Dodgeball Justice: How One Well-Aimed Throw Served Up Elementary School Revenge
We’ve all been there—that moment in childhood when the universe seems to conspire against us, while a smug peer snickers on the sidelines. You fumble a ball, miss the goal, and there’s always that one kid eager to announce your every misstep to the world. For Reddit user u/Embarrassed_Bid_331, those summer days of elementary school sports were less about fun and more about surviving the relentless jeers of one particular girl. But sometimes, even the quietest among us have a breaking point—and in this case, all it took was a dodgeball and a moment of perfectly executed, petty revenge.
The Sting of Childhood Mockery
Let’s set the scene: It’s summer break, somewhere between third and fourth grade. The gym is echoing with the sounds of sneakers squeaking, balls bouncing, and kids yelling. Our protagonist is doing their best to participate in a sports program, but every missed throw or failed kick is met with the same infuriating soundtrack: a girl's mocking laughter. It’s the kind of repetitive, low-grade torment that only elementary schoolers can truly deliver, and it’s slowly driving our hero up the wall.
If you’ve ever been that kid—the one who gets picked last, who tries hard but can’t quite make the shot, who just wants to play without the extra commentary—you’ll feel the frustration here. There’s something universal about the sting of childhood mockery, especially when it comes from a peer who seems to relish every mistake.
The Birth of a (Petty) Vigilante
Eventually, the situation reaches a boiling point. After enduring snickers and “ha ha”s one too many times, something snaps. Our usually non-confrontational narrator hatches a plan: the next time dodgeball comes around, it’s payback time.
And oh, what payback it is. With a move worthy of a slow-motion sports montage, they channel every ounce of pent-up frustration into a single, decisive throw—right in the face of their tormentor. The impact is immediate: the girl is stunned, her glasses broken, and for a brief, glorious moment, justice is served.
No Witnesses, No Problem
In an almost cinematic twist, no one sees what happened. The instructors are baffled. A crime of passion, committed in broad daylight, yet the culprit remains at large. The gym is brought to a halt as everyone is made to high-five the injured party and offer apologies. Our hero, meanwhile, is the picture of innocence—nervous, yes, but not sorry in the slightest.
There’s a particular flavor of satisfaction that comes with getting away with something you know you shouldn’t have done—especially when it feels justified. In the world of elementary school, where justice is often arbitrary and authority figures are always watching, a little bit of sneaky revenge can feel like a major victory.
Why Petty Revenge Feels So Good
So, why do stories like this resonate with us? Maybe it’s because we all remember what it’s like to feel powerless, to be the butt of someone else’s jokes, to want just one moment of vindication. Petty revenge—especially when it’s as harmless as a dodgeball to the face (okay, maybe not so harmless for the glasses)—is the kind of story we whisper to our friends and laugh about years later.
It’s not about being a bad person. As u/Embarrassed_Bid_331 points out, vengeance wasn’t in their nature; it was just a momentary lapse, a snap decision in the heat of frustration. But in that split second, they stood up for themselves in the most elementary-school way possible.
The Lasting Appeal of Petty Justice
We love these stories because they’re relatable, cathartic, and just a little bit naughty. They remind us of the chaos and comedy of growing up, of the times we wished we had the nerve to stand up to our own bullies. Maybe we didn’t always get our moment, but we can live vicariously through the tales of those who did.
And while we don’t necessarily condone dodgeball assaults (please don’t try this at your next gym class), we can all appreciate the humor and humanity in these petty acts of rebellion. Sometimes, the smallest victories are the sweetest.
What’s Your Petty Revenge Story?
Did you ever get back at a schoolyard nemesis, or dream of a perfect comeback you never got to deliver? Share your stories in the comments—because nothing brings people together quite like a little bit of shared, harmless mischief.
And remember: the next time someone laughs at your missed shot, just smile. After all, you never know when karma—or a well-aimed dodgeball—might come around.
Have a favorite story of childhood payback? Drop it below, or let us know what you would have done in this situation!
Original Reddit Post: Right In The Face