We Value Your Privacy

Gopher Sport uses cookies to ensure full function of our website features. To enhance your experience, please click the 'Accept Cookies' button. Please review and customize your cookie settings here. Additional information can be found in our full Cookie Policy

Gopher Sport Logo

Unconditional 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Gopher 9 Square in the Air Portable Game Set

Set students up for a lively game as they keep their eyes on the ball and hit it out of the square as fast as they can!
Item# 50-039
Set
Share

This improved, portable 9 Square set brings the fun anywhere! The frame is made of durable sport-grade PVC tubing that is lightweight yet durable. Adjust it to 5', 6', or 7'H to welcome players of different heights and skill levels.

Our updated system makes tracking the action a breeze with bright blue uprights and a vivid red top. Students can easily see the square's boundaries and spot the bright yellow ball mid-flight. This setup is easy to transport and store, so it's perfect for outdoor activities, recreation centers, and large group events. The bright colors, clear rules, and fast-paced action make it a favorite for group play and help everyone stay active while having a great time together.

This game emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and fun! To start, players stand in one of nine squares. The central square holds the "king," who serves the ball to any other square. Players must hit the ball up and out of their square into another player's square with a single hit.

Game play stops, and a player is out if :

  • they hit the ball more than once in a turn
  • the ball hits the ground in their square
  • or the ball goes out of bounds.

When out of the game, a player moves to the end of the line at square one, and the remaining players rotate to fill the empty spot. The goal is to stay in the king's spot for as long as possible. For complete rules, see below. You will also receive a copy of our custom activity instructions with game variations with your purchase.

The set includes a strong frame that measures 18' L x 18'W, weighing 87 lb, a rubber ball (15" dia), storage bags, and activity instructions so everyone knows how to play.

There is also a set of five replacement balls sold separately, so you can always have a spare for the next game.

How to Play 9 Square in the Air

Setup

  • The game is played on a 9-square grid suspended in the air
  • Each square is large enough for one player to stand in.
  • The center square is typically the “King" or “Queen" square (also called the #1 square).

Objective

  • Stay in the center square as long as possible by not getting “out."\
  • Players rotate up toward the center when others are eliminated.

Basic Rules

  1. One Hit Rule: Players can only hit the ball once per turn.

  1. Stay in Your Square: Players must remain in their square and cannot reach into others.

  1. Hit Up and Over: The ball must be hit upward and pass over the top of the frame into another square.

  1. No Catching or Holding: The ball must be hit cleanly—no catching, carrying, or double hits.

A player is out if:

  • They fail to return the ball into another square.
  • The ball lands in their square.
  • They hit the ball out of bounds.
  • They break any of the hitting rules.

Rotation

  • When a player is out, everyone below them rotates up one square.
  • A new player enters the lowest square (usually square #9).