Four Square

Return the ball to defend your square.

• Set Up

  • A large square on concrete or gym floor divided into 4 sections each about 4 ft. x 4 ft.

  • Each small square is labeled “1,” “2,” “3,” and “4”

  • One player starts in each square and the other players are in a single file line outside of the square

• Equipment

  • Chalk/Tape

  • Kickball

• Objective

  Keep playing as long as possible in square 1 by not letting the ball out.

• Directions

  1. The player in square 1 starts with the ball and uses their hand to hit it into an opponent's square

  2. If a ball bounces in your square and you don’t hit it in someone else’s square before it bounces again or it goes out of bounds, you have to go to the waiting line.

  3. The next person will then go into square 4, and if necessary the remaining three players move up a square

  4. Square 1 is the “champion square” - where players want to stay as long as possible.

  5. Additional reasons for going to the waiting line: 

     1. Ball touches a line

     2. Catch the ball 

• Variations

  Version 1: Allow players to catch the ball and then bounce it.

  Version 2: No catching allowed. Catching the ball sends you to the waiting line. 

  Version 3: Add additional squares (make the game 8 square)

• Coaching Points

  • 1. Appoint a player on the waiting line as “line judge” to watch if the ball hits a line.

    2. 4-Square Rules

Reflection: Self-Awareness and Self-Management

1. What was your strategy during this game?

2. How do you think you could get better at this game?

3. What’s one goal you can make to get better for next time?