Equipment / Materials Needed

• Soft dodge balls (no-sting balls are best)
• A large open area (indoors or outdoors)

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

• 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.
• Keep the game fun by encouraging good sportsmanship and cheering for all teams.

For more information, see https://young-catholics.com/10349/protection-dodgeball/