Growing up, there were two kinds of dodgeball. The boring kind you played during gym class, and the fun kind you played during recess.
The Vancouver Dodgeball League is like the fun one you play during recess, only in a gym. With seven other teams made up of players all over the age of 10.
We can throw harder, move a little slower and think more strategically. And we all have fun!
First game was Tuesday. First games, I should say. We play five. Three games the first round, two games the second. They somehow managed to cram eight teams (minimum of 6 players) into and elementary school gym. It was divided in half length wise, with four teams on each side. Two teams play at a time, and it moves surprisingly quickly.
A game is three, well, rounds for lack of a better word. And we play 5 games total. Do the math and that’s a fair amount of dodgeball crammed into an evening! Scores are tracked on sheets of paper along the wall. And no, there is no app for that. The goal is to win as many games as possible.
I didn’t know exactly what to expect. The Dodgeball 101 class I was signed up to attend was canceled, and the 5-minute video explains just the rules. They haven’t changed much. The big difference is that only two people from each side rush the balls, on opposite ends of the center line, and the balls must touch the wall before being thrown. You also have 10 seconds to throw the ball or else it is dead and goes to the other team.
I’m a fan of the balls touching the wall first. And it also requires some strategy and speed.
There is a fair amount of strategy involved. And if the opposing team gangs up on you, you’re toast. And they will gang up on you. A fight for survival indeed.
I’m quite rusty, so I took the opportunity to observe. Some teams are really good and have played together for a few seasons. Each member knows his or her role, and they also do their best when down to one or two players. Rather interesting to watch. Almost like a well oiled machine.
Everyone is friendly too. I had no trouble chatting with people and fitting in with NY teammates. Good bunch. And the gym is filled with high energy the whole time.
Looking forward to next week!