Blank Slate Foursquare

  1. Autonomous/Self-access Games
  2. Ball Games
  3. Readiness Games
  4. Recess Games
  5. Rotational Games

  • Any Size

  • Ages 3-5

  • Balls

  • 10 minutes or more

Development Goal

To develop eye-hand coordination and strategic thinking skills.

Before You Start

  • One player is in each square and the other players wait in line and cheer on the group.
  • Explain and practice rotation: Players enter from square D, then go to C, C goes to B, B goes to A, and finally the player in square A goes to the end of the line.
  • Explain the rules of Blank Slate Four Square.
  • Check that everyone understands the rules.
  • Encourage players to pass out high fives and cheer each other on!

Set Up

A standard four square area is one large square, 10’ x 10’ divided into four smaller squares (5’ x 5’), and each box is labeled A, B, C, D or 1, 2, 3, 4.

How to Play

  • Play begins when the person who just entered the four square—in square D or 4— serves the ball.
  • The ball can only bounce once in any square.
  • Each player must hit the ball with any part of their hand into an opposing player’s square after it has bounced only once in their own square.
  • If a player makes a mistake, every player must rotate—D to C, C to B, B to A, and A to the line–and a new player enters into square D.
  • Mistakes include:
    • The ball lands on a line.
    • The ball goes out of bounds.
    • The ball bounces twice in one square.
    • A player catches or holds the ball.
    • The ball is returned before it is allowed to bounce.
  • After players rotate, play begins again with a serve from the new player in square D.

Variations

See the game of Foursquare for many variations!