Dodgeball

Dodgeball is a fast team game where two sides throw soft balls at each other. Get hit by a ball and you're out. Catch a ball thrown at you and the thrower is out instead. The last team with players still standing wins. It's quick to learn, loud, a bit chaotic and a brilliant way to get the blood pumping.

The court is split in half by a centre line, and each team stays on its own side. At the start, the balls are lined up along the middle and both teams race to grab them, which is known as the opening rush.

After that it's simple. If a thrown ball hits you before it touches the ground, you're out. If you catch it cleanly, the thrower is out, and in many versions one of your teammates who was already out comes back in. You can usually block an incoming ball with one you're holding. Most rules also say you should aim below the shoulders, so head shots don't count.

Plenty of games add twists, from medics who can bring players back to a final showdown for the last few standing. Your Activity Leader will explain the house rules.

Watch the balls, not the people. Stay light on your feet, keep your knees bent and give yourself space to move. Throw low and fast at legs and feet, which are much harder to get out of the way. A fake throw can make an opponent flinch and leave them open. Team up and throw at the same target at once. And don't be scared of catching. It's the most powerful move in the game, because it knocks out the thrower and can bring a teammate back.

Your Activity Leader runs through the rules, the boundaries and how to play safely. Then you split into teams and get stuck in. Games tend to be short and fast, so being knocked out early is never the end of the world. It just gives you more time to plot your revenge from the sidelines.

Totally. You don't need a killer arm or any sporty background, just decent reflexes and a willingness to get gently pelted. The balls are soft, the stakes are low and some of the best players are the ones nobody saw coming. It's very physical, though, and played outdoors on woodland ground, so wear trainers or closed-toe shoes and be ready to run.

You might also like Capture the Flag, Nerf Battles and Field Games.

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