Four Square

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Game flow diagram

Four Square (from English, "four square") is a ball game played by four players on a square playing field with an exercise ball. It is a popular school playground game in the USA because hardly any material is required, any number of players can participate in the game, the game rounds are short so that the game can be ended at any time, and the rules are easy to follow.

material

  • A square playing field (4 to 7 m) divided into four equal squares. The individual squares are numbered from 1 to 4.
  • An exercise ball (18 to 20 cm in diameter) or similar lightweight rubber balls.

target

Each player tries to reach the first square and stay there.

regulate

Lineup

There is a player in each square. The other players stand in line next to the fourth square. The players in the square bounce the ball. As soon as a square player makes a mistake, he is eliminated and queues at the back of the line. This way the others rise in the hierarchy.

Gameplay

Once bouncing, once hitting. If the ball falls into a player's field, he must hit the ball in another field. No other player may touch the ball. In the event of a mistake, the affected player is eliminated.

error

  • The ball lands outside of all playing fields or on the line between the fields. If the ball lands on an outside line, it is still valid.
  • The ball bounces more than once in your own field.
  • The ball is hit several times before it reaches an opponent's court.
  • The player has violated a special rule (see variants ).

specification

The player in the first field plays the ball in the fourth field. When stating, the ball is hit from below. The player in the fourth field bounces on the second or third field. Then all players can bounce on any field.

Blow

The ball is hit with the hand (possibly forehand and backhand, fist or open hand, one or both hands). Catching, guiding or carrying the ball as well as touching other parts of the body is not permitted.

variants

Four Square is a school playground game that has many variants. Some are listed here.

  1. Position names: The fields can be numbered from 1 to 4. Other field names are e.g. E.g .: ABCD (alphabet), ace-king-queen-jack (card game), king-queen-knight-pawn (chess) or any of your own names. The fourth field is often called a toilet.
  2. Points: Only the player in the first field receives a point after successful entry. He should state his score out loud before reporting.
  3. Duel: In the event of a dispute between two players, this is resolved in a sporty mini-game.
  4. No smashing: The ball game from below makes the game slower.
  5. Catch: Players are allowed to catch the ball before it hits the field. By catching the "player" (the player with the previous ball contact) is eliminated.
  6. Double strike: The players are allowed to have two ball contacts. This allows the players to play themselves (similar to volleyball ).
  7. Fire alarm: Before the information is given, the bringer calls "Fire alarm!". All players must put one foot in the middle. The last one is eliminated.
  8. Football: The ball may only be played with the feet.
  9. Body contact: The ball may be played with any part of the body.
  10. Alphabet soup: on each stroke, players say a word in alphabetical order, e.g. E.g. monkey, butter, cafe, blanket, egg ...

literature

  • G. Bailey: The Ultimate Playground & Recess Game Book , Educators Press, 2000 ISBN 0966972724

Web links

Commons : Four Square  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files