Name & Purpose: VIP Dodgeball is an asymmetric dodgeball game where one team protects a single VIP while the other team tries to hit them. It builds teamwork, strategy, and selfless play.
a.k.a.: Bodyguard Dodgeball, Protect the President, Shield Ball
Age Band / Group Size / Time / Space: 10β16 years / 12β30 players / 10β20 minutes / Gym or large flat area with a centre line
Materials: 4β6 soft dodgeballs. Cones for centre line and boundary. Optional: bib or vest for VIP.
Quick-Run Card: 1. VIP picks 2β5 Bodyguards. All on one side. 2. Attackers on the other side. 3. Attackers throw to hit the VIP β one hit ends the round. 4. Bodyguards block, dodge, and throw back. Each Bodyguard can take 3 hits. 5. VIP catches a ball = one downed Bodyguard returns. 6. Attackers have 1 life. 7. Optional: Attacker catches allow re-entry (counsellor decides). 8. Rotate VIP each round.
Setup & Boundaries: Mark a centre line. VIP and Bodyguards on one side, Attackers on the other. Place dodgeballs on the centre line. VIP wears a bib if available. Brief the hit counts: VIP = 1 hit out, Bodyguard = 3 hits, Attacker = 1 hit. Head shots never count for anyone.
How to Play: Attackers try to hit the VIP with dodgeballs. One hit on the VIP ends the round β Attackers win. Bodyguards protect the VIP by blocking throws, catching balls, and throwing back. Each Bodyguard can absorb 3 hits before stepping out. If the VIP catches a ball (not a Bodyguard β only the VIP), one downed Bodyguard returns with full 3 lives. Attackers have 1 life β one hit and they step to the sideline. Counsellor decides before the round whether Attacker catches allow eliminated Attackers to re-enter. Round ends when VIP is hit or all Attackers are out. Rotate VIP each round. Last VIP standing picks the next one.
I-OPt Roles: Attacker β throw strategically, coordinate group throws to overwhelm Bodyguards. Bodyguard β shield the VIP, communicate positions, sacrifice your hits for the team. Scorekeeper β stand at the sideline, track Bodyguard hit counts (call “Two hits left!” etc.) and manage re-entries.
Inclusion Supports: The Scorekeeper role is essential and active without requiring throwing or dodging. Players who prefer lower intensity can be permanent Scorekeepers. VIP role can rotate to any player regardless of throwing ability β their job is to stay behind Bodyguards and catch if possible. Reduce the number of balls for smaller groups. Allow seated players to be Attackers from a stationary position at the front of the line.
Stewardship: Collect all dodgeballs and cones. Reflection prompt: “Bodyguards took hits so the VIP did not have to. When do you put yourself out there to protect someone or something important?”
Consent: Pre-brief: “This game involves throwing and being hit by soft balls. Head shots never count. Bodyguards will be hit multiple times β that is their job. If being hit by balls is not comfortable, the Scorekeeper role keeps you in the game. Step out any time β re-enter as a Scorekeeper or Attacker next round.” Mid-game check-in: After round 1, ask “Balls soft enough? Bodyguards β intensity OK?” Opt-out/re-entry: Scorekeeper; re-enter next round.
Risks & Mitigation:
| Risk | Likelihood | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Head shots | Medium | Strict no-count rule; repeat offenders sit for one round |
| Balls too hard | Low | Test all balls before play; remove any that are too firm |
| VIP feeling pressured | Low | VIP role is voluntary and rotates; anyone can decline |
| Bodyguards hit too aggressively | Medium | 3-hit limit with audible countdown; counsellor monitors |
| Attackers ganging up throws | Low | Allowed strategically but brief on fair play β no full-speed group volleys at one person |
Warm-Up Suggestions: Throw & Dodge β in pairs, one throws gently while the other dodges (30 seconds each). Shield Drill β groups of 3, one person stands behind two others who block incoming throws.
Debrief: What? “What strategies did the Bodyguards use that worked best?” So what? “How did it feel to be the VIP β relying on others to protect you?” Now what? “When do you trust others to have your back β and what makes that trust work?”
Cleanup & Reset: Collect all dodgeballs and cones. Collect VIP bib. Reset in 1 minute.
