Square Showdown Guide
Square Showdown
The Recess Guide for 5th Graders
NAME:
DATE:
1 KING
2 QUEEN
4 ACE
3 JACK
Game Goal
Start at Ace (4). Your goal is to reach King (1). If you are "out," you head to the end of the line.
4 3 2 1
Legal Moves
- • King's Perks: Only the King is allowed a double hit (two touches) before the ball must leave their square.
- • Two Hands: You may use two hands if they hit the ball at the exact same time.
- • Upward Palms: Hitting with palms facing up is always allowed.
Forbidden Hits
- • No "Cheeky" Balls: Low, super-soft trick hits are illegal.
- Cheeky Warning: If you try to hit a "cheeky" ball and miss, YOU are out. It is safer to call it and not touch it!
- • No Palms Down: Hitting with palms facing the ground is an automatic out.
The Boundaries
- • Line is Out: If the ball touches any part of the line, the person who last hit it is out.
- • Fair Call: Disagreements on line hits are decided by the Referee.
Variation: Popcorn
In Popcorn rounds, every hit must go higher than your head. If you hit the ball low (like a line drive), you are out! Keep the game "popping" high in the sky.
Referee Rule
The Referee's word is FINAL. If you argue with or disrespect the Referee, you will sit out for one full rotation of the line.
Play Fair • Have Fun • Respect the Ref
Square Showdown Slides
Square Showdown
Official Recess Rules
The Objective
Keep the ball in the squares and work your way up to the King Square.
"Once you reach the top, the goal is to stay there as long as you can!"
4
3
2
1
The Rotation Path
The Court Map
1 KING
2 QUEEN
4 ACE
3 JACK
King: Serves the ball and has special powers.
Ace: Where new players enter the game from the line.
Pro Moves
Double Hit
Allowed ONLY for the King. Two touches before sending it out.
Two Hands
Acceptable if both hands strike the ball at the EXACT same time.
Upward Palms
Keep your palms facing up to the sky. This is always a legal hit!
Forbidden Hits
No "Cheeky" Balls
Low, soft, or tricky hits are not allowed.
WARNING:
If you try to return a "cheeky" ball and miss, YOU are out. Call it before you touch it!
No Palms Down
Hitting with the back of your hand or facing your palms toward the ground is an automatic OUT.
Variation: Popcorn
Every hit must travel HIGHER than your head!
HIGH HITS = SAFE
LOW HITS = OUT
"Keep the game popping high in the sky!"
The Line Rule
LINE = OUT
If the ball hits any part of the boundary or interior lines, the person who last hit the ball is out.
Wait for the Referee's call if it's close!
The Law
The Referee's Word is Final
Disagreements on line hits or rules are decided by the Ref. No exceptions.
Arguing = Out
Arguing with the referee will result in sitting out for one full rotation. Respect the game and your fellow players!
