Four Square

playground game · ball sport · strategy

Four Equal Squares. The court is divided into four identical squares by two perpendicular lines. Each square gets a number or letter so everyone knows which one they're in.

Four Players Compete. One player stands in each square, and they bounce a ball back and forth trying to force opponents to make mistakes. Players who mess up get knocked out and move to the back of the line.

King of the Court. The player in the highest-ranked square has the best position and is trying to stay there the longest. Other players work their way up to that top square by staying in the game.

Bouncing Ball Action. The ball must bounce in your square before you hit it to another player's square. If you hit it straight out of bounds or don't get a bounce, you're out.

Popular Everywhere. Four square is played in playgrounds all around the world and has been a favorite recess game for generations of kids.