4 square
Students will be playing a game that involves striking with their hands, accuracy, and strategy
Duration
Multiple days
Lesson Type
Traditional Lesson
Lesson Created By: Jacob Scruggs
Essential Question
What are some strategies that you can use in 4 square?
Grade(s):
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Lesson Progression
4 Square
RULES:
-
- Server (#1) must put one foot behind the service line
- Everyone must Hit UNDERHAND (Palms facing up)
- Ball must bounce ONCE and only ONCE in your square before your strike it (including on the serve)
- If someone makes an error you rotate up a square and that person goes to the back of the line (outside the #4 square)
- If it hits any line (other than the serving line) it will be considered out
- You can move anywhere outside the square or in your section of the square. You cannot move into someone else’s square.
- If it bounces in your square you MUST strike it
- No Carrying, Stalling or Holding – you must Strike or Hit the ball
You are out if…
-
- The ball in your square bounces 2 times or you hit it before it bounces
- You hit the ball out of bounds
- You hit the ball to any line
- You hit the ball Overhand
- You hit a ball that was another players ball (it bounced in their square and you hit it before it bounced a 2nd time)
- A ball bounces in your square and you are unable to get to it before it bounces a second time
Extensions: Have students make calls before they serve. Only the server (#1) can make calls. Make sure everyone can here the call.
- Around the World-- #1 serves to #2, #2 hits to number #3, #3 hits to #4, #4 hits to #1 until someone makes a mistake.
- Reverse Around the World-- #1 serves to #4, #4 hits to #3, #3 hits to #2, #2 hits to #1 until someone makes a mistake
- War—This is a one on one challenge between the server and another player. Server will say “War with ____”.
- Challenge—This is where everyone will challenge one person. The person being challenged can return the ball to any square (besides their own) while everyone else will be hitting into the square of the person being challenged.
- Baby— Play a regular game of 4 square, except everyone will be on their knees
- T-rex—Everyone will tuck their elbows in to their body and play with shorter arms
- Una mano—Everyone must strike the ball with only one hand
- Flamingo—Must stay on one foot the whole time.
- Spin Ball—Every time you strike the ball you must spin once before you are able to strike it again
- Boomerang— #1 serves to #2, #2 hits to #3, #3 hits to #4, #4 hits back to #3, #3 hits to #2, #2 hits to #1, and then it repeats until someone makes a mistake.