Four Square

Four Square is a fun game you can play with a bouncy ball and four friends. The court is a big square split into four smaller squares. Each player stands in one square and bounces the ball to each other.

How to Play

Each square is numbered one through four. The player in square four serves the ball by bouncing it into another player's square. That player has to hit the ball into someone else's square before it bounces twice.

If you miss the ball or hit it out of bounds, you are out. Everyone moves up a square, and a new player joins in square one. The goal is to get to square four and stay there as long as you can.

Rules and Tricks

Players can add special rules to make the game more fun. Some popular rules include "no cherry bombs," which means you cannot slam the ball really hard. Another rule is "bus stop," where everyone freezes.

Four Square is great because you only need a ball and a flat surface. Many schools have Four Square courts painted on the blacktop.

Fun Facts

• Four Square has been a popular recess game since the 1950s.
• There are official Four Square tournaments held around the world.
• The game is also known as "King's Square" in some places.

Did You Know?

Some schools have Four Square courts that are so popular, kids have to wait in long lines just to play!