TO PLAY OR NOT TO PLAY…………..DODGEBALL 

Dodgeball still and will probably always will be a point of discussion in the physical education world. In my experience, dodgeball is the “GO TO” fun activity at all levels. Simply, teachers tell me….”MY KIDS LOVE IT!!! With that said, here are my thoughts on the subject. 

Overall, it frustrates me that there still is a debate on dodgeball and more concerned that we still have physical educators that feel dodgeball is a valid “lesson” activity to do in physical education. Just because “kids love it” does not give this activity merit. I understand you can address the skill of dodging, but it also involves using a person as a “target” and you do have very aggressive students that “LOVE” this game and throw aggressively at their peers. YES, I know you have the softer gator ball available, but it is the aggressive act of throwing at another person I am concerned with in a class setting. Usually, to no surprise, the targeted students are the weaker non- athletic kids…you, the teacher, are creating an environment that stems from bullying behavior. Your job as an educator, no matter what subject, is to teach every student in your class and to create a positive and safe learning environment for all. 

Teachers defend the game of dodgeball by often making it optional. They state that not all like the activity, so they allow them to sit out. “Not all students do like it. So… they don’t have to participate, or I give them another choice.” Okay, here is something to think about…..in what other subject area would it be appropriate for a teacher to start the class with “Students, if you don’t want to learn the lesson I have planned for today that is okay…you can watch me “teach” the other students or just do something else”…(I know you are probably thinking I am taking this too far, but am I?) I have been in this field for over 25 years, as well as being a parent, I have far too many examples of poor teaching practices. Sadly, I get why physical education is not a valued component in a child’s education and why we are on the bottom of the education ladder rather than my husband’s position as a physics teacher. 

In my opinion, dodgeball does not belong in physical education. Please don’t get me wrong. I do not hate dodgeball. I agree that some kids do love it and in a recreational setting I am okay with it. I am focusing my position on the physical education setting and the responsibility as an educator. 

I also have one more point to make to those that have the attitude that is “No Big Deal”…kids get over it. Well, I now provide trainings with current classroom teachers that are required to teach PE here in California. I want you to know it DOES matter and most of these teachers have had a bad experience in physical education. Dodgeball and being picked last are the two top reasons…oh and of course “GO RUN A LAP”. So now we have these teachers that not only are frustrated that they must teach PE but personally don’t value physical education because of their own negative experiences. (Yes, I do have a few that loved PE….to no surprise they are the “athletic” ones.) But even my “athletic” teachers can see how it wasn’t “fun” for all students. I am grateful that I have this opportunity to open their eyes to what quality physical education is and how they can create positive experiences for their students rather than repeating the past. 

MY TWIST ON DODGEBALL…….BLOB DODGE 

Here is my twist that I can accept for a “better/not as aggressive” dodge ball game. Students are to roll the ball, not throw or bounce. My variation is to use a great big beach ball (48”) and you have students in groups of three hold hands in the middle of the circle. I call this BLOB DODGE. The group of three students is not to let go; if they do the team is out and is to join the outside circle. The beach ball is to be rolled (NOT picked up and thrown) to hit the team of three. If anyone of the three is hit, then the entire team is out. 

MUSIC: “U Can’t Touch This” MC Hammer