Mason Foulkes, First Post!
#10. Block Ball Touches Fingers
Always a frustrating out. The ball comes, you go to block, and you feel it just nick your fingers. Wasn’t that ball you were blocking with supposed to be in the way?? You have nobody to blame but yourself, and that always makes you feel worse. Oftentimes, this one isn’t seen by reffs, so if you’re an honest player (which I hope you are) you have to take the initiative for the walk of shame to the wall…. Bummer.
#9. Bogus Ref Call
Sadly, we’ve all been here too… This is one where a great last second block looks like a hit to a ref who maybe doesn’t have the best vantage point. There’s nothing you can do to prove your right, which is definitely the worst part of it. Refs are human, they’re going to mess it up, so try not to get too angry. Show good karma, and it will come around!
#8. Block Ball Knocked Out of Hand
Sometimes it’s due to the raw power of the shot, other times it just catches you at a weird angle. Either way, not only are you out, but now all your friends get to see that ‘yes, you had the ability to stop that, but no, you just weren’t strong enough to do it.’
#7. Trick Shot Mess Up
No shot is more rewarding then when you fire off a trick shot and it works. No out is more embarrassing when you try for the trick shot and you either fall over the line, get caught, or leave yourself so wide open you proceed to get rained on. On the bright side, those sweet trick shots embody the spirit, fun, and party atmosphere that the CDL is all about, so take the good with the bad and keep it up!
#6. Sweet Attire Hit
One of the greatest things about dodgeball over all other sports is your ability to accessorize! What other sport could you rock team hats? or masks? or light blue fake alligator skin glitter shoes from Amersterdam with little clocks built into the side? The ability to accessorize is critical to having fun, but it is a downside when you think you’ve made a sweet dodge, but your cape gets hit and you’re out. On the other side, when you look good you play good, so without that sweet cape you probably wouldn’t have made that dodge anyways… it all evens out!
#5. Sideline Powerslide
The Sideline Powerslide is where you are one of the last people alive and you are moving along the back wall to avoid being hit. The shots come and you utilize your kneepads to slide to safety. It looks so cool, and when you pick up a ball, you’re ready to counterattack and lay on some hurt. But wait! What’s this? Oh, you’re shoe went over the sideline during that amazing slide. You’re out. How anti-climactic.
#4. Ball to the FACE!
No method of getting yourself out says ‘in your face’ more than a physical ball, smashing against your face. Ouch. Now your body and your pride hurt. Head shots are an unfortunate part of the game, so remember, if you accidently throw one, a quick sorry goes a long way to taking off the sting.
#3. Glory Hog Catch
We’ve all been there. 3 players left on your team, 1 player left on the other. Your team has ball control, and their player crouches for the catch. Somebody on the team says “Throw together!” but you’re not really listening. You grab, you throw, they catch. Now it’s 2 on 2, and you almost always lose after that one. There’s no dodging the daggers coming from your team mates eyes as you head off.
#2. Missed Ball Blocked into Yourself
This is probably my favorite way to get out on this list. This one refers to the ball that is throw at you, but is definitely going to miss. Out of reflex, you stick your ball out anyways to block, and low and behold, it ricochets into your foot and you’re out. You could have stood there and done nothing and been OK, instead you find it fitting to eliminate yourself. Cheer up though! Not only is it kind of funny, but usually those slower throws come from people who don’t get a lot of kills, so you probably just made somebody’s day!
#1. Up in the Air and….. Teammate Smackdown
Definitely my least favorite out. Ball hits you and pops up in the air. You’re eyes focus, your hands outstretch, and you move to make the amazing grab that will not only keep you alive but will also eliminate an opponent AND bring in one of your team. It’s all right there! You’re just about grab it when… bam. A team mate either casually swats it aside, or catches it right in front of you. Your epic play is ruined, and you must go out. I know they’re your team mate, but their paltry ‘sorry’ is just never enough for you to not be a little mad…