Datchball Throw-and-Dodge Stations
A four-station circuit that builds up to datchball (a modern dodgeball variant): accurate throwing, dodging, catching, and getting out of jail. Groups rotate every 5 minutes and finish with a short game. Students practice throwing below the shoulders, dodging, and fair play.
How to play
- Form 4 groups of 6 and set up 4 stations with foam balls; explain that in datchball every throw must hit below the shoulders (2 min).
- Station 1, accuracy: throw at hanging hoops or standing mats from 6 yards; each hit on the lower part is worth 2 points.
- Station 2, dodging: two throwers on the sides of a 10-yard alley aim at legs; the others run through dodging and count clean crossings.
- Station 3, catching: in pairs 5 yards apart, throw foam balls with moderate force; each clean catch is a point.
- Station 4, jailbreak: one student in jail (behind a cone line) must catch a long pass from their team to get back in; switch roles each try.
- Rotate every 5 minutes; for the last 2 minutes, play a 12-on-12 game using what was practiced.
Rules
- Only hits below the shoulders count.
- If a player catches a thrown ball, the thrower goes to jail (in the final game).
- Use only foam balls.
- Safety: no throwing from closer than 3 yards and no head shots.
Variations
Easier
Throw only by rolling or at knee height, and widen the dodging alley.
Standard
Four 5-minute stations and a final game.
Harder
Add a third thrower at the end of the dodging alley.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student throws at the dodging station and gets a protected zone in the final game.
- Visual impairment: use brightly colored balls and give a verbal warning before each throw at the dodging station.
- Lower fitness: the student speed-walks through a shorter dodging alley.
Learning goals
- Throw accurately below the shoulders.
- Dodge and catch balls using correct technique.
- Follow datchball's safety and fair-play rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam balls: 16
- cones: 16
- hoops: 6
- mats: 3
Teacher tip
Post a task card at each station so you don't repeat instructions. Keep an eye on the dodging station, where students most often lose control of throwing force.
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