Three-Team Datchball with Rescues
A three-team version of datchball, a dodgeball-style game, played on three courts in a row; students who are hit go to a rescue zone and return as soon as a teammate catches a ball. It builds throwing, dodging, and catching without long elimination.
How to play
- Split the gym into 3 equal courts in a row (A, B, and C) with cones, and mark a 6-foot rescue strip behind A and behind C. Three teams of 8 or 9 in different colored pinnies.
- Hand out 6 foam balls. Each team throws from its court at either of the other two teams; the middle team can throw both ways.
- If a ball hits you below the shoulders without bouncing first, go to the nearest rescue zone. If you catch a ball in the air, the thrower goes to the rescue zone.
- Rescue: every time a teammate catches a ball in the air, the first player from your team who reached the rescue zone returns to your court.
- Rounds last 4 minutes. At the end, each team scores 1 point per player still on its court. Then teams rotate courts so everyone plays the middle, which is the hardest.
- Play 4 rounds and finish with 1 minute to discuss the best dodging strategy.
Rules
- Only hits below the shoulders count; a head hit doesn't count and sends the thrower to the rescue zone.
- No leaving your court to chase balls; wait for them or ask the ball fetchers.
- Nobody holds a ball longer than 5 seconds.
- A ball that bounces before hitting you doesn't count.
Variations
Easier
Play with two teams and more balls, and let any catch rescue two players.
Standard
Three teams, six balls, and court rotation every round.
Harder
Throw only with the non-dominant hand or after a pass within your team.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student has an 'extra life' and throws balls teammates bring over; their space is marked so nobody crowds it.
- Visual impairment: play with bright-colored balls and a guide partner who calls out incoming throws.
- Shyness or fear of the ball: start on an end team and use the softest balls.
Learning goals
- Throw accurately at a moving target.
- Dodge and catch balls safely.
- Follow fair play and rescue rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam balls: 6
- cones: 16
- pinnies: 26
Teacher tip
Make sure the balls are soft foam and watch for head-height throws. Fast rescues are key: if the rescue zone fills up, add another ball.
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