Level 2 Tactics Visuals

This page contains visualisations of a range of tactics which are useful at a range of dodgeball levels. You may remember a couple of these from the Level 1 Award in Coaching Dodgeball. These tactics are all visualised in the 5-ball game, but all except the last 2 tactics could be applied into the 3-ball u11 game as well.

Before going through the below, you may find it useful to refresh on the Level 1 tactics, as we build on this knowledge directly:

Offence

Offensive tactics are used when your team has the majority of balls and ‘Play Ball’ will therefore be called on your team. This means will need to organise an attack using the tactics listed below, or your ball holders will be called out.

Group Throw w/ Hold
A team is allowed to hold on to 1 ball even after 'Play ball!' has been called. Sometimes, you may wish to have a player hold their ball instead of throwing it so they can cover and defend their teammates after a group throw.
Quick Play
In the 5-ball game, you can hold on to 2 balls if players release before 'Play Ball!' has been called. This gives teams the ability to keep 2 balls in their possession for additional protection, and preventing opponents from getting possession of 4 balls.
Group Fake Throw
All players can fake a throw before releasing a group throw - this will draw out big dodges and allow you to make easier hits or even allow you to get more ball possession if opponents pre-throw.

Transition

Transition tactics are used in the time between one team has performing a set play attack and their opponent clearly gathering ball possession and performing their own set play attack. This is also know as ‘open play’.

Locking On
Any players who are not releasing their balls in a group throw should fake and then ‘lock on’ to any opposing ball holders opposite them. If this opponent releases their ball, the ‘locked on’ player should quickly attack them to hit them whilst they are vulnerable.
High Press
As opponents have possession of most balls & are preparing to attack, your ball holder/s remain high in the neutral zone/near the halfway line. Their aim is to distract and disrupt opponent's set play attacks using fake throws. Pressing players may need to slowly retreat to keep themselves safe.
Covering
Covering your teammates is important. If you have a ball, you should try to be the highest up the court to attract attention away from more vulnerable teammates.
Trading
Whilst covering your teammates, you shouldn't generally ever let a teammate be hit whilst you let your opponent return to their back line safely. Instead, you could look to make a trade with an opponent ensuring that one player from each team goes out.

Defence

Defensive tactics are used when your team does not have the majority of balls, and ‘Play Ball’ will therefore not be called on your team. This means you have the option of holding your balls to get possession for an offensive attack or being more aggressive using tactics outlined below.

Pre-Throw
A defensive tactic where you throw to hit an opponent just before they make their own throw. This may hit them out or cause them to block which can disrupt their team's group throw and mean your team might be more protected.
Post-Throw
A defensive tactic where you hit an opponent just after they have made a group throw. This means they are vulnerable as they are high up court with no ball to use to block incoming attacks.
Double Counterattack
An organised defensive tactic used solely in the 5-ball game. In a 3v2 ball situation, the defending team's ball holders complete counters and then target vulnerable players as they retreat.
Double Pre-Throw
An organised defensive tactic used solely in the 5-ball game. In a 3v2 ball situation, the defending team's ball holders both perform pre-throws at either the same or different opponents to disrupt their group throw and make hits.
0
    0
    Your Basket
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop

    Contact British Dodgeball

    Subcribe to Mailing List

    FAQs

    Can’t see what you’re looking for? Please email hello@britishdodgeball.com and we’ll help.

    Before you buy

    Can I learn at my own pace?

    Yes! Our courses are set up so you can start, pause and return to your learning at times which are convenient to you. There is no time limit to compete the course in. The only exception to this is the online Level 2 course, which is made up of 2 webinars and lessons to complete before/after certain points, but this is all clearly marked.

    Our courses are developed by teaching and coaching professionals from around the world, led by a Physical Education specialist teacher and international dodgeball coach from the UK. The WDBF Coaching Committee endorses the courses we develop to ensure the contents are of high value to dodgeball specialists and generalist sports educators alike.

    Any device with access to a browser can access this course in its entirety. No additional software (e.g., word processors) or hardware is needed, unless explicitly stated (such as recording equipment for the online Level 2 course). We recommend using Google Chrome to complete the course, although it should be compatible with all browsers.

    Our courses are aimed at:

    • Anyone wanting to learn more about dodgeball
    • Physical Education teachers
    • Generalist sports coaches
    • Dodgeball coaches
    • Dodgeball players wanting to learn more about another code of the sport

    It can be completed by anyone of any age, although it is recommended each learner is aged 13+. Anyone aged under 18 should get permission from a parent or guardian before signing up to online learning on this site.

    Please see our refund & cancellation policy on our Policies page for more information.

    After You Buy

    I no longer have access to a course. What has happened?

    Please make sure you are logged in to the site so we know it’s you trying to pick up where you left off.

    Please email hello@britishdodgeball.com and we’ll help.

    You can see your progress at the top of each course. When it reaches 100%, you can download certificates from the same place!

    We’re sorry to hear that. Please see our refund & cancellation policy on our Policies page for more information.

    Of course. Please email hello@britishdodgeball.com and we’ll endeavour to help.