3 Ball
3 Ball
A Fun Youth Group Game
Watch the Tutorial Video
3 Ball is a dodgeball-style game where students try to be the last person standing, but getting eliminated doesn’t mean you’re completely out of the action.
Overview
Ideal # of Participants: Any Number!
Where to Play: Indoor
Age of Participants: Middle School / High School
Approximate Time to Play: 15 to 45 Minutes
Materials Needed: 3 Dodgeballs
How to Play 3 Ball
In a large space, like a basketball court, place a dodgeball on each free throw line, and on the half-court line.
The play area has two regions: the main area in the middle and an area all around the outside. Players will start somewhere in the outer area, and on the count of three, everyone will enter the court.
How to Get Someone Out
This game uses the same rules as dodgeball in terms of how you get other players out.
If you throw a dodgeball at someone and it hits them before touching any other surface, then they are out. But if they catch your ball, then you are out.
The difference in this game is that when you’re holding a dodgeball, you’re allowed to pivot, but you otherwise can’t move your feet.
Getting Eliminated
When someone gets eliminated, they move from the inner region to the outer region, but they’re not entirely out of the action yet.
From the outer region, players have three different ways to get back into the game.
Method 1: Collect a Ball
If a dodgeball rolls out of bounds, an eliminated player can collect it and try to hit someone who is still in the middle.
If you successfully hit another player, not only do you get to come back into the middle, but that player is also out.
Method 2: Tag a Player
Another way you can return to the middle is if someone who is still in gets too close to the sidelines.
If you manage to tag them, that player is out and you are back in the middle.
Method 3: Make a Basket
The final way to return to the middle is by making a basket.
If any player who is out manages to make a basket, everyone comes back into the game.
This gives eliminated players a reason to stay involved and creates another way for the entire game to suddenly change.
How to Win 3 Ball
As the game goes on, more and more people are eliminated until only one person remains.
That person is the winner!
Tips for Playing 3 Ball
- Use a large playing area. A basketball court works well, but any large indoor space can work.
- Clearly explain the two regions. Make sure students understand the difference between the inner playing area and the outer area before starting.
- Remind players about the pivot rule. Players can pivot while holding a dodgeball, but they cannot move their feet.
- Keep eliminated players engaged. Make sure students know that being eliminated doesn’t mean they’re finished with the game.
- Emphasize the three ways to return. Players should know they can return by hitting someone with a ball, tagging someone near the sidelines, or making a basket.
- Give students room around the edges. The outside region needs to be large enough for eliminated players to move around and look for opportunities to get back in.
Lesson Handout
Want to make this easy to share with your volunteers or students? Download the “3 Ball Lesson Handout (PDF) below!
Where Games Meet God's Word...
Most leaders just look for games to play, but miss their true value. When used well, games help teach your lesson, because experiential learning is by far the most effective way to teach a lesson that sticks.
If you want to see this principle in action, check out Uplift, our FREE youth group lesson that is built for engagement. It contains a fun game, but then your students’ experience from the game ties into the Christ-centered message you’ll teach.
