The legends tell us that hopscotch was created thousands of years ago for Roman soldiers to test their skills and strength. However, for years it has also been known as a classic schoolyard game for kids and even adults young at heart.
Hopscotch is a social game that teaches kids hand-eye coordination, agility, and playing outdoors.
Even if you do not know the official rules, most likely you have seen the hopscotch boxes drawn or painted on many courtyards or driveways around the world.
Before we get into the official rules, the team at backyard games does not take Hopscotch easy. In fact, the pictures below are from our annual camping games where we compete for the prized hopscotch trophy. We have competitions of hopscotch and horseshoes.
I am not sure why I wanted to show you these photos, other than the fact that you can know that every article here is written from our hearts.
How to Setup Your Hopscotch and Size Of Squares
There are several different ways you can set up your court, but the most popular way is the classic 10-square layout. For the layout of the 10 squares, each square needs to be approximately 1.5 feet on each side. squares can be created with paint, string, or any other material you can find.
For younger children with smaller feet, you may want to do the course with 1 Foot Squares so they do not have to jump as far.
Please see the image below for the layout of the squares.
Hopscotch Rules
Hopscotch is a timeless English game that rewards precision and balance. The goal? Be the first player to guide your marker through the entire course and back.
1. Starting the Game
Every player begins with their unique marker at square 1. To decide who goes first, players draw random numbers.
2. Taking Your Turn
When it’s your turn, pick up your marker from square 1 and aim to throw it into the next square (square 2). Ensure it lands within the square without touching the sidelines.
3. The Art of Hopping
Once your marker lands correctly, it’s time to hop! You must hop on one foot (without switching feet) throughout the course. The only exception is when you reach side-by-side squares, where you can land with two feet.
4. Navigating the Course
You cannot step into a square that already contains another player’s marker or touch any lines. You must hop all the way to the other end of the course, and then make your way back, picking up your marker before hopping out.
5. Picking up Your Marker
When collecting your marker, if there’s no other piece in that square, you must step into it before hopping out.
6. Dealing with Fouls
If your marker doesn’t land in the correct square, or you commit a foul, you do not advance to the next square. If you have picked up your marker but miss your throw, you go back one square.
7. Winning the Game
The first player to successfully hop through the entire course and back, without committing any fouls, wins the game. The key to victory lies in avoiding the lines, mastering the art of the hop, and accurately throwing your marker. Hop to it!
How to Play Hopscotch Summary
Hopscotch is a really fun game to play but is one that typically requires adult supervision to act as judges. As a judge, you need to make sure that you are too strict and help kids along. It is hard to know when we step on a line and sometimes has disagreements among kids or adults.
However, most kids just have fun jumping and throwing their pieces without ever playing any of the rules.
If you are looking for other outdoor games for kids or birthday party ideas there are some more games your kids will love.
