Off the Bench: Adult Dodgeball Night

Posted on by Christy Edwards
adults playing dodgeball in a gym

Adult Dodgeball in Asheville

Asheville’s parks and community centers offer no shortage or recurring games, clubs, and activities for Ashevillians of all ages, but sometimes Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR)’s experts host one-off events to gauge local interest before saving a weekly or monthly date for a program. That’s what will happen as Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center’s gym becomes a battlefield for Games of Throws: Adult Dodgeball Night from 6-7:45pm on Friday, April 17.

adult smiling during indoor dodgeball game“Growing up, dodgeball was one of my favorite P.E. games and – not to brag – I was always one of the last ones ‘alive,’” according to event organizer and Grant Southside Center Supervisor Chris Leamon. “I just thought about how fun it was playing dodgeball growing up and wanted to bring that joy to some of the adults in the area. Hopefully, we find out how much people love the game. I am most excited to witness the crazy throws and dodges that people perform during these matches.”

Visit AVLREC.com to register for Game of Throws: Adult Dodgeball Night.

What to Expect at Game of Throws: Adult Dodgeball Night

Dodgeball is a team sport in which players on two opposing teams throw balls and try to hit opponents while avoiding being hit themselves. The objective of each team is to eliminate all members of the opposing team by hitting them with thrown balls, catching a ball thrown by an opponent, or inducing an opponent to commit a violation, such as stepping outside the court. Game of Throws: Adult Dodgeball Night will use USA Dodgeball governing rules.

APR program leader Chris Leamon holding a dodgeballChris says dodgers and throwers should expect a competitive atmosphere with fun and respect for other players, something often lacking in characters from the television show “Game of Thrones.” Community members have already reached out to let him know they’re excitedly preparing for an evening of diving, ducking, and dodging.

“From thinking of it in my mind to writing it on paper to seeing the flyer for it has all been rewarding. It brings out the competitive nature in me,” he adds.

Details for Game of Throws: Adult Dodgeball Night

Benefits of Adult Sports

adults on a sports team standing on a ballfieldKids and teens are often encouraged to join athletic leagues to learn how to work with others, make friends, and stay active outside of school. However, sports also offer the advantage to foster cooperation and friendly competition for adults, too.

  • Form Connections: Even if you’re an extrovert, career changes and overstuffed schedules can make it harder to meet people and bond in the same way as it may have been in your younger years. Adult sports are a low-pressure way to build meaningful friendships and encourage teamwork away from the insulating behaviors that make it harder for adults to connect. While it may not be a complete break from adulthood, it’s a social and physical outlet that helps break up daily responsibilities.
  • Motivation: Being part of a group provides accountability which can provide motivation to perform well for yourself and your teammates. You may even find yourself improving skills, boosting confidence that can be valuable in other aspects of your life.
  • Exercise: Dodgeball is essentially High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in disguise! Whether incorporating them into an existing fitness routine or looking for stand-alone benefits, adult team sports are an effective way to exercise without feeling like you’re working out too much. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ latest physical activity guidelines recommend mixing aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity for 150 minutes each week. That might sound like a lot, but you’ll be surprised how quickly time passes while having a good time.
  • Join an Organized League: Search APR adult athletics opportunities

If you’ve been looking to incorporate cardio equipment, free weights, and more, fitness center memberships for Linwood Crump Shiloh and Stephens-Lee community centers are a great value. 

Check Out All APR Programs

Game of Throws: Adult Dodgeball Night is just one of hundreds of programs, activities, and special events taking place in Asheville parks and community centers each week! Programs fill up fast and many require advance registration, so it’s worth spending some time planning which activities and events to attend. Use these resources to discover additional opportunities:

Off the Bench is an Asheville Parks & Recreation series highlighting fresh recreation programs wellness-, education-, and culture-related recreation programs for community members of all ages. Driven by the promise that Asheville is a better and safer place when everyone from infants to retirees has the opportunity to be supported, healthy, and successful, talented program leaders continually introduce new opportunities for Ashevillians to explore, connect, and discover.