Downball

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

Downball, also recognised as handball or four-square, is a ball game popular in Australian schools. 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. 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.

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.

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

In February 2020, the first officially recognised Downball organisation, Downball Australia, was created.

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.