Four Square Chalk Court Game

Sidewalk chalk

A rubber playground ball

A paved outdoor area

Draw a large square on pavement (about 10 feet on each side) and divide it into 4 equal squares. Number them 1, 2, 3, and 4. Square 4 is the "king" square.

One player stands in each square. If you have fewer than 4 players, leave some squares empty and players hit into them like walls.

The player in square 4 serves. They bounce the ball once in their own square, then hit it with an open palm so it bounces into another player's square.

The receiving player lets the ball bounce once in their square, then hits it into any other player's square. Open palm hits only — no catching, no fists.

If the ball bounces twice in your square, you hit it out of bounds, or you miss it entirely, you're out. Move to square 1 and everyone below you moves up one square.

New players enter at square 1. The goal is to work your way up to square 4 and stay there.

The king can make special rules for each round: "No hitting to square 1," "Left hand only," or "Spin before you hit." This keeps the game unpredictable.

Play continues until everyone is tired or it's time to go inside.

Four square is one of the best games for developing hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and spatial awareness. It's a school recess classic for good reason.

A slightly deflated ball bounces lower and is easier to control. Start with a softer bounce.

For beginners, allow two bounces before they have to hit the ball. This gives them more reaction time.

Encourage hitting the ball downward rather than straight across. A downward hit creates a bounce, which is the correct form.

This game scales naturally from 2 players to 10+ with a waiting line. It's one of the best group games for mixed ages.