【明報專訊】Lucy and Ruby think dodgeball (閃避球) brings them greater excitement than any other sport. What is so unique about dodgeball? Why do they find it attractive?

Lucy Cheung Lok-yi (張樂怡) and Ruby Yeung Nok-ching (楊諾晴) are both primary 6 students at Yan Chai Hospital Choi Hin To Primary School (仁濟醫院蔡衍濤小學). They've learnt to play dodgeball at school. Lucy and Ruby have been on the school team for two and three years respectively. They have to attend training sessions every Monday and Saturday. Last November, they took part in the Asian Dodgeball Confederation Cup 2016 and were the second runner-up! That was the first time they had represented Hong Kong! We should be proud of them!

Lucy and Ruby both play other sports like table tennis, cycling and badminton, but dodgeball is their favourite. Lucy, who is an intercepter, said, "I feel so delightful when I manage to catch the ball during an opponent's attack." Ruby added, "Unlike those attending a table tennis or football game, who cheer when a player scores by making a good shot, those at a dodgeball game are so excited when a player catch a ball!" Ruby, who is a shooter and catcher, said catching the ball gave her great satisfaction and boosted her confidence in launching a counter-attack.

Lucy and Ruby are classmates, and they are glad to be in a class in which many play dodgeball. The sport has united them. "Our class has a WhatsApp group and I often send a message to ask if anyone is free to play dodgeball at the weekend," Lucy said. Their participation in the sport has allowed them to learn to be patient, respect their opponents and have team spirit.

Dodgeball was first played in Africa over two hundred years ago. In a modern game of dodgeball, players on two teams throw balls at each other and try to avoid being hit. One either dodges or catches the ball when one defends. When a player is hit in the infield area (內場), he or she must go to play in the outfield area (外場). A team loses when none of its members remains in the infield area.

■ English highway﹕unlike

It is a preposition used to contrast a person or thing with another.

e.g. Unlike Eason, MoMo is an agile athlete.

■ Key words

intercepter 截球手

shooter 攻擊手

catcher 接球手

■ Glossary

excitement (n) 興奮

avoid (v) 避免

cheer (v) 歡呼

score (v) 得分

glad (adj) 高興的

unite (v) 團結

ferocious (adj)猛烈的

courtesy (n) 禮節