How to Throw a Dodgeball

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 1, 2023

To be successful at dodgeball it is crucial to master the throw. Throwing a dodgeball is actually a process that you engage in with your entire body and not just your arm. The way you grip the ball, the way that you use your body to generate power, and where you aim all have an important impact on the success of your game. While there are several different ways to grip the ball before you throw, the techniques for throwing powerfully will generally be the same.

Things You Should Know

Grip the ball tightly, raise your elbow above your shoulder, then throw from a running position for maximum power.
If you can’t run before throwing the ball, take a step forward to gain momentum. Use all of your strength to forcefully hit your opponent.
Extend your arm as far as possible before releasing the ball, and aim for your opponent’s knees or below.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Gripping the Ball

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1
Grip the ball like a claw. Your three middle fingers should be spread out over the top of the ball. Dig your thumb into the bottom left-hand side and grip your pinky on the right side. Hold as tightly as you possibly can. ^{[1]
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- If the ball has seams, position it so that you can use the seams to get a better grip.
2
Cradle the ball between your hand and wrist. Spread all five fingers out over the top of the ball. Bend your wrist so that the ball is firmly wedged between your wrist and hand.
- This method works great if you have smaller hands.
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3
Grip the ball between three fingers. Extend your pointer and middle fingers over the top of the ball and dig your thumb into the left side. Bend your ring and pinky fingers at the knuckle to support your grip on the ball. Hold the ball very firmly. ^{[2]
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- If using this method, you will hold your wrist at an angle while throwing the ball.
- Try all three gripping techniques several times to figure out which one is most comfortable for you.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Preparing to Throw

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1
Position your arm at a ninety-degree angle. Raise your arm up high in this position—your elbow should always be above your shoulder to get the most power from your throw.
- A common mistake is to launch the ball forward like a shot put. Doing this prevents you from putting your whole body into the throw which makes it less forceful.
To maximize your power, you should always try to throw from a moving position, running if possible. If you are under pressure and can’t run before throwing, at least take a step forward to gain some speed.^{[3]
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Don’t just swing your arm, use all of your strength to generate momentum. If you use your shoulder, leg, hips, and wrists, your throw will go further and land harder. ^{[4]
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If you are playing in a court, get right up to the line to make your throw. This will prevent the ball from slowing down and better allowing your opponent to catch it. ^{[5]
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Make sure the arm and leg that you are throwing with are in the back, and that your other side is positioned facing forward. ^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Throwing the Ball

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You want to make it difficult for your opponent to catch the ball, so don’t aim at their midsection near their hands. You also don’t want to aim so low, however, that you hit the ground. ^{[7]
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2
Extend your arm fully. For your throw to be powerful and accurate, you must make sure the ball is released only when your arm is extended as far as possible.^{[8]
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- This is called “following through” with your throw. ^{[9]
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If you have begun with your arm at a ninety-degree angle above your shoulder, fully extended your arm, and used your entire body with force while aiming at a target below the knees, you should be able to forcefully hit your opponent!

Community Q&A

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Question

How would you do a curve throw?

Flofbun

Community Answer

To curve a throw, swing your arm a little and use your fingers to create spin on the ball as you release. This spinning motion will curve the ball in the air.

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Question

How do you catch a dodgeball?

Community Answer

Catch it as you would a football: crouch a little and position your hands out if front of you. Then catch it with your hands and chest.

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