How to Play Hopscotch

One of the simplest, but most enjoyable classic, backyard games played today is hopscotch. If you’re a kid or a kid at heart, it’s likely that you want to enjoy this activity, too. It’s pretty easy, as long as you know the rules. Here’s how to play hopscotch.

What You’ll Need:

• Flat surface
• Marker (this can be any small item, like a button, beanbag, shell or a toy)
• Chalk or masking tape
• Playmates

Procedure:

1. Find a flat, spacious surface where you can draw your hopscotch design, a cemented driveway is one example. If you want to play indoors or on tiles, try using masking tape instead of chalk. It sticks, but can be removed easily.



2. Draw the hopscotch design on the ground. You need to make single boxes, as well as side by side boxes. They should only be wide enough to fit a foot in. First, make three single boxes on top of each other. Number them as 1,2,3 (1 being the closest to the start line). Above this, draw a couple of boxes one beside the other, and label them as 4 and 5. Then, draw a single box numbered 6, then two more side by side boxes, as 7 and 8. Finally, draw a semicircle, and label it as “Home”.
3. Stand at the starting line, then throw your marker on square 1. It must land within the box boundaries, not touching any of the lines. If it bounces out or goes beyond the lines, you lose your turn and give way to the next player. If you’re successful, you get your turn.
4. Hop through the boxes, but skip the one that has the marker on it. One thing to remember is you can only land one foot for the boxes. You can use whichever foot you like, but never put both feet on the ground. The only exception is when you’re at the boxes that are side by side (4 and 5, and 7 and 8). You can put both foot down simultaneously.
5. Be careful when you step on the boxes. If you hop on the wrong box, or step beyond the lines, you lose your turn.
6. When you reach the box labeled “Home”, you can land both your feet on it, and rest for a few seconds. Then, hop back through the hopscotch course, in reverse order. When you get to the box before the one that has your marker, stop, pick your marker up (still standing on one foot), then skip over that square.
7. Repeat this, putting the marker on the next box. Continue doing this until you complete the course. The first person who completed this, wins the game.

Some Reminders:

• Choose a marker that doesn’t bounce. Otherwise, you’ll find it hard to position it on the squares.
• Don’t play hopscotch in a slippery or wet surface. You might hurt yourself.
• Don’t be a sour grape when you lose the game. Remember, this is suppose to be fun!

Hopping becomes fun when you’re going through a hopscotch course. Keep these rules in mind and have a great time playing this game!