How to play
2-SQUARE
Aim of the game:
The aim of 2-square is to eliminate the player who is in the higher square than you so that you can move up to the top square. Once you make it to the top square, you’re in the highest position of the game. The aim is to stay there and eliminate those players below you.
Equipment:
1x Spalding High Bounce Ball
2x Players (plus any extras to sit on the bench)
1x Chalk (if you need to draw the squares and number them)
The Court:
The 2-square court features two squares that are numbered 1 and 2, as shown below;
Playing Conditions:
You can play 2-square practically anywhere! All you need is a flat surface. Asphalt, concrete or a gym floorboard surfaces are ideal. Indoors and outdoors is fine too.
RULES
Serving:
The ball is always served from the highest square to the lowest square. To serve, the player drops the ball and waits until it bounces once before hitting the ball into the opposing square.
Faults:
Each server is allowed to make one error on each serve/receive during each point. When this occurs, a re-serve is taken.
Returning serve and regular play:
You are required to hit the ball correctly – with an open palm. Feel free to be ambidextrous and use both either right or left hands depending on your preference. No holding the ball, no catching or carrying the ball. The trickier the better with your play – you can use tactics such as spin, pace or placement.
Out of bounds:
If a player bounces a ball outside of the line, it is classified as out-of-bounds and the point is awarded to the player that is in the square.
If it bounces on the line, then the ball is still in play.
Elimination:
When a player is eliminated, they must leave the court and all player move up a square. A new player from the sidelines moves up into the lowest rank square. A player can be eliminated in multiple ways including:
- The ball bouncing more than once in their square before being returned
- Hitting the ball outside of the lines
- Not hitting the ball correctly (e.g. holding, catching or carrying the ball)
- Hitting the ball when it wasn’t their turn, or when the ball wasn’t in their square
- Not hitting the ball into another square
Umpiring:
Two-square is self-umpired/self-regulated by either the players or any spectators. This means fair play and honesty is required! (no egos here!)
Showdown:
If there is a dispute over any decision during the game and no one can agree on an outcome, then there is a one-point showdown between the players. The loser is automatically eliminated from the game, with a new playing joining the game from the bench.
In addition to the rules above, you can create your own rules, just make sure everyone playing is aware of the rules before you start the game! Enjoy!
4-SQUARE
Aim of the game:
The aim of 4-square is to eliminate those who are in a higher square than you, so you can work your way up to the top square.
Equipment:
1x Spalding High Bounce Ball
4x Players (plus any extras to sit on the bench)
1x Chalk (if you need to draw the squares and number them)
The Court:
The 4-square court features four squares that are numbered from 1-4. The highest and lowest number should be diagonal from each other, as shown below;
Playing Conditions:
You can play 4-square practically anywhere! All you need is a flat surface that is big enough for 4 squares. Asphalt, concrete or a gym floorboard surfaces are ideal. Indoors and outdoors is fine too.
RULES
Serving:
The ball is always served from the highest square to the lowest square. To serve, the player drops the ball and waits until it bounces once before hitting the ball into the opposing square.
Faults:
Each server is allowed to make one error on each serve/receive during each point. When this occurs, a re-serve is taken.
Returning serve and regular play:
You are required to hit the ball correctly – with an open palm. Feel free to be ambidextrous and use both either rightor left hands depending on your preference. No holding the ball, no catching or carrying the ball. The trickier the better with your play – you can use tactics such as spin, pace or placement.
Out of bounds:
If a player bounces a ball outside of the line, it is classified as out-of-bounds and the point is awarded to the player that is in the square.
If it bounces on the line, then the ball is still in play.
Elimination:
When a player is eliminated, they must leave the court and all player move up a square. A new player from the sidelines moves up into the lowest rank square. A player can be eliminated in multiple ways including:
- The ball bouncing more than once in their square before being returned
- Hitting the ball outside of the lines
- Not hitting the ball correctly (e.g. holding, catching or carrying the ball)
- Hitting the ball when it wasn’t their turn, or when the ball wasn’t in their square
- Not hitting the ball into another square
Umpiring:
Four-square is self-umpired/self-regulated by either the players or any spectators. This means fair play and honesty is required! (no egos here!)
Showdown:
If there is a dispute over any decision during the game and no one can agree on an outcome, then there is a one-point showdown between the players. The loser is automatically eliminated from the game, with a new playing joining the game from the bench.
In addition to the rules above, you can create your own rules, just make sure everyone playing is aware of the rules before you start the game! Enjoy!
