Four Square Playground Game
Classic divided-court game on a four-square grid: each player strikes the ball with an open hand, after one bounce, into another square. Students practice open-hand striking, reading the ball's path and quick decision-making.
How to play
- Use chalk to draw 6 courts, each a 13 x 13 ft square split into four squares numbered 1 to 4. Groups of 4–5: four inside, the rest in line by square 1 (3 min).
- The player in square 4 serves: bounce the ball in your own square and hit it with an open hand into another square.
- The receiver lets the ball bounce only once in their square and hits it into any other square. No catching.
- If the ball bounces twice, goes out, or lands back in your own square after your hit, you go to the end of the line; everyone moves up a square and the next player enters.
- Play for 7 minutes trying to reach square 4. Then mix the groups and play another 7 minutes; the "king" may call a special rule (non-dominant hand only, low hits).
- Wrap up for 2 minutes: which hits were hardest to return, and why?
Rules
- The ball bounces once in your square before you hit it.
- A ball on an inside line is a do-over; on an outside line it's in.
- Safety: 6 ft between courts, and nobody crosses another court to chase a ball.
Variations
Easier
Students may catch the ball after the bounce and toss it with two hands.
Standard
Open-hand hit after one bounce in your own square.
Harder
Only the non-dominant hand counts, or players must clap before each hit.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a smaller square with two bounces allowed in it.
- Autism or shyness: show rotations with numbered cards and keep the same group all lesson.
- Fitness level: one court with a bigger, slower ball for those who need it.
Learning goals
- Strike the ball with an open hand toward a chosen space.
- Anticipate the ball's path after the bounce to get in position.
- Follow the rotation and the agreed-upon rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft ball: 6
- chalk: 6
Teacher tip
Have students wait with bent knees behind their square, not on the line. If a group argues about lines, make the first player in line the referee.
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