Regular dodgeball is fine. You throw, you dodge, someone gets hit, it's over in 90 seconds. Trampoline dodgeball is something else entirely.

When you're bouncing on a trampoline, a ball you could easily sidestep on flat ground becomes genuinely hard to avoid. Your throws get more force and less accuracy. Your footwork becomes a chaotic, springy attempt to stay upright while also not getting tagged by an opponent. It's chaotic. It's hilarious. And it's one of the most fun things you can do at Big Air.

Here's everything you need to know before your first game.

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT

The setup at Big Air is a pair of side-by-side trampoline courts, one team on each side. Unlike a gym floor where you plant your feet and commit to a throw, the trampoline surface is constantly in motion. Your opponents are bouncing. You're bouncing. The ball arcs differently. Timing matters in a completely new way.

There's a vertical element that flat dodgeball doesn't have. A well-timed jump lets you throw from above, absorb a throw with the bounce, or simply get your body out of the way by going up instead of sideways. It takes a game that's mostly about speed and turns it into something that requires actual creativity.

THE BASIC RULES

At Big Air, trampoline dodgeball follows these core rules. Stay on your side, each team has their own trampoline court and you can't cross the dividing net. If a ball hits you anywhere on the body (below the neck in most sessions), you're out. If you catch a ball thrown at you before it hits the ground, the thrower is out and you can bring a teammate back in. Balls that bounce off the trampoline or wall and then hit you still count as live. Last team with players wins the round.

Court Monitors will walk you through any location-specific rules before your session starts. Younger kids may have modified rules for their sessions.

TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS

You don't need to be an athlete to enjoy trampoline dodgeball. But if you want to last more than one round, a few things help.

Don't plant your feet. On a flat floor, you might square up and hold your ground. On a trampoline, standing still makes you predictable and throws off your balance. Keep moving in small, controlled bounces so you can adjust when a throw comes your way.

Aim low. Throwing a ball from a bounce usually sends it high and wild. Most experienced players aim for the torso or legs, throwing slightly downward. It takes a few rounds to calibrate, but low throws are harder to dodge and easier to control.

Use the walls. At Big Air, the courts have side or back wall trampolines. A ball thrown at an angle can bounce off the wall and come at your opponent from an unexpected direction. It's harder to pull off than a straight throw, but when it works, the look on the other team's face is worth it.

Work as a team. Dodgeball is a team game. Coordinate with them. If you've got several balls on your side, have one person throw while others hold balls in reserve. Uncoordinated groups burn through balls and hand control to the other team.

Catching is underrated. Most new players focus on dodging and throwing. But catching is how rounds actually turn. If you can get confident at catching, you'll be the person who flips the momentum. Practice catching from a slight bounce rather than a dead stop.

WHO IT'S GREAT FOR

Trampoline dodgeball works across a wide range of ages and group types.

For birthday parties, it's a natural centerpiece for a group of 8 to 15 kids, especially in the 8 to 14 age range. Big Air's party packages include jump time that covers the dodgeball courts.

For school and youth groups, organized dodgeball sessions are a popular field trip or after-school activity. Big Air's group booking options work well for class sizes.

For teen and adult groups, a lot of adults book evening sessions at Big Air specifically for dodgeball. It's legitimately competitive and genuinely tiring.

For corporate or team outings, this is the move when you want a team-building activity that doesn't involve a whiteboard or a trust fall. Trampoline dodgeball levels the playing field fast. Your fastest colleague and your most sedentary colleague have about the same advantage on a trampoline.

WHAT TO WEAR

Athletic wear and Air Socks are all you need, but matching team shirts are always encouraged. If you're planning to go hard, stick to fitted tops and athletic pants, nothing loose that'll flip up during a jump. See our full guide on what to wear to a trampoline park for the full rundown.

HOW TO PLAY AT BIG AIR

General admission includes access to our trampoline dodgeball courts during your jump session. No separate booking needed for open play. If you want to reserve the courts for a group or incorporate dodgeball into a birthday party, that's part of the conversation when you book your package.

READY TO PLAY?

Find your nearest Big Air location and grab a session. Bring a group, because dodgeball with two people is just catch.

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