Soft Dodgeball Backyard Game

3-4 soft foam balls (never use hard rubber balls for dodgeball with kids)

Cones or markers for the playing field boundaries and center line

Set up a rectangular playing field about 20 feet wide and 30 feet long. Mark a center line with cones or chalk. Place all foam balls on the center line.

Divide into two teams. Each team starts at their back boundary line, facing the center.

On "GO!" both teams sprint to the center line and grab as many balls as they can. You must retreat behind a throw line (a few feet back from center) before you can throw.

Throw balls at the opposing team. The critical rule: throws must be below the shoulders. Any headshot means the thrower is out, not the target. No exceptions.

To dodge, players can duck, jump, sidestep, or spin. This is where the agility training happens.

If you catch a thrown ball before it touches the ground, the person who threw it is out AND one of your eliminated teammates comes back in.

Eliminated players stand on the sideline. They return when a catch is made by their team.

The round ends when all players on one team are eliminated. Play multiple short rounds.

Foam balls are non-negotiable. Regular rubber balls hurt, and the fear of getting hit makes the game unpleasant. Foam balls are lightweight and sting-free.

The "below the shoulders" rule is the most important safety rule. Enforce it consistently. Headshots don't count as an out.

The catch rule changes the entire game dynamics. Players start trying to catch balls instead of just dodging, which makes the game more strategic and develops catching skills.

For smaller groups (4-6 players), use only 2 balls. Too many balls on a small field is overwhelming.

Mix up teams after every 2-3 rounds so kids play with different teammates. This prevents one-sided games and builds social skills.