Four Square
A classic playground game where four players, each in a square, strike the ball with an open hand after one bounce to send it into another player's square, with quick rotation so everyone plays. The activity builds open-hand striking, reading the bounce, and following rules.
How to play
- Draw five 13 x 13-foot courts in chalk, each split into four numbered squares from 1 to 4; each court has 5 students: 4 playing and 1 waiting (3 min).
- Explain: the player in square 4 serves by bouncing the ball in their own square and hitting it with an open hand into another square.
- The ball must bounce once in the receiver's square, and that player hits it with one or two hands into any other square.
- A player is out if the ball bounces twice, goes out, or is caught; that player goes to square 1 or to the waiting spot, and everyone else moves up a number.
- Play for 15 minutes; the waiting student always enters square 1 when someone misses, so no one waits more than one point.
- Last 4 minutes: the player in square 4 picks a special rule for the round, like "left hand only" or "hit from your knees."
Rules
- Hit with an open hand; no catching or pushing the ball.
- A ball that lands on a line is in.
- No one steps into another player's square to hit.
- Settle disagreements by replaying the point, not by arguing.
Variations
Easier
Players may catch the ball and throw it with two hands.
Standard
Hit with an open hand after one bounce in your own square.
Harder
Hit only with the non-dominant hand, or make the squares bigger.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays in square 1 without rotating out and is allowed two bounces in their square.
- Hearing impairment: the server raises a hand before serving so everyone knows the point is starting.
- Lower skill level: use a bigger, slower ball, like a foam ball or beach ball.
Learning goals
- Strike the ball with an open hand toward a chosen square.
- Anticipate the bounce and get in position in time.
- Follow the rules and rotation with good sportsmanship.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rubber playground balls: 5
- sidewalk chalk: 5
Teacher tip
Run several small courts instead of one big one so no one waits more than a point. Teach students to replay disputed points; that way they run the game themselves and you can coach striking.
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