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Dodgeball Maths

Maths in dodgeball: scores

Add points and compare leads.

Quick answer

You can add points and compare leads in dodgeball to see who is winning.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to add up scores and compare who is winning in a game of dodgeball. Success signs:
  • You can count how many points each team has.
  • You can tell which team is ahead.
  • You can add more points to a team's score.
  • You can work out how many points are needed to win.

Why this matters

Maths in dodgeball helps you understand how games work. When you play dodgeball, you earn points for catching balls or knocking down opponents. You need to add these points to know who is winning. This is just like counting your pocket money or sharing snacks with friends. Knowing how to add and compare scores helps you enjoy the game more and understand how it works.

How it works

In dodgeball, teams play to earn points. Each team starts with zero points. Points are earned when:
  • A player catches a ball thrown by the other team.
  • A player knocks down a player from the other team.
  • A team wins a round.
You add points to each team's score. Then you compare the scores to see who is winning. The team with the most points wins the game.

Examples you can see

Let's look at a simple dodgeball game with two teams. Team A starts with 0 points. Team B starts with 0 points. Team A catches 3 balls. Each catch is 1 point. So Team A now has 3 points. Team B knocks down 2 players. Each knockdown is 1 point. So Team B now has 2 points. Now we compare:
  • Team A has 3 points.
  • Team B has 2 points.
Team A is winning because 3 is more than 2. Let's try another example. Team C starts with 0 points. Team D starts with 0 points. Team C catches 5 balls. Team D knocks down 4 players. Team C: 5 points Team D: 4 points Team C is winning because 5 is more than 4.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Great Dodgeball Tournament You are the referee of a dodgeball tournament. You need to keep track of the scores. Round 1:
  • Team E catches 2 balls.
  • Team F knocks down 1 player.
Round 2:
  • Team E catches 1 more ball.
  • Team F knocks down 2 more players.
Round 3:
  • Team E catches 3 more balls.
  • Team F knocks down 1 more player.
Now, you must add up the scores and decide who is winning. Team E:
  • Round 1: 2 points
  • Round 2: 1 point
  • Round 3: 3 points
Total: 2 + 1 + 3 = 6 points Team F:
  • Round 1: 1 point
  • Round 2: 2 points
  • Round 3: 1 point
Total: 1 + 2 + 1 = 4 points Who is winning? Team E has 6 points. Team F has 4 points. Team E is winning because 6 is more than 4.

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Adding the wrong numbers.
    • Why it happens: When you're excited about the game, you might forget to count carefully.
    • How to fix: Count each point slowly and write it down. You can use your fingers or a tally chart.
  • Mistake: Not comparing the scores properly.
    • Why it happens: Sometimes children get excited and forget to look at the totals.
    • How to fix: After adding points, always say "Team A has X points, Team B has Y points. Who has more?"
  • Mistake: Thinking that more catches means more points.
    • Why it happens: Some children mix up how points work in dodgeball.
    • How to fix: Remember that both catches and knockdowns earn points. Ask your teacher or coach to explain the scoring rules.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help children learn about dodgeball scores by:
  • Playing a simple version of dodgeball at home and keeping score together.
  • Using everyday objects like counters or toys to represent points.
  • Encouraging children to say "Team A has X points, Team B has Y points" and ask "Who is winning?"
  • Using games or apps that teach addition and comparison of numbers.
  • Practising counting and adding small numbers with real-life examples like snacks or toys.
Help your child understand that scoring is just like adding up how many things they have. It's a fun way to practice maths.

Practice questions

  1. Team G catches 4 balls. Team H knocks down 3 players. Who has more points?
  2. Team I catches 2 balls. Team J knocks down 5 players. Who is winning?
  3. Team K catches 6 balls. Team L knocks down 6 players. What is the score?
  4. Team M catches 1 ball. Team N knocks down 4 players. Who has more points?
  5. Team O catches 3 balls. Team P knocks down 2 players. Who is ahead?
Answers:
  1. Team G has 4 points. Team H has 3 points. Team G is winning.
  2. Team I has 2 points. Team J has 5 points. Team J is winning.
  3. Team K has 6 points. Team L has 6 points. It's a tie.
  4. Team M has 1 point. Team N has 4 points. Team N is winning.
  5. Team O has 3 points. Team P has 2 points. Team O is ahead.

FAQ

What are the ways to earn points in dodgeball?

Points are earned by catching balls thrown by the other team or by knocking down players from the other team.

How do I know who is winning?

Add up the points for each team. The team with the highest number of points is winning.

Can teams tie in dodgeball?

Yes, if both teams have the same number of points, the game is tied.

How do I keep track of scores during a game?

You can use a piece of paper to write down points for each team after each round or event.

Why is it important to add and compare scores?

Adding and comparing scores helps you know who is winning and makes the game more fun and exciting.