Crossover Dodgeball

Name and Purpose

Crossover Dodgeball keeps everyone in continuous play by having players switch sides rather than sit out.
The goal shifts from eliminating opponents to filling your side, which changes the social dynamic in an interesting way.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Size / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-40 players | 15-20 minutes | Gym or large open outdoor space; divided into two equal halves; approx. 20m x 10m minimum

Materials

2-4 foam dodgeballs (foam only; no hard rubber balls)
Cones or tape for the centre line and sidelines
Optional: coloured bibs to distinguish starting teams; once play is underway teams become fluid

Quick-Run Card

Divide into two starting teams, one on each side.
Place balls on the centre line. On the signal, players retrieve balls and play begins.
Players hit below the waist by a ball cross to the other side immediately and keep playing.
A caught ball means the thrower crosses over; the catcher stays.
The game ends when all players are on one side, or at the whistle after a set time.

Setup and Boundaries

Mark the centre line and sidelines clearly with cones or tape
Signal: 1 short whistle = pause; 2 short whistles = stop and gather
Check the play area for hazards: uneven ground, wall proximity, slippery patches
Staff position: one counsellor per side, monitoring ball throws and boundary crossings

How to Play

Divide players into two equal starting groups, one on each side of the centre line.
Place 2-4 foam balls on the centre line. Staff gives the starting signal.
Players may throw balls at players on the opposing side. Throws must be aimed at the waist and below. No throws at the head or neck.
If a player is hit below the waist by a thrown ball (not a bounce off the floor or wall), they immediately cross to the other side and continue playing.
If a player catches a thrown ball before it hits the ground, the thrower crosses to the other side instead.
Players may dodge, duck, or block with a held ball.
The game ends when all players are on one side. Reset and replay with starting teams switched, or use a timed format (most players on their original side after 3 minutes wins).
Second Circle option: players who want a lower-intensity break may stand along their team’s back boundary and serve as “catchers,” returning balls that go out of bounds rather than being active throwers.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Throw, dodge, and cross sides as part of the main action
S (Support): Retrieve balls that go out of bounds and return them quickly to keep play moving
Q (Quiet): Play from the back boundary as a catcher/retriever with less direct throwing action
O (Observer): Watch one full round from outside the boundary; join the next round at the reset

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who prefer not to have a ball thrown at them may start as a retriever and cross to active play when ready; no explanation needed
Use a soft foam ball rather than a harder rubber ball for all groups; this is non-negotiable for indoor play

Stewardship Moment

Foam balls are durable; check for tears or damage after play and repair or replace as needed
Collect all balls and cones after play; do a 60-second sweep of the space

Consent

Pre-brief: “In this game players switch sides when hit by a ball aimed at the waist or below. Everyone stays active the whole time. For those not comfortable with throwing or being thrown at, starting as a ball retriever on the boundary is another option. You can move into the main play whenever you feel ready.”
Mid-game check: After 5 minutes, call a brief pause. “How is everyone doing? Anyone want to shift roles?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player can move to the retriever role along the back boundary at any time. Raise a hand to re-enter as an active player at the next pause.

Risks and Mitigation

Head shots: enforce a strict waist-and-below rule from the start; any head shot results in an immediate pause and reminder; repeat violations result in a cool-down period on the sideline
Players running into each other while crossing sides: designate a crossing zone (a short section of the centre line) so crossers move in a predictable path
Overcrowding on one side as players accumulate: the game naturally resolves this as crossed players may help tip the balance; staff monitor for bottlenecks

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Foam Ball Catch”: all players form a circle and pass the foam ball around, practising catching and throwing form before play begins
“Boundary Walk”: all players walk the play area boundary once to learn the space and signal locations

Debrief Questions

What? “What happened when a lot of players crossed to one side at once? How did the game change?”
So What? “How did it feel to switch teams mid-game? Did you change how you played?”
Now What? “What does it tell you about teamwork when your team can change at any moment?”

Cleanup and Reset