* As an Amazon affiliate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

Protection Dodgeball is a fun game that teaches important lessons about care and responsibility. In this game, one person protects their partner from being hit by a ball. It reminds us how good it feels to have someone look out for us. This game can help young people understand the importance of helping and supporting others.

The game builds teamwork and trust. The protector must stay alert and focused to shield their partner. The protectee must trust their partner to do their best. This experience can help strengthen friendships and build confidence in working with others.

Protection Dodgeball also shows how we need others to help us in life. Just like in the game, there are times when we can’t do everything on our own. It teaches that being part of a community means caring for others and letting others care for us.

Finally, this game can be a way to reflect on how God works through people in our lives. It connects to the idea of intercessory prayer, where others pray for us and help us. It shows that we are not alone and that God often sends others to help and protect us.

Protection Dodgeball and Lessons from Scripture

Protection Dodgeball can remind us of God’s role as our protector. In the Bible, Psalm 121 says, “The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.” Just as the protector in the game shields their partner, God watches over us and keeps us safe. This can help young people think about how God protects them in their daily lives.

The game also connects to the role of angels. The Bible tells us in Psalm 91:11, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Angels are like protectors who guide us and keep us from harm. Playing the game can be a reminder that God sends help to guard us, just like the protectors guard their partners.

Another theme is sacrifice. The protector in the game puts themselves in the way of danger to help their partner. This is a small example of the love Jesus showed for us on the Cross. Jesus gave everything to protect us from sin and death. This helps young people reflect on His great love and the sacrifices others make for them.

In youth ministry, this game is more than fun. It helps connect faith to action. It shows young people how God’s care and protection are real and personal. It opens a way to talk about trusting God and seeing His love in everyday life.

Game Rules and Instructions

Equipment / Materials Needed

Setup Instructions

  1. Gather enough soft dodge balls for the group (at least 3 or 4).
  2. Mark a play area that is large enough for the group but not so big that it’s hard to protect the players. Use cones, tape, or visible boundaries.
  3. Choose 3-4 people to be the throwers. These players will stand outside the play area.
  4. Divide the remaining players into pairs. In each pair, one person is the “protector,” and the other is the “protectee.”

Game Play Instructions

  1. Have the protectors and protectees move into the play area.
  2. The throwers stand outside the play area and throw balls at the protectees.
  3. The protectors use their arms, legs, and body to block the balls and protect their partner.
  4. If a ball hits a protectee, the pair is out and leaves the play area.
  5. Collectors (if needed) pick up balls from the play area and return them to the throwers.
  6. The game continues until only one pair remains, or a set time ends.

Additional Notes and Variations

  • Keep the game fun by encouraging good sportsmanship and cheering for all teams.
  • Switch roles halfway through the game so everyone gets a chance to be the protector.
  • Add a rule that protectors cannot hold or grab the ball to keep the game fast-paced.
  • For younger players, use larger, softer balls to reduce the risk of injury.
  • Emphasize safety by reminding players to avoid throwing balls at the head.

Resources

Why play games in youth ministry?

More Youth Ministry Games

Looking for more fun activities like the Protection Dodgeball game? Check out our youth ministry games page for ideas to engage and inspire your group. You’ll find a variety of games that help build faith, teach important lessons, and bring young people together. Whether you need something active or reflective, there are options for every group and setting. Explore more ways to make your youth ministry sessions meaningful and enjoyable! Visit the youth ministry games page here.

Questions and Answers

What materials are needed to play the Protection Dodgeball game?

You will need soft dodge balls, an open area to play (indoors or outdoors), and something to mark the boundaries, like cones or tape.

How is the Protection Dodgeball game different from regular dodgeball?

In this game, players are paired up. One person, the protector, uses their body to shield their partner, the protectee, from getting hit by a ball.

What happens when a protectee is hit by a ball?

If a protectee is hit, their pair is out and must leave the play area. The game continues until only one pair remains or the set time ends.

How can I keep the game safe for everyone?

Use soft, no-sting balls to avoid injuries. Remind players to avoid throwing balls at the head and to be respectful of others.

Can the roles of protector and protectee be switched?

Yes, you can switch roles halfway through the game to let everyone try being both protector and protectee.

What age group is the Protection Dodgeball game best for?

The game works well for most ages but is especially fun for youth ministry groups. Adjust the rules or ball type to suit younger players if needed.

How does the Protection Dodgeball game connect to faith?

The game teaches about protection, sacrifice, and trust, which can be linked to God’s love and the role of angels or Jesus’ sacrifice for us.

Dodge, Protect, Repeat!

The Protection Dodgeball game is an exciting twist on traditional dodgeball. In this version, players team up in pairs. One partner is the protector who shields their teammate, the protectee, from being hit by a ball. The goal is to keep the protectee safe while avoiding being eliminated. It’s fast-paced, fun, and filled with laughter.

This game isn’t just about dodging balls. It reminds us of important lessons about trust, care, and sacrifice. The protector puts themselves in harm’s way to guard their partner. This can connect to themes like God’s protection, angels watching over us, or even Jesus’ sacrifice.

Protection Dodgeball is perfect for youth groups. It’s easy to set up, encourages active participation, and opens the door for faith-based discussions. It can be adjusted to fit the size, age, and energy level of your group. Safety and fun are key, so use soft balls and remind everyone to be respectful during play.

Try Protection Dodgeball at your next event. It’s a game that brings energy, faith, and teamwork together in a unique way.

Your Turn

Ready to try the Protection Dodgeball game? Gather your group and dive into this fun and meaningful activity. It’s a great way to engage youth and spark conversations about faith.

After you play, share your experience! Post your comments about how it went. Did you try any variations? Do you have safety tips or new ideas? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your feedback and suggestions in the comment section and inspire others to join the fun!

Published on  

Join our email list to receive weekly emails with Catholic reflections and more.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *