How to Build the 9 Square Game Using PVC
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Time to read 5 min
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!
The Game Concept: 9 Square is an aerial, volleyball-style twist on the classic playground game Four Square. Played with nine players at a time, the game requires a raised 3x3 horizontal grid overhead, where players must keep a ball from landing inside their designated square.
Required Materials: Building a standard backyard set requires 1-1/2” Schedule 40 PVC pipe (specifically forty 5-foot lengths, or 200 feet total) and an assortment of specialized furniture-grade connectors. These include four 3-way, eight 4-way, and four 5-way structural corner joints to piece the grid together.
Construction & Stabilization: The grid is assembled on the ground from the outer edges inward before being lifted into the air on 5-foot vertical legs. Because the frame will take impact during play, the guide strongly recommends securing the connections using self-tapping screws or stabilizing the legs into grass using tent stakes and specialized table caps.
FAQs
What size PVC pipe and fittings do I need to buy for this project?
The entire grid is built using 1-1/2” diameter Schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings. To complete the standard build, you will need 40 total "sticks" of 5-foot long pipes (totaling 200 feet of pipe), along with 5-way, 4-way, and 3-way connectors. You can use standard plumbing PVC or furniture-grade PVC if you want a cleaner look without manufacturer markings.
Is a 5-foot height tall enough for adults to play, and how can I make it taller?
The standard 5-foot vertical legs are perfect for younger kids, but teenagers and adults will need a higher grid to comfortably play underneath it. To increase the height, you can purchase additional lengths of 1-1/2” PVC pipe and 1-1/2” couplings to extend the vertical legs safely off the ground.
How do I prevent the PVC frame from falling apart or tipping over during a game?
Because the game involves high energy and a volleyball-style ball hitting the grid, you want to secure the connections. It is highly recommended to use self-tapping screws at each joint so the frame stays together but can still be disassembled later. For outdoor play on grass, you can also slide the vertical legs over camping/tent stakes or attach PVC table caps to the bottom feet and stake them directly into the ground.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
