raycasting for other purpose?

hey guys i was wondering if ray-casting can be used as some type of dodging system? like checking the range of the projectile, and when the projectile is at a certain range, then the player can either press a button to dodge or even catch/deflect projectile. also maybe knowing which side the projectile is closes to so its knows which way to dodge.

My first time thinking of using ray-casting this way so was wondering if anyone could provide a basic example of said topic to get me started?

 

Please re-read and explain again please.

 

was in a rush sorry....edited