The Boston Society of Bombardment

Dodgeball is on for tonight at 7:30, Corporal Burns Park in Cambridge MA (right on Memorial Drive near the Harvard Footbridge)

Canceled due to bad t-storms, so frustrating. See you next week.

Last sunday was the opening night of the Boston Society of Bombardment weekly battles. We were all floored to have over 30 players and some seriously rapid gameplay!

Feel free to invite whoever, the more people the easier it will be for unnoticed shots! (ulterior motives i suppose… )

Seriously though, thanks for the overwhelming interest and we look forward to having a solid 2009 season. Now if i can just get my throwing arm back into shape…

Laws are what separate us from the animals. Well, laws and clothing, if you discount those small dogs that are dressed up in sweaters and turtlenecks. But certainly laws. The best dodgeball game is one that adheres to a strict set of rules that govern the gameplay. Rules can be varied to complement skill set or team size, but generally, if its a moderate to small sized game (read: the best kind) of devoted players, i believe the following oft debated rules should be applied (in additon to the basic rules):

1. headshots count. period.
2. if a ball hits clothing but not skin, the player is out. wear baggy shorts at ones own risk.
3. a player can be saved by a teammate catching a hit that was deflected, but the thrower is still in as well.
4. if you deflect a ball with another ball, you are safe. if you try to deflect a ball with another ball but it strikes your hand, you are out, as the first thing the ball comes into contact with is your hand.

that last rule is often, surprisingly enough, disputed, as some people try to hide the fact they were struck on the hand or even say that since they are holding a ball, the hit doesnt count. this is both ridiculous and stupid, and people who purport such wanton heresy should be expelled from the game, or at least kicked in the groin.

Being a rather large gentleman myself, I’m often amazed at how agility is essential in the game of bombardment. As an overweight-American, I represent the population that is unable to move at high velocity or twist my body in compromising ways (In order to compete then, I require a devastating throwing arm in order to stay dodgeball-viable. Unfortunately, i lack that particular skill set as well, which leaves me in the worst possible category: cannon fodder). My lack of ability has developed in me an affection for the Spider-Man-esque among us, who, with seemingly no thought, can twist, jump, dive and duck at high speed and with quick precision. The name of the game is dodgeball, after all, and often time evading an oncoming onslaught of rubber is the best way to keep your team alive.

So, here’s to you, you nimble, fleet footed lords of the dodgeball court. I hope you burn in hell.

In order to mix things up a little bit, Chris purchased a new set of dodgeballs to use. One is a super-grip dodgeball, which has extra cross hatches to provided maximum grip. Seriously, it’s lethal. Also purchased was a baseball-sized dodgeball, and I now have something to be more afraid of than birds (although birds are righteously scary). The fact that dodballs are large and rubber means that even when you throw them wicked hard, air slows them down enough for it only to hurt enough to let the opponent know who’s boss. This little menace’s decreased size means that it maintains the velocity you throw it at, so concussions and death are real possibilities here. Someone missed my face by about three inches the other night with the dodge-baseball. Even though it didnt hit me, i was shaken enough by the dread of what could have happened that I immediately left the game and cried for several hours.

The best new ball has to be the jingle ball. A regular dodgeball, nothing is out of the ordinary here save for a small jingle bell placed inside the otherwise hollow rubber ball. This might not sound that cool, but when you get wrecked with a dodgeball that makes an emasculating jingle bell sound as it bounces off of your face, loud enough so the entire group can hear…let’s just say there is no recovering from that shame.

Making a good dodgeball mixtape requires careful skill and an innate love of music. Although a difficult task, adding music to ones dodgeball games can really enhance the experience, as a fast paced, violent game can be complemented by a ear-bleeding guitar solo, or an epic one-on-one face off can be made even more pulse pounding by a bold rythm section. The louder the better. Some of my favorite dodgeball tracks:

“Welcome Home” by Coheed and Cambria
“The Wicker Man” by Iron Maiden
“Fuel” by Metallica
“untitled Hidden Track” by The Used

Please add your own….and rock on.

The most dangerous thing I can think of is playing a good dodgeball game without proper footwear. It’s just plain foolish. For example, my Vans, while highly comfortable, don’t provide the support or allow the dexterity that one requires to perform at their physical peak. Converse All-Stars, while high topped, are far too flimsy to make for a good dodgeball shoe. No, I prefer my New Balance Track Running shoes. High and sturdy, they allow for me to jump and move freely, while giving me the support my childlike ankles require.

And it beats playing in flip flops.

The first Sunday in April will be the beginning night of the Boston Society of Bombardment’s 2008 season. This will consist of weekly dodgeball battles along with a few one-day tournaments in the works. Since many in the area have been curious as to the updated schedule, we have made it very simple:

Sundays @ 7:30 till end of summer.

Also some have been confused about who can play:

1. Open to all, bring an extra kickball if you have one.

There is no cost for the weekly pickup games, any donations for upkeeping the dodgeballs and other equipment is always appreciated!

If you have additional questions feel free to leave a comment on this post or email chris@bostonbombardment.com .

See you soon!

~ The BSB planning committee.

It is difficult to pinpoint the #1 thing to prepare for when joining a dodgeball league. A significant complaint heard often among the players is that winter’s hibernation mode has affected their throwing abilities. The good news is that you can utilize a few week period to bring your arm and physical abilities back up to speed.

As we start to go through the step by step process, we have begun the process of defining what are the issues:

• Blowing out your arm. Players get overly excited/adrenaline and go right into the season throwing their most powerful throws during the first couple nights of dodgeball. This is a perfect tactic a couple weeks into the season once your arm is strong and can support the toughest throws. A bad arm-pull is no fun.
• Don’t Break an Arm ( ouch! ). Players have not practiced throwing against wall/net to have proper throwing form. Practice the follow through.
• Overthrowing. Since the dodgeball is large in size (kickball/four square ball), it is typical for some to assume it has increased weight. There is so many issues stemming from this problem, not to mention the ball always going to high or low.
• Teams on both sides focus more on staying in than a lively game play. This is a double whammy because not only is the game boring but every time someone takes a chance, the opposition is sitting waiting for the throw. This is not a catch game, the whole objective is to trick the opponent with a change up throw, catch the player offguard, or simply throw the dodgeball so hard they simply cannot catch it.
• Good players doing nothing. Sometimes the best players will wait near the game lines to play to attack from the side. This is all fair and fun if utilized occasionally but this is rarely the case. Typically the player that waits near or behind the game lines is not fun to play with since they get extremely upset and unpleasant.
• Lack of Team strategy ( ! ) - This is proving to be the major factor between a team of great players and a really good team unity. It is evident that teams win and lose based on fervor and momentum. This momentum is built on good power plays and multiple team mates working together to whittle down the opposition.

The cold, icy winter is releasing its grip on our beloved Corporal Burns Park. This means but one thing: Bombardment is just around the corner. All the feedback from our inaugural season has been helpful and we are currently wrapping up the planning stages for the 08 season. We are still figuring out the night that will work best for all the students, professionals, and family men who want to attend. Another major factor will be having great weather in the upcoming weeks. Keep checking the site and we will post updates as they roll in.