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Four Square Game Markings

The Four Square Game: How to Play and a Look at Our Grid Markings

Ask any teacher on playground duty – keeping children active, engaged and happily occupied during break times can be a daily challenge. That’s where Four Square (or King Square, if you prefer) comes in. This brilliant ball game offers a simple, cost-effective way to breathe life into tired tarmac, boost participation during PE, and give pupils of all ages something to look forward to every break or lunch.

Four Square is also easy to learn, quick to set up, and adaptable for all ages. Learn more about what you need to know for a game here, before getting in touch for your own set of permanent playground markings.

What is Four Square?

Four Square is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn playground game played by four players and a ball on a marked-out court split into four equal squares. Simple as it sounds, it’s a brilliant way for children to burn off energy, practise quick thinking, and learn how to play fairly and take turns – all within a fun, inclusive format that encourages teamwork as much as competition.

The goal? To hold on to the highest-ranked square for as long as possible. Players bounce the ball from square to square, trying to avoid mistakes while keeping the game moving. If someone slips up and the ball goes out of play, they’re out and everyone moves up a square.

What is King Square?

King Square is a playful twist on the traditional Four Square layout. The game itself follows the same format and rules, but instead of numbering the final square as “4”, it’s marked with a “K” for King. It’s a small change, but one that adds a bit of variety and character to the game, especially when pupils are vying for the top spot.

king-square-markings

How to Play Four Square and Follow the Rules

One of the reasons Four Square is such a hit in schools is because it’s so easy to learn – and so quick to play. With just four players, a rubber ball, and a marked court, you’ve got an energetic, inclusive game that works brilliantly across all age groups.

The Basic Rules

  1. Each player stands in one of the four squares, numbered 1 to 4 (or 1 to 3 plus K, if using a King Square).
  2. The player in the highest square (number 4 or the King) starts the game by bouncing the ball once in their own square and then hitting it into another player’s square.
  3. The receiving player must hit the ball into another square before it bounces a second time.
  4. Players can hit the ball before it bounces in their square, but not after the ball has bounced a second time.
  5. If a player fails to return the ball properly (e.g. misses, lets it bounce twice, or hits it out), they’re out.
  6. When a player is out, the others move up a square, and the next person waiting joins at square 1 (or the end, if you’re rotating teams).
  7. The aim is to stay in the top square for as long as possible – that’s how you win!

What Size Ball Do You Need for Four Square?

One of the great things about Four Square is that it doesn’t require any specialist kit. In fact, you probably already have everything you need sitting in your PE cupboard.

For best results, we recommend using a standard rubber playground ball, measuring 8.5 inches (around 22cm) in diameter. These balls offer the right mix of bounce, grip, and durability to keep the game fast-moving and fair for all players.

That said, any ball with a good bounce will do the trick. Younger pupils may prefer a softer or slightly smaller ball that’s easier to grip while they get the hang of things. Foam balls, dodgeballs and lightweight sports balls are all suitable depending on what’s available.

Our Quick Tips on Equipment

Court Sizes and Dimensions

A standard Four Square court is made up of four equal-sized squares arranged in a larger square grid. Each square measures 1.5 metres by 1.5 metres, giving a total court size of 3 metres by 3 metres overall. This compact layout makes it the perfect fit for most UK school playgrounds – big enough to get pupils moving and small enough to install just about anywhere.

At Designs & Lines, all of our Four Square and King Square playground markings are made to these standard dimensions, perfect for schools of any size. They’re bright, bold and designed to catch the eye while keeping things neat and practical underfoot.

Thinking Bigger?

If you’ve got more space to work with, multiple courts can be installed side-by-side to allow more pupils to join in at once, which is ideal for break and lunch times, after-school clubs, or PE lessons with large groups.

We also offer free site surveys, often using drone or satellite imagery, to help you plan the best layout for your playground. Whether you’re working with a small corner or a wide open space, we’ll help you make the most of it with markings that are built to last and made to fit.

Our Four Square Solid Playground Markings

Our Four Square Solid playground markings are a popular choice with schools looking for a vibrant, durable and engaging game space that pupils will return to day after day. The bold block colours help bring energy and focus to the game, instantly drawing pupils in and making the court easy to navigate, even from a distance. 

Crafted from high-quality thermoplastic, these markings are designed to last. Unlike paint, they’re resistant to scuffing, fading, and heavy footfall. Even with daily use, your court will stay crisp, clear and colourful for years to come. The textured surface also improves slip resistance, helping to keep pupils safe as they play.

Our King Square Playground Markings

For schools looking to add a bit of variety to their outdoor games, our King Square playground markings offer a fun and visually distinct twist on the classic Four Square layout without changing the way the game is played. As with all our markings, King Square is created using high-grade thermoplastic, built to withstand weather, wear and even the most enthusiastic lunchtime tournaments. It’s also fully customisable, so if you’d like a different colour palette, extra detail, or bespoke positioning, we’re happy to tailor the layout to suit your playground.

Why Work With Designs & Lines on Your Markings?

When it comes to upgrading school playgrounds, we know you’re looking for a partner who understands your priorities: safety, quality, service, and value for money. That’s why over 10,000 schools across the UK have chosen Designs & Lines to bring their outdoor spaces to life.

With decades of hands-on experience, we’re proud to offer more than just high-quality playground markings. We deliver a service that works around you – and makes the process refreshingly straightforward from start to finish.

Here’s why schools trust us time and again:

Whether you’re refreshing a small corner or designing an entirely new layout, we’re here to help with expert guidance, honest advice and a proven track record.

Add Fantastic Four Square Markings to Your Playground

Whether you’re planning your very first Four Square court or refreshing a well-loved playground, we’re here to help every step of the way. Booking a free site survey is quick and simple; and, once you’ve chosen your markings, we’ll handle the rest. From layout planning and design to fast, professional installation, we make the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

If you’re ready to add energy, colour and activity to your outdoor space, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to arrange your free site visit or request a tailored proposal and let’s bring your playground to life with a fun new game and activity for all.

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