Helena Frye
Four-square badminton is a unique game that combines badminton and the playground game of 4-square. The badminton court is divided into four sectors by nets, with each sector accommodating two players, resulting in a game of eight players. The player in the fourth square starts by serving the shuttlecock to any of the other squares, and players are eliminated if they fail to return the shuttlecock or if it lands outside of play or hits the net. Eliminated players go to square number one or get in line to play if there are more than four players. The remaining players advance to higher squares, and a new player enters the last square. The game can be played on any surface, but an open field with soft grass is preferable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Chalk or tape to make the squares, a ball that will bounce, and at least 4 players |
| Ball | Standard rubber playground ball (8.5 inches or 22 cm in diameter) or a ball that’s 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) and bounces at least 50% of the height from which it was thrown |
| Court | A square court divided into 4 equal quadrants or squares |
| Square size | 5 feet (1.5 m) per side for most players, 8 feet (2.4 m) for adults |
| Number of players | 4 to 8 |
| Objective | Get to the 4th quadrant or square number 1 |
| Serving | The player in the 4th square or court 1 starts by serving the ball or shuttlecock to any of the other squares |
| Faults | One fault is allowed per round; if the receiver misses the serve twice in a round, they are eliminated |
| Player elimination | If a player fails to return the shuttlecock or if it lands outside of play or hits the net, they are eliminated |
| Player advancement | Eliminated players go to square number 1 or the lowest-numbered square; the remaining players advance to higher squares |
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What You'll Learn
- Setup: Mark out four squares with chalk, tape, or pylons, and number them
- Equipment: Use a standard rubber playground ball or a balloon instead of a shuttlecock
- Rules: The server stands in square 4 and hits the ball towards square 1
- Scoring: Players aim to advance to a higher-numbered square. If a player is out, they move to square 1
- Variations: Try playing with two players per square, or allowing players to catch the ball
Setup: Mark out four squares with chalk, tape, or pylons, and number them
To set up a game of 4-square badminton, you'll need to divide the court into four squares. You can use chalk, tape, or pylons to mark out the squares. If you're using chalk, simply draw four lines to divide the court into four equal quadrants. If you're using tape, you can mark out the four squares by sticking the tape on the ground. Alternatively, you can use pylons to mark the centre point and corners of each square.
Each square should be about 5 feet (1.5 metres) per side for most players. However, adults might prefer larger squares of 8 feet (2.4 metres) per side.
Once you've marked out the four squares, number them from 1 to 4. The squares should be numbered clockwise, starting with 1. So, the 1 and 3 squares will be diagonal from each other, as will the 2 and 4 squares.
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Equipment: Use a standard rubber playground ball or a balloon instead of a shuttlecock
Four-Square Badminton is a unique game that combines the classic playground game of Four Square with the popular racket sport of badminton. The game can be played by anyone, anywhere, and requires minimal equipment.
To play Four-Square Badminton, you will need a special badminton net that resembles two regular badminton nets crossing each other to form a plus sign. This net can be set up on any playing surface, preferably a soft grass field or a sandy beach. You will also need four badminton rackets and a ball or object to hit and direct.
Instead of using a traditional shuttlecock, Four-Square Badminton can be played with a standard rubber playground ball, often called a kickball. This ball is about 8.5 inches (22 cm) in diameter and can be bounced easily. If you don't have access to a kickball, any ball that is 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) in size and bounces effectively can be used. For a slower-paced game, consider using a balloon instead of a shuttlecock or ball. The balloon will move at a slower pace, allowing players more time to react and hit the object. This variation is particularly suitable for beginners or younger players.
The game can be adapted to suit the preferences and skill levels of the players. For a more challenging game, adults may opt for larger squares, measuring 8 feet (2.4 m) per side. To make the game easier for younger or less skilled players, consider allowing them to catch the ball or balloon before hitting it again. This variation can add an element of fun and strategy to the game.
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Rules: The server stands in square 4 and hits the ball towards square 1
Four-square badminton is a unique game that combines the sports of badminton and four square. The game can be played both indoors and outdoors, and the only equipment needed is a badminton net, four badminton rackets, and a shuttlecock. The badminton court is divided into four sectors by nets, with each sector being a square of equal size. The game can be played with four to eight players, with each player occupying one of the four squares.
The rules of four-square badminton vary depending on the group of players. In some cases, the fourth square is the highest-ranked square, meaning that the server stands in this square and hits the shuttlecock towards the first square to begin the game. In this variation, the server always remains in the fourth square, and players aim to move up to this square. If a player fails to return the shuttlecock, or if the shuttlecock lands outside of the square or hits the net, then that player is eliminated. The remaining players advance to higher squares, and a new player enters the last square.
In other variations of the game, the first square is the highest-ranked square, and the server stands in the first square and serves towards the fourth square. In this version, players aim to move up to the first square and score points. If a team in one of the other squares misses or faults, they move back to the fourth square.
The game can be adapted to suit the players, with some rules allowing players to catch the shuttlecock to make the game easier, or allowing one fault per round. The standard rules of four-square badminton can be altered or mixed up to suit the preferences of the players, as long as everyone agrees on the rules before starting the game.
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Scoring: Players aim to advance to a higher-numbered square. If a player is out, they move to square 1
Four-square badminton is played on a badminton court divided into four sectors by nets. The nets form a plus sign on the ground, with each sector acting as a square for players. The game can be played with anywhere from four to eight players, with each player starting in one of the squares.
The player in the fourth square starts by serving the shuttlecock to any of the other squares. If a player fails to return the shuttlecock, or if the shuttlecock lands outside of their square or hits the net, they are eliminated. The remaining players then advance to higher-numbered squares, and the next player in line enters the lowest-numbered square.
The direction of play can vary depending on the rules agreed upon by the players. In some variations, the server stands in the fourth square and hits the shuttlecock towards the first square. In other variations, the first square is the highest-ranked square, and the server starts by hitting the shuttlecock towards the fourth square.
The goal of the game is for players to advance to the highest-ranked square. If a player is eliminated, they move to the lowest-numbered square, usually the first square, and the other players move up accordingly.
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Variations: Try playing with two players per square, or allowing players to catch the ball
Four-Square Badminton is a versatile game that can be played with different rules and variations to keep things exciting. While the traditional game involves four players and a badminton net, there are several ways to mix up the gameplay.
One variation involves having two players per square, which can accommodate more players and encourage teamwork. This variation can be especially useful in a classroom setting, as it allows for more students to participate simultaneously. With eight players, the game dynamics change, requiring coordination and strategy between partners in each square.
Another interesting twist is to allow players to catch the ball. This variation, often called "No Hands," challenges players to use any part of their body except their hands to hit the ball. This can include using their feet, elbows, heads, or knees. This variation focuses on foot-eye coordination and adds a layer of difficulty to the game.
Additionally, combining four-square badminton with other sports can create unique and engaging variations. For example, "Zombie Ball" is a variation where players must keep their arms straight at all times, adding a fun element of challenge. Another creative variation is "9 Square," which involves nine players and a larger, three-by-three raised court. This version is particularly appealing to volleyball players as it helps them practice setting the ball.
The versatility of four-square badminton extends beyond these variations. The game can be played with or without a net, indoors or outdoors, and with different equipment like balloons instead of shuttlecocks. These variations not only add excitement but also help players develop skills such as forehand and backhand striking, foot-eye coordination, and teamwork.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a badminton net that looks like two regular badminton nets crossing each other to form a plus sign. You will also need four badminton rackets and three shuttlecocks.
The court is a 20' x 20' square divided into four equal quadrants. The net should be set at regulation badminton height (5'1").
There can be anywhere from four to eight players.
The player in the fourth square starts by serving the shuttlecock to any of the other squares. If a player fails to return the shuttlecock, or if the shuttlecock lands outside of play or hits the net, then that person is eliminated. The remaining players advance to higher squares, and the next player enters the last square.
Four-Square Balloon Badminton is a variation of the game that can be played inside or outside and without the need for nets. It uses slow-moving balloons instead of shuttlecocks, allowing beginners to practice hitting and directing an object with a badminton racket.
