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Downball

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Downball, 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

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In February 2020, the first officially recognised[by whom?] Downball organisation, Downball Australia, was created.[by whom?][3][failed verification][4][5][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.

References

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  1. ^ "Play and folklore" (PDF). museumsvictoria.com.at=PDF. 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d "Downball - Ball Game". Childhood, Tradition and Change. The University of Melbourne. 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  3. ^ Downball (AKA handball, foursquare) is still the recess king | Everyday Home. ABC Australia – via YouTube.
  4. ^ How a 16-year-old created a downball league in his community ⛹️‍♂️🥎 | Everyday. ABC Australia – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "Downball League". Behind The News. ABC Australia. August 8, 2022.
  6. ^ "Remember downball? This 16-year-old's just started Australia's first official league". ABC Everyday. ABC Australia. July 20, 2022.