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Dodgeball Maths

Maths in dodgeball: match or routine time

Read clocks, periods and time limits.

Quick answer

Maths in dodgeball: match or routine time means using time, clocks, and counting to manage how long games or routines last, and how much time each player gets.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to read clocks and time limits to keep track of dodgeball games or routines, so you know when the game starts, when it ends, and how long each player gets to play. Success signs:
  • You can tell the time on an analog clock to the nearest 5 minutes
  • You can count how many minutes are left in a dodgeball game
  • You can work out how long a dodgeball routine lasts
  • You can use time to plan when to start and finish a dodgeball activity

Why this matters

Time is super important in dodgeball! When you play, you need to know how long the game is, when you start, and how much time you have to play. This helps you stay focused, know when to rest, and make sure everyone gets a fair turn. Whether you're playing in a match or doing a routine for a competition, time helps you plan and keep things fair. Learning how to read clocks and use time helps you become a better player and team member.

How it works

To understand time in dodgeball, you need to:
  1. Learn how to read a clock (hours and minutes)
  2. Understand how long a dodgeball game or routine takes
  3. Count how much time is left in a game
  4. Use time to know when to start and finish
Let’s imagine you are playing dodgeball in a school match. The game starts at 2:30 PM and lasts for 30 minutes. You need to know when the game starts, how long it takes, and when it ends. This is where maths comes in!

Examples you can see

Let’s look at a few examples to help you understand how time works in dodgeball. Example 1: A dodgeball match A dodgeball game starts at 2:30 PM and lasts for 30 minutes. What time does the game end?
  • Start time: 2:30 PM
  • Game duration: 30 minutes
  • End time: 2:30 + 30 minutes = 3:00 PM
Example 2: A dodgeball routine A dodgeball routine takes 10 minutes. If it starts at 3:15 PM, what time does it finish?
  • Start time: 3:15 PM
  • Routine duration: 10 minutes
  • End time: 3:15 + 10 minutes = 3:25 PM
Example 3: A timed game In a timed dodgeball game, each team gets 15 minutes to play. If the game starts at 10:00 AM, what time does the team’s turn end?
  • Start time: 10:00 AM
  • Time allowed: 15 minutes
  • End time: 10:00 + 15 minutes = 10:15 AM
You can also use a clock to help you count time. For example, if a game lasts 25 minutes and starts at 1:45 PM, you can count on your fingers or use a clock to see when it ends.

Try it as a mini adventure

Mini Adventure: Dodgeball Time Tracker You are the timekeeper for your dodgeball team! Your job is to track how long each game or routine lasts.
  1. First game starts at 1:20 PM and lasts 20 minutes. What time does it end?
  2. Second routine starts at 2:05 PM and lasts 15 minutes. What time does it end?
  3. Third game starts at 3:10 PM and lasts 25 minutes. What time does it end?
  4. Fourth routine starts at 4:00 PM and lasts 10 minutes. What time does it end?
Try to solve each one using your clock or by counting on your fingers.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking that 1 hour = 60 minutes, but not knowing how to count minutes past the hour.
    Why it happens: It’s easy to forget how many minutes are in an hour.
    Fix: Practice counting in 5-minute intervals. For example, 1:00, 1:05, 1:10, 1:15, and so on.
  • Mistake: Adding minutes incorrectly, like thinking 15 minutes + 25 minutes = 40 minutes.
    Why it happens: Children sometimes get confused when adding minutes that go over 60.
    Fix: Break it into smaller parts. 15 + 25 = 40 minutes. If it goes over 60, count it as 1 hour and the remaining minutes.
  • Mistake: Not knowing how to read the clock hands.
    Why it happens: The minute hand moves quickly and can be confusing.
    Fix: Practice reading the minute hand in 5-minute steps. 12 = 0 minutes, 1 = 5 minutes, 2 = 10 minutes, and so on.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child understand time in dodgeball by:
  • Practicing reading clocks together using a real or toy clock
  • Playing time games, like asking, “What time will it be in 10 minutes?”
  • Using a stopwatch or timer when playing dodgeball to show how long routines or games last
  • Encouraging your child to count minutes when they are playing or watching a game
  • Helping them solve time problems by asking questions like, “If a game starts at 2:15 and lasts 20 minutes, what time does it end?”
It’s okay if your child makes mistakes at first. Time is a tricky skill to learn, but with practice, they’ll get better.

Practice questions

  1. What time does a game that starts at 1:30 PM end if it lasts 25 minutes?
  2. A dodgeball routine starts at 3:00 PM and ends at 3:20 PM. How long did it last?
  3. If a match starts at 10:15 AM and lasts 35 minutes, what time does it end?
  4. A team has 12 minutes to play. If they start at 2:45 PM, what time do they finish?
  5. A routine starts at 4:05 PM and lasts 15 minutes. What time does it end?
Answers:
  1. 1:30 PM + 25 minutes = 1:55 PM
  2. 3:20 PM - 3:00 PM = 20 minutes
  3. 10:15 AM + 35 minutes = 10:50 AM
  4. 2:45 PM + 12 minutes = 2:57 PM
  5. 4:05 PM + 15 minutes = 4:20 PM

FAQ

What is the purpose of time in dodgeball?

Time helps keep dodgeball games and routines fair and organized. It makes sure everyone gets a turn, and it helps players know when to start and stop.

How do I know when a dodgeball game ends?

You can look at the clock and add the game’s time to the start time. For example, if a game starts at 2:30 PM and lasts 30 minutes, it ends at 3:00 PM.

Why is it important to learn how to read clocks?

Reading clocks helps you manage your time better, whether you’re playing dodgeball, doing homework, or going to school.

Can I use a stopwatch for dodgeball?

Yes! A stopwatch can help you time routines or games more accurately. You can use it to track how long each player gets to play.

How can I practice time skills at home?

You can practice by setting timers, asking questions like “What time will it be in 10 minutes?”, or playing games where you add time together.