How to Play Hopscotch
Hopscotch is a very old game played by children in numerous countries. It can be played by children as young as 4 and helps with learning to count. This is a very easy game with very few rules. It is best played in pairs but can be played alone (for practice) or with more players (if you have patience waiting for your turn).
Create the Hopscotch Squares
- Draw a hopscotch design on the ground. Chalk is the best
drawing medium and asphalt, patio stones or concrete make great
drawing surfaces. The squares should be large enough to assist with
landing on one foot and to make sure that a stone thrown into the
square will not bounce out too easily. While there are variants on
drawing the design, one simple design consists of:
- 3 single boxes numbered individually from 1 to 3;
- 2 double boxes (side by side, atop number 3 square) numbered 4, 5
- 1 single box numbered 6
- 2 double boxes (side by side, atop number 6) numbered 7, 8
- A semi-circle across the top of the last double box (numbered 9). This can be called "Home" if you prefer.
Playing the Game
- Play with at least one other person unless you are practising alone. It will move faster if you play with one other person. Do not play with more than 4 players.
- Throw a flat stone or similar object (see "Tips") to land on square number 1.
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Hop over this square on one leg to square 2. Then hop all the way to 9 and back again. Land with both feet on the two double squares (one foot in each square); other than these two double square, you must only land on one foot. On square 9, turn around with a jump to face back the other way for the return. When you reach square 2, bend over and retrieve the stone from square one, hop in square one and out again.
Hopping into double square on pre-made layouts - Continue the game by throwing the stone into square two, hop
over it and then hop back and pick it up from square 3. Continue
this all the way to 8. 9 is "home" and is not included in the stone
throwing as it is the end of the layout. The most important thing
to remember is that the player must always hop over the square that
the stone lands in.
- Change players when one player is "out". A player must change
turns when out. A player is out when:
- The player misses the square aimed for with the stone (this gets harder the farther away the squares from the start)
- The player falls over at any time, including when bending down to collect the stone while hopping; or puts a second hand into that square for balance
- The player puts two feet into a single square
Tips
- A flat stone is recommended as a throwing stone but you could subsitute with other things, including a small beanbag, shell, button, plastic toy etc.
- Do not attempt if you lack balance.
- You can use masking tape to make a hopscotch layout if preferred. It will lift up easily and is good for indoor games.
- Number 9 (the semi-circle shape) can be designated a "rest area" if you would like to have a break from hopping. This should be decided between players before starting the game.