Datchball with a Return Line: Nobody Waits Long

A game of datchball, an alternative sport from Spain based on dodgeball, with hits below the shoulders only and a fast return to the court. Students work on throwing, dodging, and catching.

How to play

1. Set up two courts the size of a volleyball court, each with two teams of 7 or 8. Place six foam balls on the center line (3 min).
2. Rules: a hit counts below the shoulders and without a bounce; a player who is hit goes to their team's return line; if someone catches a ball, the thrower goes out and the first player in the catcher's return line comes back in (4 min).
3. Three 5-minute games, switching sides between games (17 min).
4. Special round: a hit only counts if there was a pass between teammates first (4 min).
5. Each team counts its catches and hits; cheer for the team with the most catches (2 min).

Rules

• Only hits below the shoulders count; a ball to the head doesn't count and the thrower goes to the line.
• No one may hold a ball for more than five seconds.
• Don't cross the center line or throw from outside the court.
• The return line stays in order: first out, first back in.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: play holding hands with a guide partner; their team only receives rolled balls.
• Students who use wheelchairs: play on a court with softer balls; hits on the chair don't count.
• Students afraid of being hit: may play as a "catcher" on the back line, not a target, only returning balls.

Learning goals

• Throw accurately below the shoulders.
• Decide between catching, dodging, and throwing.
• Play fair by respecting the hit zones.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 12
• cones: 16
• pinnies: 15

Teacher tip

Two courts at once keeps waiting short. Check that balls are soft and toss any that have hardened. If one team's line gets past four players, stop and restart with everyone back in.

More activities like this

More main activities for Middle School