Level 1 Tactics Visuals
This lesson contains information on basic individual and team tactics used in dodgeball. These are the first tactics which players should learn. More advanced tactics as contained in our Player Development Framework are explored in the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Dodgeball course.
A summary of all the below tactics can be found in our Basic Tactics Resource.
Phases of the Game
Offence
Single Ball Attack
A single ball attack is the most basic form of offence in dodgeball. This can be performed individually without any communication. It can be performed as an overarm throw, underarm throw, chest push or jump throw. Players should be taught to get as close to their target as possible, choose a vulnerable target and use throwing tips to throw with as much power and accuracy as possible.
Target selection is extremely important if a team is to play in this individualistic manner. Depending on their own strengths and weaknesses, and that of their opponents, they may focus on eliminating the following types of player first:
- The most vulnerable opponents to gain a numerical advantage;
- The opponent’s best throwers to lessen their firepower;
- The opponent’s best dodgers whilst they have limited room to dodge;
- The opponent’s best catchers so they can’t catch players back in;
- The least mobile opponents to gain numerical advantage; or
- Opposing ball holders to limit counterattacks.
Basic Group Throw
A basic group throw is a coordinated multiple ball attack where all players with possession of a ball throw at the same time at one target. The human brain struggles to track multiple objects at once, and so this tactic increases the chances of hitting an opponent whilst reducing the chances of them making a catch.
It is therefore very useful against good catchers, dangerous players who your team wishes to eliminate early and to close matches out without giving away a catch.
To perform a group throw effectively, your team will need a calling system:
Calling System
A calling system is a quick way of communicating a play. Information should include an action being taken, a target and who is involved. We encourage coaches to be creative and design their own calling systems. Some example calls might look like the below:
Transition
Retreat After Throwing
Players are at the most vulnerable when they are closest to opponents without a ball to pressure or block with. Players should therefore retreat back after their team has attacked. After players have thrown, they should adopt a ‘ready’ position to dodge incoming attacks. They should then move backwards whilst still facing their opponents. Players who have held a ball should use this to create pressure on any counter attacking opponents in order to protect their team.
Defence
Counter Attack
Players with ball possession on the defending team should look to make pressure on attackers. One way of doing this is to counterattack. This skill is performed by:
- Waiting for the attacking team to move up the court to attack.
- Set off running as the attacking team throws their balls.
- Block or dodge any incoming attacks whilst in movement.
- Close the distance between yourself and your opponent and then throw to hit them out.
Using Lateral Space
Learning how to use lateral space is important for both safety, and to maximise chances of staying in the game. Click the hotspots in the image to learn about how players can use lateral space properly.
