How To Play Hopscotch
by L Wiles - 2008-08-01
Hopscotch is an active, hopping game played with 2 or more players, typically outside, using a hopscotch marker and a hopscotch layout.
What You Need To Play Hopscotch
- Two or more players
- A flat play area about 15 feet long and 3 feet wide or bigger, often a sidewalk or driveway.
- A hopscotch layout, or chalk to make your own layout (paint and tape can also be used.)
- A hopscotch marker for each player. A rock, button, chain or small bean bag work well.
Rules For Playing Hopscotch
To start the game of hopscotch, a hopscotch player stands behind the hopscotch starting line to toss their hopscotch marker into square 1. If the hopscotch marker lands in the proper square without touching the lines the hopscotch player hops on one foot over the square with the hopscotch marker (in this case square 1) into square 2 continuing on into square 3. At the double square (4 and 5) the hopscotch player lands on both feet (one in square 4 the other in square 5). Then the hopscotch player hops on one foot to square 6 and another double land in 7 and 8, a hop into 9 then 10 and a final hop into the rest area. The land in the hopscotch rest area may be on both feet if desired. The hopscotch player can then easily turn around and hop the sequence back to the beginning pausing at square 2 to pick up the hopscotch marker in square 1. It is now the next hopscotch players turn.
This cycle continues until a hopscotch player has managed to successfully land the hopscotch marker in all boxes consecutively from 1 through 10 (or 1 through 10 and back to 1 depending on time and skill level).
A hopscotch player is out if any of the following are true:
- The hopscotch marker doesn't land in the proper square or the hopscotch marker lands touching a line.
- The hopscotch player steps on a line.
- The hopscotch player uses a hand to balance while picking up their hopscotch marker.
- The hopscotch player goes into a square where there is a hopscotch marker.
- The hopscotch player puts a second foot down in error such as two feet in a single box or even simply touching a toe down to regain balance.
If a hopscotch player is out, their turn stops immediately and they must re-do that square, meaning on the hopscotch player's next turn they will toss their hopscotch marker into the same square as their previously unsuccessful turn.
Hopscotch Layout
Now a days, hopscotch layouts are found painted on many school playgrounds, however it's easy to make your own hopscotch layout outside or even inside.
Standard sidewalk chalk works great for a quick, easy hopscotch layout on a sidewalk, driveway or patio. For a more permanent hopscotch layout we recommend making a stencil from cardboard or heavy duty paper then painting the hopscotch lines with a medium paint brush using an easy to see color such as white.
For inside hopscotch fun you can make the hopscotch layout using tape (painter's tape is good because it removes quite easily when you're done playing). This idea works best on hard flooring, not so good on carpet (although I suppose it's possible).
The basic hopscotch layout has sections, boxes approx. 18"x 18" to 24"x24" depending on the age and size of the people playing. The hopscotch boxes don't have to be exact, just make the hopscotch boxes big enough for a foot to easily land in and not so big as to be difficult to hop over. Remember to consider the foot size of all hopscotch players.
Hopscotch Markers
Each hopscotch player has a hopscotch marker of sorts; a stone; beanbag; bottle cap; shell; button or charm would be just a few possibilities. The hopscotch marker needs to be small and light enough to easily toss but heavy enough to not blow away in the wind. Place some pebbles in a handkerchief or other piece of fabric and tie with yarn or string.
Hopscotch Starting Line
The hopscotch starting line is the line that a hopscotch player stands behind while tossing their hopscotch marker. This can be the front line of the 1st square or you can make a distinct and separate hopscotch starting line a little farther back depending on the skill level of the hopscotch players.