How to Play 4 Square Pickleball

How to play 4 square pickleball | Racket Royalty

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You already know how fun pickleball can be: fresh air, long rallies, and good times with your friends and teammates. But have you heard of 4 square pickleball?

4 square adds a nice twist to your classic pickleball game. The best part? You can play with more than 4 players! It works great with up to 12 people.

This means it’s the perfect game for a larger group—perhaps worth playing at your next community gathering, family party, or pickleball league.

Or, if you’re a teacher, it can make for a great game for your whole classroom.

4 square pickleball is easy to set up and the rules aren’t hard to learn. In this article, we’ll be explaining how you can play the game using the Triumph 4 Square Pickleball Set

Triumph Sports 4 Square Pickleball Game Set
4.5
$116.99
Pros:
  • Converts into a regular pickleball net
  • Fits into a small carry bag
  • Comes with chalk to easily mark the court
Cons:
  • Wood paddles (included) are not great quality
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Scheels
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/02/2025 07:01 pm GMT

In a hurry? Here’s what you need to know about 4 Square Pickleball

Our verdict: This is a really fun game to play when you have a larger group of people or are looking to switch up your regular pickleball game. 

I’ve played more than 10 games with this set and it’s held up nicely so far without any signs of wear. It will be good to see how it lasts throughout the summer in the heat, sun, and rain.

One important note: I don’t recommend using the wooden pickleball paddles that come with the set.

They are fine for beginners but you should use fiberglass or graphite paddles if possible, or consider upgrading as soon as you can.

Is this set a good value for your money?

Because you can also use this set as a regular pickleball net, I do think it’s good value for the cost.

Portable pickleball nets can range from $80 to $200, and this set allows you the flexibility of playing both a regular game of pickleball and the 4-square version.

Setting Up The Court  

Setting up the Triumph 4 Square Pickleball Set is simple. I recommend setting it up on a driveway, court, or another hard surface with lots of space. 

For an extra challenge, try setting up your court on the grass or on the sand at the beach (you’ll have to adjust the rules slightly for this, see below). 

The set has a simple interlocking frame design that makes it easy to assemble, transform and break down.

When you’re done playing, the entire set fits into the carrying bag (included). This makes it easy to transport it in your car or bring it with you for a day at the beach, park, or family outing.

You can set the net at different heights depending on who is playing. If you’re playing with kids, the net can be lowered to as short as 28 inches.

One thing we love: the 4 square net can easily be converted into a regular pickleball net if you decide you want to mix in a good ‘ole game of pickleball instead. 

Use the chalk (included in the set) to mark the boundaries of each square.

Half of the square is already outlined by the net, so you’ll just need to connect the last two sides using chalk

Check out this quick video showing the Triumph 4 square court setup and chalk lines:

That’s it. You’re ready to play!

What are the rules of 4 Square Pickleball?

Pickleball is a great sport for beginners as there is a short learning curve. You don’t need much strength or skill to keep a rally going. The rules of 4 square pickleball are even easier.

It’s a great option for families and young kids as it is simpler to learn than regular pickleball.

To play 4 square pickleball, players must stand in each of the four squares.

Extra players can line up near the court (next to square one) and will rotate in as people get eliminated. 

how to play 4 square pickleball
credit: Triumph Sports

The rules of 4 Square Pickleball are as follows: The player (A) in square four serves diagonally to the player (B) in square two. Player B can then return the ball to any of the other players. 

Just like regular pickleball, the ball bounce may only bounce once in your square before hitting it. 

When a player misses the ball or hits it out of bounds, they are eliminated and must either return to square one or go to the back of the line (if playing with more than four people). 

The remaining players rotate squares clockwise. 

How Do You Score Points in 4 Square Pickleball

Just like regular pickleball, all players start with zero points. 

The twist? You can only score points when you are standing in square four. 

This means that whenever the ball goes out of bounds or a player misses, the player in square four gets a point unless they are the one at fault. 

Players keep their points when eliminated. The first person to 11 points is the winner and you must win by two points. 

If you’re playing on the grass or at the beach, use the same rules except with no bouncing of the ball. 

What’s included in your Triumph 4 Square Pickleball Set? 

The Triumph 4 Square Pickleball Set includes everything you need to start playing 4 square pickleball right away. 

  • 20 x 20 4 square net with interlocking metal frame
  • 4 wood paddles
  • 2 pickleballs
  • 2 pieces of chalk

The set also comes with a convenient carrying case so you can easily store your equipment after each game. 

Triumph Sports 4 Square Pickleball Game Set
4.5
$116.99
Pros:
  • Converts into a regular pickleball net
  • Fits into a small carry bag
  • Comes with chalk to easily mark the court
Cons:
  • Wood paddles (included) are not great quality
Buy Now on Amazon Buy Now on Scheels
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
12/02/2025 07:01 pm GMT
A father and son playing pickleball on the grass
4 Square Pickleball is a great, beginner-friendly sport for the whole family.

Tips & Tricks for Playing 4 Square Pickleball  

Once you’ve got your set, there are some things you should keep in mind when playing the game: 

1) Make sure everyone is clear on the rules before you start—especially which areas are “out” (for example, if someone hits it too high or it lands on the line) so that no one gets confused mid-game.  

2) Try hitting different shots as much as possible—don’t just rely on always going for power shots, mixing it up will keep your opponents guessing what you’re going to do next! 

Sometimes the most effective shots are those short, gentle dinks.

3) Make it extra fun and work together to set up shots for each other. Working together is key, even in individual sports like this one!  

Final Verdict: 4 Square Pickleball

4 square pickleball can be great fun with friends or family while getting some exercise at the same time. The kit has everything you need — just consider upgrading your paddles.

And now that you know how to use your Triumph 4 Square Pickleball set, you can start playing today! 

Grab your paddle and get ready for some serious pickling action – after all, who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Good luck!

#Author

Lauren Chervinksi | Author at Racket Royalty

Lauren Chervinski

Lauren Chervinski is an experienced entrepreneur, former nurse and pickleball enthusiast. With a passion for the sport that inspired her to begin her own pickleball website Racket Royalty, she has become a trusted source of information for others looking to learn more about this fairly new sport.
Lauren
FAQs

Frequently Ask Questions

Can pickleball paddles get wet?

Yes, most pickleball paddles can get wet. However, paddle handle grip tape is often made of a tacky coating that will start to get really sticky if it is exposed to too much water.

If your paddle gets REALLY wet, it could warp and become difficult to use.

Will rain ruin your pickleball equipment? How does water affect pickleballs?

Pickleballs are made of hard plastic that is not affected by water, so they are safe to get wet.

As mentioned above, the handle of your paddle could get sticky when wet. As well, some nets will rust, sag, or loosen with rain. If you have a portable net set-up, it’s best to cover it or take it down in rainy weather.

How long do pickleball courts take to dry?

Depending on the court surface, pickleball courts are useable almost immediately after it stops raining, but you can wait an hour to be extra safe.

The biggest danger is slipping on the slick court surface from the rain, but this is usually only a problem on clay or soft carpet courts.

How long after rain can you play pickleball?

You can play pickleball immediately after it rains, but it’s best to wait an hour just to be safe.

Can playing pickleball in the rain cause injuries?

Yes, playing pickleball in the rain can cause injuries, but it’s not a huge issue if you’re extra careful.

Most injuries caused by playing pickleball in the rain are minor, like scrapes and bruises from slipping, but they could be more serious if you take a bad tumble or trip due to low visibility from the rain.

How to avoid injuries when playing pickleball in the rain?

To avoid injuries when playing pickleball in the rain, be sure to use extra caution when playing a match. Wear proper footwear (pickleball shoes), be sure the surface isn’t slick or slippery, and check to make sure the visibility is strong.

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