Dodgeball Brings 'Average Joes' To NYA

If you haven't dropped by Newtown Youth Academy for dodgeball Tuesday nights, you don't know what you're missing.

If you have, you know exactly what you're missing (or trying to miss): a barrage of dodgeballs flying across the court, hurled with precision by kids and adults alike, some of whom take this gym-class tradition very seriously.

Patch caught up with a couple first-timers one Tuesday night to find out how the game matched up to their memories from childhood.

"I'm shocked at how many people are here," said Anthony Dolato, gesturing at the players on the NYA's courts. (On a different Tuesday night, more than 100 signed up to play.) It's been 26 years, by his count, since the last time he played dodgeball.

"I've yet to hit an opponent," he says.

"Any day now!" his friend, Ray Ragan, jokes.

It's called Average Joe's dodgeball, with the idea that it makes a great way for regular people of all ages -- no experience necessary -- to spend a great night socializing, competing and getting a pretty intense workout along the way.

If you'd like to give it a shot yourself, courts are open for dodgeball every Tuesday night at the Newtown Youth Academy at Fairfield Hills. Different age groups are available, from 5th grade to adults: see the NYA's website for more information.