Photo courtesy of cimarronbaptist.org
If you’ve ever heard of Four Square, you may enjoy 9 Square. Four Square is a game played on a court that is divided into 4 quadrants. A similar game is taking over playgrounds and recess everywhere. This game is called 9 Square. It’s similar to Four Square, except the game is played in the air (similar to volleyball) and set up in 9 different squares as compared to the common 4.
You’ll need 9 players to play, so start thinking of what friends you’ll invite over, or make a plan to cycle in players from your class.
While you’re figuring out who will play, the major element in 9 Square is the 9 square grid. Don’t worry, we’ll explain each step in setting up the grid.
All PVC Pipe and Fittings are going to be 1-1/2” in diameter. We’re going to use 5-foot lengths of pipe for ease of construction. If you need to go higher (for older kids and adults) you’ll need to purchase more pipe and couplings to raise the grid higher off the ground.
Materials
(note, you can use furniture grade or regular, depending on if you care about markings or not. We referenced furniture grade below)
• 1-1/2” Schedule 40 PVC Pipe (40 total sticks of 5’ long pipes, or 200 feet of pipe)
• (4) 1-1/2” 5-Way Connectors
• (8) 1-1/2” 4-Way Connectors
• (4) 1-1/2” 3-Way Connectors
• Optional - Increase the height of the grid with 1-1/2” Couplings (16)
We’ll approach the setup of the grid similar to how you would piece together a puzzle, starting with the outer edge and working your way into the center.
Step 1
(4) 3-way connectors - place the connectors in a square 15 feet apart from each other. Take the first 3-way connector and insert a 5-foot length of pipe into 2 sockets on the connector so that the 2 pipes are pointing towards the other 2 adjacent corners. This will leave the open socket pointing down towards the ground. (Repeat this step 3 more times)
Step 2
(8) 4-way connectors - the 4-way connectors will form the outer square. Start in one corner and insert the open end of the pipe that is connected to the 3-way (adjust the 4-way so that one open socket points down toward the ground, and one open socket points towards the middle of the square.)
Repeat this step 7 more times.
Step 3
(4) Lengths of pipe - Insert the pipe into the horizontal open socket of each 4-way connector. This will complete the outer square.
Step 4
(8) Lengths of Pipe - Insert the pipe into the center-facing socket of each 4-way connector. You’ll notice the grid taking shape.
Step 5
(4) 5-way Connectors - With the center socket on the 5-way connector pointed towards the ground, insert the pipes into 2 of the open sockets on each 5-way to complete the outer squares of the grid.
Step 6
(4) Lengths of Pipe - Take 4 lengths of pipe and insert them into the remaining horizontal sockets on the 5-way connectors to complete the 9 square grid.
Step 7
(16) Lengths of Pipe - Raise the grid in the air by inserting a 5-foot length of pipe into each downward facing socket. Each connector should have a vertical pipe that is touching the ground for support.
Your 9 square grid is ready for play!
Optional modifications - You’ll want to ensure that each connection is secure. It’s recommended that you use self-tapping screws to secure each pipe and fitting where a connection is made.
You can also secure the pipes into the ground, but this method is used for grass applications only. PVC Table Caps can be secured to the vertical pipes with primer and cement or with screws. With this method, the tabs that would normally be used to secure the grid to a table could, instead, have compatible camping/tent stakes inserted into the screw holes to secure the base to the ground.
Now that your grid is complete, gather your friends and be sure to bring the game ball to play 9 Square!