 players, but the number can vary based on the size of the playing area and the number of participants.

2. Playing Area: Use a gymnasium, court, or open field divided into two equal halves by a center line. Each team occupies one half of the playing area.

3. Balls: Use 3-6 rubber or foam balls. The number of balls can vary, but using an even number of balls is common.

4. Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries around the playing area. Players must stay within these boundaries during the game.
   

Basic Rules

1. Starting the Game: Place the balls along the center line. Players start behind their respective end lines. When the game begins, players rush to the center to retrieve the balls.

2. Eliminations:

   • A player is out if they are hit by a ball thrown by an opponent and the ball is not caught before it hits the ground.

   • A player is out if they throw a ball that is caught by an opponent before it hits the ground.

   • A player is out if they step out of bounds or cross the center line (except when retrieving a ball).

3. Returning to Play:

   • If a player catches a ball thrown by an opponent, the thrower is out, and one player from the catcher’s team who was previously out may return to play.

   • Players return to the game in the order they were eliminated.

4. Gameplay:

   • Players can use the balls to block incoming throws but must be careful not to drop the ball they are holding.

   • If a ball bounces off another ball held by a player and then hits a player, the hit does not count.

   • Players must throw the ball within a specified time limit (usually 10 seconds) to keep the game moving.

5. Winning the Game: The game ends when all players on one team are eliminated. The remaining team is declared the winner.
   

Additional Rules

1. Headshots: Hitting an opponent in the head is usually discouraged or prohibited. Players are considered safe if hit above the shoulders.

2. False Starts: If a player crosses the end line before the game starts, it is considered a false start, and the game is restarted.

3. Stalling: Holding the ball for too long without attempting to throw it can result in a penalty, and the ball is given to the opposing team.

4. Time Limits: Some games are played with a time limit. If the time expires and neither team has eliminated all the players on the opposing team, the team with the most remaining players wins.
   

Variations

1. Circle Dodgeball: Players form a circle, and the player in the middle tries to avoid being hit by the balls thrown by players in the circle.

2. Medic Dodgeball: Each team has a "medic" who can revive eliminated players by tagging them. The game ends when the medic is eliminated or all players are out.

3. Prison Ball: Eliminated players go to the "prison" behind the opposing team and can return to the game if they catch a ball thrown to them by their teammates.

4. No-Blocking: Players are not allowed to use a ball to block incoming throws. This variation increases the difficulty and intensity of the game.