Understand that each of us has different opinions and fond memories of our favorite games and sports we played when we were young. From baseball and softball to backyard and playground games such as four square, hopscotch, kickball, tetherball, and even classic large group games like Capture the Flag. In their unique way, they each bring back sweet remembrances and the good times of our youth.
But let me throw this out: Was there any game with the universal appeal and standard issue overall popularity as the good old dodgeball and bombardment games? I suppose there are a few "holdouts" out there who didn't enjoy the raucous atmosphere and intense activity this game provided, but for the most part? Dodgeball was a sheer, unhinged, unadulterated joy for those who partook.
For those unfamiliar, or maybe those that pink-slipped out of gym class one too many times, think of dodgeball and "bombardment" as ball-throwing warfare in the cozy comfort of your school gymnasium. It was an every-man-for-himself activity where only the strong survived, and those less inclined stuck to the false safety of the sideline walls. It was 40 minutes of not-so-organized bedlam. Man, was that fun.
Things change, though. Our society has gotten a bit "softer." We all can agree. Dodgeball and Bombardment are slightly different games today than what the old schoolers remember, where we used the traditional red round 8 by 11-inch red playground ball. It was wound nice and tight, fully inflated, with a rubber outside covering that could induce pain on contact and provide a significant sting when landing successfully.
But today, I am sad to report the game is different. Today's kids have had to learn dodgeball using the less painful and user-friendly foam ball. A softer and no doubt weaker alternative to the red rubber ball we used, which is no longer in use on account of inducing too much suffering on today's unsuspecting young soldiers of the physical education gym arena.
However, I am happy to report that despite the game's recent "foam over," it still is very popular with today's youth.
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