Q&A for How to Play Four Square

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  • Question
    Can you slam the ball into another person's square?
    Nicole Lister
    Community Answer
    Yes, but this is called a cherry bomb! It's usually against the rules, unless you all agree to allow it.
  • Question
    Can I make the square with tape?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Just make sure that the pieces are the same size and that the corners are about 90 degree angles.
  • Question
    How do I do a cherry bomb?
    Community Answer
    Hold it up in the air, and throw it down as hard as you can and it bounces high. They have to hit it into another square or they are out.
  • Question
    Can I hit the ball with only one hand?
    Community Answer
    It depends. If you are playing with friends not at school, then it's up to you. If you are at a school, then you might have to ask the (recess) teacher about that. Different schools may have different rules.
  • Question
    I don't understand when they say make sure the ball stays within the square. What does that mean?
    Nicole Lister
    Community Answer
    It means that when the ball gets out of the square, whoever passed it out of the square loses and is out.
  • Question
    How does the king get out in four square?
    Community Answer
    Like everybody else. If he/she cannot hit the ball or hits it out of bounds.
  • Question
    Do you have to hit it to the square next to you?
    Nicole Lister
    Community Answer
    No, you can hit it to any square.
  • Question
    What is a 4 square cherry bomb?
    Community Answer
    It is when a player slams the ball hard on the ground and the ball goes up high. (These are not allowed.)
  • Question
    What is the size of the court?
    Community Answer
    The size of a four square court can vary, but it must be square.
  • Question
    Do I have to let the ball bounce in my square before I hit it?
    Community Answer
    No, that doesn't matter unless it bounces 2 times. Then you're out.
  • Question
    Who is the judge of the game?
    Community Answer
    Everyone playing and watching, usually. If there is any issue, everyone should vote on the outcome.
  • Question
    Does the person on the number 4 get to make up the rules?
    Community Answer
    No! All the rules apply for everyone. It doesn't matter if you're in the fourth square.
  • Question
    Can you spike the ball?
    Community Answer
    Typically no, but there are some modified versions where some people allow it, especially younger kids. These are usually called "cherry bombs".
  • Question
    Spiking is not allowed at my school, and is considered cheating. What do we do when someone cheats?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the rules at your school. Maybe ask the recess teacher? One suggestion is that if everyone agrees that that person cheated, you could count them as "out."
  • Question
    Where can 4 square be played?
    Community Answer
    Four square can be played in any area large enough to make a square and bounce the ball without damaging anything.
  • Question
    How does the game end if there is a line of people waiting to play?
    Community Answer
    It ends when the day/party/recess is over.
  • Question
    How do I get the the server position if I am in square two?
    Community Answer
    Wait until the person in the third and fourth squares gets out.
  • Question
    Are holds for more than 3 seconds allowed?
    KatLuver
    Community Answer
    It depends on what the group says. In most cases, holding for 3 seconds or more would get you out.
  • Question
    What are snake eyes? My school had a rule where you couldn't do snake eyes.
    Community Answer
    Snake eyes are when you are looking at one square and then you pass the ball to the other square. It is very misleading.
  • Question
    Can I hold the ball?
    Kenny
    Community Answer
    Holding the ball is not allowed. Of course, you can hold the ball when it's not in play.
  • Question
    How can I spin a ball in four square?
    Community Answer
    You use both of your hands and twist them when someone hits the ball into your square.
  • Question
    What's chicken feet in Four Square?
    Community Answer
    When you purposely hit it at someone's ankles or feet, without giving them a chance to hit the ball.
  • Question
    What are ways to get out?
    Community Answer
    You can get out by simply just hitting the ball out of bounds. If the ball enters your square and you don't hit it you are out. Those are just two ways.
  • Question
    Does the ball have to bounce?
    Community Answer
    No, it doesn't have to bounce. It just can't touch you, your square, or outside the four squares.
  • Question
    Do I have to hit the ball with my palms facing up?
    Community Answer
    It's more convenient if you do it with your palms facing down.
  • Question
    How many players can be in one square?
    Community Answer
    One player should be in each square.
  • Question
    Does the person in square four have to have one foot out of the box when they serve?
    Community Answer
    No, they would have to re-do the serve.
  • Question
    Does the server in square four have to serve to square one?
    Community Answer
    Yes, the server generally serves into square one, although you can come up with your own set of rules as long as everyone that's playing agrees on them.
  • Question
    What do you mean when you say 4 is the highest ranked square?
    Kenny
    Community Answer
    The squares mark the level you're at. The higher the level, the more you prove to be a good player. With that, there's also more risk since servers prefer to get the second highest out. In reality, the lower 3 ranks do not matter; only the highest ranked square matters, which is the square that serves. The square can be either the first or the fourth, depending on preference.
  • Question
    What are some ways to get people out?
    Community Answer
    If the person hits the ball on one of the lines, they are out. If they hit it overhand, they are out. If they bounce it twice in their square, they are out. If they don't let the ball bounce before they hit it, they are out.
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