Equipment:
playground ball or 'four square ball'

Description:
a large square (10 feet...it can vary, depending on space and/or desire) is divided equally by crossed lines, to give four smaller squares. These squares are numbered 1-4, in a clockwise order. The number one square has a short line cutting the back corner to provide a 'serving' box. The game begins with '1' serving the ball, trying to bounce the ball in the square of one of the other players in another box in such a manner that it cannot be returned. The 'non-returning' player is out, being replaced by another player, who starts in the '4' box, with the others moving up to the next box. The goal of the game is to become the '1' player, and continue as the server in box '1'.

Other comments or suggestions:
Each 'point' begins with the players standing on the outside corner of their number, except the server in box '1', who is standing in the small serving corner of box '1'. Once the serve is made, all players can be anywhere in their box, in an attempt to return the ball to another box in a manner that it cannot be returned. The ball must bounce once in your box and then be returned to another box. When you do not return the ball after it bounces in your box, you are out, and you are replaced by the person in the box before you and then another new player in box '4'.
A ball made specifically for four square can be purchased at some stores. These balls have a tougher skin that helps them to last longer. As you can imagine, with the continual bouncing on the playground surface, the balls wear out rather quickly.