Downball

For the similar Australian schoolyard game sometimes known as Downball, see Handball (schoolyard game).

Downball,^{[note 1]} also recognised as handball or four-square, is a ball game popular in Australian schools.^[1][2] It is also commonly played by the broader Australian population.

The game can be played with a rubber high bounce ball or a tennis ball.^[2] Players take turns using their hands to hit the ball against a wall until a player misses a shot and is eliminated. The last player left is declared the winner, and the next round begins.^[2]

There are several versions of the game, one involving the playing area being divided into four squares (marked by simply placing a stick in the centre so that players can divide the space mentally). When a player is eliminated, an onlooker previously in the line (also referred to as the ries (firstry, secondry and so on) takes their place.^[2]

In an unofficial setting, the game can be adapted to any environments where square/rectangular-lined flat grounds can be found, including parking lots, driveways and footpaths, commonly playing with a tennis ball.

Downball Australia

Downball Australia was founded in February 2020 by a 16-year-old student named Noah, originally as a year 9 school project.^{[3][failed verification][4][5]} ABC have described it as Australia's first officially recognised Downball organisation.^[6]

Downball Australia rules say to play the game on a flat indoor or outdoor court, with connected lined square zones of 1.8 by 1.8 metres (5 ft 11 in × 5 ft 11 in), with matches involving between four and seven players.

Notes

1. Downball requires a wall or a squares court depending on which version of Downball is being played.