🤾 Dodgeball Showdown
Suit up for a high-energy Dodgeball retro! Like fearless Average Joes, let's dodge obstacles, celebrate quick throws (wins), and strategize for championship teamwork. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge any project challenge!
Template Columns
💪 Winning Throws
Highlight the ‘shots’ and efforts that helped us score big this sprint.
Base column: Liked🧠 Dodgeball Lessons
Share what skills, moves, or tactics we picked up to be more agile and survive future rounds.
Base column: Learned🕳️ Missed Catches
Reflect on the areas where we dropped the ball or dodged responsibility.
Base column: Lacked🏆 Ultimate Underdog Moments
Reveal what amazing moments, support, or victories we longed for to become true champions.
Base column: Longed ForAbout this template
The Dodgeball Showdown retrospective energizes teams to review wins, lessons, dropped balls, and champion-worthy aspirations from the last sprint. With a fun, sports-inspired structure, it encourages honest reflection and fosters next-level teamwork.
When to use this template
Use this format when your team needs a motivational boost, after fast-paced or challenging sprints, or when you want to inject creativity and engagement into your regular retros.
How to facilitate
Open with a warm welcome and set the dodgeball-inspired theme to get everyone pumped and in a playful mindset.
Review the meaning behind each column (Winning Throws, Dodgeball Lessons, Missed Catches, Ultimate Underdog Moments) to ensure everyone understands the metaphor.
Timebox a silent brainstorming session for team members to add their notes under each column.
Invite the team to group similar items and discuss each column, prompting team members to elaborate on their reflections.
Facilitate a collaborative discussion to identify patterns, celebrate successes, and acknowledge improvement areas.
Guide the team to prioritize topics and define clear action items tied to championship teamwork.
Close with a light-hearted team cheer or game-inspired shout-out to finish on a high note.
Pro Tips
Encourage everyone to back up 'Winning Throws' with specific examples for authentic celebration.
For 'Missed Catches', frame stumbles as learning opportunities so the team feels safe sharing honestly.
Use playful language throughout to keep energy up and reduce stress around tougher topics.
Invite quieter team members to share lessons or underdog moments to ensure diverse voices.
Capture unique team rituals or 'underdog moments' as culture-building takeaways.
FAQ
What if team members struggle with the dodgeball metaphor?
Clarify each column with practical examples, and encourage people to translate their stories in their own words without worrying about sports jargon.
How do we avoid blame when discussing 'Missed Catches'?
Facilitate with a blame-free approach, focusing discussions on learning and team improvements rather than individual fault.
Can this format work for remote teams?
Yes! The energetic and playful theme actually helps remote teams engage more—just ensure everyone has equal opportunity to contribute.
At a glance
- Duration
45–60 min
- Team Size
4-12 people
- Columns
4 columns
- Base Format
Liked, Learned, Lacked, Longed For
Tags
Ready to get started?
Use this template to run your next retrospective