Also known as Gladiator
Inspiration
A fun version of dodgeball with a creative twist!
Themes
Evasion, Strategy, Wide angle vision, Audacity, Awareness, Teamwork, Quick thinking, Silly fun and laughter, Throwing, Honesty/integrity
Group size
12-24 players
Timing
5-10 min/round
Play area
Grassy field
Energy
Extreme (sprinting)
Age range
8+ years
Start formation
Scatter
Equipment
Foam balls, Boundary rope
Hazards/safety
- Players tripping on obstacles. Make sure the playing area is clear of hazards (brambles, roots, rocks).
- Participants colliding with each other. Emphasize that participants must maintain control of their bodies at all times.
Instructions
- Lay out a boundary rope to create a playing area, then scatter four to ten foam balls in the playing area.
- Have each player find a partner and link together by each holding one of their partner’s hands (leaving one hand free per person).
- Next have them choose their roles: one person is the “Shield.” The Shield is immune to being hit by foam balls, CAN pick up foam balls, but can NOT throw foam balls. The other person is the “Thrower.” The Thrower IS susceptible to being hit by foam balls, can NOT pick up foam balls, but CAN throw foam balls.
- The Shield’s job is to block balls thrown from other Throwers so their Thrower does not get hit, and to pick up balls on the ground and hand them to their Thrower. The Thrower’s job is to receive balls from their Shield and throw them at other Throwers (hitting another Shield with a ball has no effect). When a Thrower is hit, the pair is out and they stand on the outside of the boundary, becoming spectators (and stray ball retrievers). Play continues until only one Shield and Thrower are left. Play again with new partners!
- Integrity is an important part of this game – Throwers must be honest about when they’ve been hit.
Modifications