This is why dodge ball should be a legitimate form of physical training

Most of us enjoyed playing dodgeball in elementary school as it was the easiest and less demanding game. While many schools have been forced to ban it due to the numerous injury and bullying cases associated with the game, it is ranked among the most beneficial sport. The National Sports Association advises schools against including it in their curriculum as well because it is not appropriate for children. Adults, however, are encouraged to participate in dodge ball more often as it helps them gain essential health benefits.

A normal dodgeball court measures 60 feet long to allow players to sprint across while avoiding being hit by the ball. According to the game’s rule, once the ball hits a participant, they must be eliminated. The sudden sprints taken each time the ball is thrown help improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and pulse. This, in turn, enhances circulation and burns lots of calories, resulting in better health.

To successfully play dodge ball, throwers must throw the ball more than 40 feet across the court. This requires players to have shoulder, arm, back, and abs strength. Repeatedly throwing the dodge ball can help players build muscle endurance, making them stronger and more resilient. 

Since the game requires throwers to aim the ball at dodger, hand-eye coordination is required. Both teams need this because eventually, the throwers become dodgers, and dodgers become throwers. The thrower must maintain coordination between the dodgers and the thrower across the court. In addition, hand-eye coordination is enhanced when the thrower anticipates the ball’s landing place.

The main rule of the game is that dodgers must do everything possible to avoid getting hit by the ball while keeping within the court. This means that dodgers can run as fast as they can or perform moves that help them dodge the ball. The longer a team member stays on the court without being hit, the more the chances of winning. According to health specialists, a 150-pound adult can burn up to 200 calories within 30 minutes of play, making it a perfect weight loss resolution.

While trying to dodge the ball, players often come up with moves such as jumping, squatting or bending, making their joints and bones more flexible. Constantly playing dodge ball makes players fit and ready to tackle their daily activities with much ease.

Running up and down while jumping increases your energy levels and helps reduce stress hormones. Moreover, players often laugh during the game, and we all know that laughter is the best remedy for stress.  Dedicating at least thirty minutes of your day to dodge ball might be the solution to your stress.

The game can help to improve alertness as you constantly need to check the ball. Working on reflexes can benefit players in several ways and can be achieved by playing other games as well. Also, it helps improve morale as players are often happy when they dodge a ball or when a thrower aims successfully.

Throwers from the same team need to cooperate and understand each other to eliminate the dodgers from the court. Working with teammates to take down rival teams is one of the best ways of enhancing teamwork among adults. Additionally, players frequently gain leadership skills through playing dodge ball. 

Let's also be upfront about why dodgeball is so fun - you get to hit people! You will always see this sport played in movies where the protagonist is meant to be seen as feeble. But life isn't a movie and the game is way more fun than depicted in the boomer pop-culture films. So pick up a ball, head to the gym with your platoon and beam your team leader with the wrath of a thousand Iwo Jimas. 'Rah!