Eternal Dodgeball

Some games are just fun to play again and again. Eternal Dodge Ball keeps the action going and gives everyone a chance to jump back in. It’s a good way to keep youth moving, thinking, and laughing together. The game has a fast pace that keeps things exciting, but it also has a few surprises that make it different each time.

This game helps kids stay active. It gets their bodies moving and their hearts pumping. They have to run, throw, dodge, and pay attention. It’s a great choice for youth groups that want to burn off some energy while still staying focused.

Eternal Dodge Ball also helps kids think and plan. Since they can’t move more than three steps when throwing, they have to make smart choices about where they stand and when they throw. They learn how to watch the game and remember who got them out. That adds a fun layer of thinking and memory to the action.

Another good thing about the game is how it keeps people involved. Even if you’re hit, you might get back in soon. That makes it more fun and less frustrating. No one sits out for too long. It helps kids learn patience and teamwork, without feeling left out.

• How to Play
• Printable Instructions
• More Youth Ministry Games

This game can help youth think about forgiveness. When someone is hit, they have to sit down. But when the person who got them out is hit later, they get to stand up again. That’s a great way to talk about second chances. In the Bible, Jesus often gave people another chance. He forgave sinners, healed the sick, and welcomed people back. Eternal Dodge Ball can help kids see how mercy works in action.

It also connects to the idea of staying alert. Players have to watch what is happening all around them. They need to notice who got them out and pay attention to what comes next. Jesus tells us to be watchful in many parables. He says to stay awake, be ready, and always be prepared for what God is doing. This game gives a small taste of that kind of alertness.

Another theme is humility. Getting hit and having to sit down reminds players they are not in control. It takes the focus off winning. Even if you’re doing well, someone else can change that in a moment. That’s a good reminder that we all need help sometimes. We are not perfect. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us to be humble and not to put ourselves first. A fun game like this can help us learn that lesson too.

Equipment / Materials Needed

• Soft, no-sting dodge balls (4–8 depending on group size)
• Large open play space (indoor or outdoor)
• Masking tape or cones (optional for marking positions)

Setup Instructions

1. Choose a safe play area with enough room for everyone to move freely.
2. Spread players out evenly across the space. There are no teams in this game.
3. Place the balls in the center of the area.
4. If using masking tape or cones, mark spots where players can return after throwing.

How to Play

1. When the game begins, players grab a ball and try to hit others by throwing it.
2. Players may only take three steps before throwing. More than three steps makes the throw invalid.
3. If a player is hit by a ball, they must sit down right where they were hit.
4. Catching a ball also counts as being hit. The catcher must sit down too.
5. Players who are sitting should watch to see who hit them.
6. When the player who got you out is later hit, that person is out of the game, and you get to stand up again.
7. Keep playing until only one person is left standing or until you choose to end the game.

Safety and Variations

• Use soft balls to avoid injury.
• No head shots allowed. If someone is hit in the head, they stay in.
• Encourage players to throw gently, especially with younger children.
• To make the game faster, limit how many people can be sitting out at one time.
• You can also allow players to return after a set time, such as two minutes, to keep things moving.

Always review the rules before starting. Remind players to be kind and play fair.

What kind of ball should we use for the Eternal Dodgeball game?

Use soft, no-sting dodge balls. Foam balls work best. They are safe and easy to throw.

How many balls do we need for the Eternal Dodgeball game?

It depends on the size of your group. Four to eight balls work well for most games.

Can players move while throwing in the Eternal Dodgeball game?

Yes, but only three steps. If you take more than three steps, your throw doesn’t count.

What happens when someone is hit in the Eternal Dodgeball game?

They sit down right where they were hit. They watch to see who threw the ball at them.

Can you catch the ball in the Eternal Dodgeball game?

Yes, but catching the ball still counts as being hit. You have to sit down.

How do you get back in during the Eternal Dodgeball game?

Watch the person who got you out. When they get hit, they are out, and you get to stand up and play again.

When does the Eternal Dodgeball game end?

It can go on a long time. You can stop when only one person is left or when time runs out.

The Eternal Dodgeball game brings laughter, movement, and just enough confusion to make it interesting. It’s a fun twist on a classic game that never really ends. That means everyone stays involved, and no one has to sit out for too long. Even if you’re hit, you might be back in soon.

This game works well with all kinds of youth groups. It’s simple to teach and easy to play. You don’t need special equipment or a lot of setup. Just some soft balls and a space to run. The rules are quick to learn, and the fun keeps going.

But this game also teaches something deeper. It connects with ideas like forgiveness, second chances, and staying alert. It shows that even if you fall, you can get back up. That fits well with the Gospel message and helps bring faith into a fun and active setting.

So next time you need a game that keeps everyone moving and thinking, give this one a try. You might be surprised at how much your group enjoys it. And you might hear them asking to play it again and again.

The Eternal Dodgeball game is easy to add to any youth night, retreat, or outdoor event. All you need is a space and a few soft balls. The game takes care of the rest. Once your group starts playing, they’ll pick up the rhythm and won’t want to stop.

We’d love to hear how it goes! Try the Eternal Dodgeball game with your youth group and let us know what worked. Did you change any rules or add a new twist? Share your tips, ideas, and funny stories in the comment section.