Rainbow UltraPlay 4-Square Balls

A combination of a heavy-duty construction with a soft, friendly feel makes this ball a perfect choice for playgrounds! The three-ply cover provides a softer touch than traditional 4-square balls but stands up to routine use from students of all ages. Each ball features rules printed directly on the cover so students can learn on their own or quickly reference midgame.

This ball is also great for other activities! Students will find it great for passing, dribbling, and other traditional playground games.

15 Fundamental Movement Skill Activities Using Rainbow UltraPlay 4-Square Balls

The Rainbow UltraPlay 4-Square Balls are durable, tacky, and built for consistent bounce and easy control—perfect for classic 4-square games and so much more. With a 8.5" diameter and color-coded design, these balls are great for developing manipulative and locomotor skills in younger and older students alike. Their grippy surface and medium weight make them ideal for striking, catching, bouncing, and rolling activities. Below are 15 creative, developmentally appropriate activity ideas that build a wide range of fundamental movement skills using these versatile playground balls.

1. Four-Square Fundamentals: Teach students the classic four-square game with a focus on underhand striking and control using the UltraPlay ball. Rotate stations to encourage inclusion. Focus: Striking, Anticipation, and Reaction.

2. Bounce & Dash Blitz: Students bounce their ball high, then dash to a cone and back before catching it on the rebound. Focus: Bouncing, Running, and Reaction Speed.

3. Partner Pop Pass: In pairs, students pop the ball upward using both palms, then switch roles catching and returning. Focus: Striking, Timing, and Cooperation.

4. High Toss Hop: Students toss their ball upward and perform hops (1-foot) until it lands. They must then land and catch. Focus: Tossing, Hopping, and Reaction Timing.

5. Circle Bounce Challenge: In a circle, students bounce the ball once to another student. Receiver must react and catch on the bounce. Focus: Bouncing, Catching, and Spatial Awareness.

6. Balance Beam Bouncer: Students balance on a taped line or beam and bounce the ball with one hand. Switch hands or directions for difficulty. Focus: Dynamic Balance, Bouncing, and Control.

7. Underhand Throw Challenge: Students practice underhand throws into hoops, buckets, or wall targets. Vary distance based on skill level. Focus: Underhand Throwing, Aim, and Force Control.

8. Catch, Clap, and Crouch: Toss, clap once or twice, catch, then crouch quickly. Add more movements (e.g., jump, spin). Focus: Catching, Timing, and Agility.

9. Partner Tap & Trap: Students pass the ball by tapping it with both hands, and the partner traps it using feet or hands. Focus: Striking, Trapping, and Coordination.

10. Balance & Bounce Freeze: Students dribble the ball in place. When music stops, freeze and balance the ball on their palm. Focus: Dribbling, Balancing, and Stillness.

11. Kick, Catch, Repeat: Students drop-kick the ball, catch it after one bounce, and repeat. Encourage soft touches for control. Focus: Kicking, Catching, and Rhythm.

12. Agility Arc Attack: Set up an arc of cones. Students weave through while bouncing the ball. Focus: Dribbling, Dodging, and Agility.

13. Catch Me Sideways: Students toss the ball up, do a lateral shuffle, and catch it before it hits the ground. Focus: Tossing, Sliding, and Tracking.

14. Clap Trap Toss: Students toss the ball in the air, clap as many times as possible before catching. Compete for the class clap record! Focus: Tossing, Timing, and Focus.

15. Bounce Tag Takeover: Taggers bounce their ball toward others' legs. Tagged students must complete a movement task before returning. Focus: Bouncing, Dodging, and Reaction.