Number of players: 5-12
Length of Time: 20-60 minutes
Equipment: Volleyball or similar.
Object of the game is to gain the #1 square and defend the position against the other three attackers.
Choose a playing area indoors or out that is free from obstruction and at least 16′ x 16′ (approx 5m x 5m). Mark an 7′-8′ square on the floor and then subdivide it into equal squares. One of the four squares is designated as the #1 square. The remaining three squares are sequentially numbered in a clock wise direction.
| #1 | #2 |
| #4 | #3 |
Four players begin the game, while others wait to take part. Each of the four players guards his/her own square.
Player in the #1 square always starts and serves the ball by bouncing it inside his/her square and then hitting it with open palm into the square of any of the other players. The ball will typically bounce once in the other players square and the player guarding the square must direct it onto any other square of their choice. Soft tapping of the ball is allowed.
The ball can bounce NO MORE THAN ONCE in the square before being knocked on.
A ball can also be deflected in midair before bouncing.
Play continues until either someone fails to pass the ball on or it bounces more than twice in a court/square.
Once out they leave the playing area go to the end of the waiting line. Remaining players move round to occupy the missing square and a new player from the waiting line takes the #4 position. That is if #2 was knocked out, #3 would move into the #2 position, #4 into the now vacant #3 position and a new player into the #4 square.
A common strategy is to try to eliminate the players in squares in front of one so that one can move closer to the #1 square.
Other rules are as follows:
1. Hitting with a closed hand is not allowed, as the ball will travel at an unfair rate of speed.
2. If the ball bounces on the outside line, the player who hit it there leaves the playing area.
3. If the ball bounces between 2 squares, the other players and those waiting in line can help decide whose square it was in.
4. If a person catches the ball, he is out.
5. If a ball doesn’t bounce in the square served to, and the defender doesn’t return it, the last person to touch the ball is out.
