10 Recess Games from the ’70s That Got Surprisingly Competitive
Recess in the ’70s wasn't just fun and games—it was a full-on battlefield in bell bottoms.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 3 min read
Kids in the ’70s took their recess time very seriously. What started as simple playground fun often turned into intense, high-stakes competitions. Friendships were tested, knees were skinned, and bragging rights were everything.
1. Dodgeball Was a Full-Contact Sport
Jeffness on Wikimedia Commons
Back then, dodgeball wasn’t just a game—it was survival of the fittest. The red rubber balls stung like betrayal and left marks that were worn like trophies. Kids threw with zero chill and zero mercy. If you flinched, you were out and probably mocked until the next recess.
2. Red Rover Had a Body Count
Kyra Malicse on Wikimedia Commons
“Red Rover, Red Rover” sounded innocent—until someone broke through the line like a linebacker. Arms were nearly yanked off, and kids flew through the air like action movie extras. The goal? Break the chain or break someone’s spirit. Either way, it got rough fast.
3. Four Square Turned Into Political Drama
Seaneffel on Wikimedia Commons
This wasn’t just bouncing a ball in a box—it was a ruthless climb to the king square. Rules changed on the fly, alliances were made and broken, and arguments over “cherry bombs” lasted days. Everyone wanted power, and the playground was the court. It was basically a soap opera in sneakers.
4. Tetherball Was for the Ruthless
Joe Mabel on Wikimedia Commons
With the right spin, you could knock someone’s face and pride out in one move. The tetherball pole became the Tower of Ego. Smack the ball just right, and it would wrap around like a victory flag. Yes, trash talk was absolutely part of the game.
5. Hopscotch Was No Laughing Matter
Upper Hutt Farmers’ Market on Wikimedia Commons
People think hopscotch was all about skipping and giggles, but not in the ’70s. You messed up a jump, and your turn was over—no mercy. Kids perfected their stone throws and footwork like Olympic athletes. There was even a bit of judgment in how you drew your squares.
6. Kickball Was Basically Recess Baseball
Thomasturkey on Wikimedia Commons
Kickball teams were dead serious, and every game felt like the World Series. Picking teams was political; the best kicker was a celebrity, and the outfield was where dreams went to die. You kicked a homer; you were a legend. You tripped over the ball, and you were done.
7. Marbles Was High-Stakes Gambling for Kids
UnparalleledImagination on Wikimedia Commons
Those glass marbles weren’t just toys—they were currency. Lose a game, and you lose your prettiest shooter forever. Some kids had full strategies and backup marbles ready. Recess was short, but the marble economy was booming.
8. Jump Rope Battles Were Fierce
Maksym Kozlenko on Wikimedia Commons
Whether Double Dutch or a solo freestyle, jump rope got competitive fast. Kids practiced moves at home, memorized chants, and judged each other’s style harshly. If you mess up the rhythm, you’re out. Bonus points if you did tricks with a lollipop in your mouth.
9. Wall Ball Was a Test of Reflexes and Respect
Laurent Legros on Pexels
All you needed was a wall and a bouncy ball, but this game had rules, rituals, and rivalries. You fumbled the ball, and everyone got a free shot at your back. It was painful, loud, and somehow always worth it. Street cred started right here.
10. Tag Was Basically Playground Parkour
EJ Fox on Wikimedia Commons
Tag was a full-body workout with one rule: don’t get caught. Kids scaled jungle gyms, leaped over benches, and made up rules like “base” to avoid being “it.” There was always that one fast kid no one could catch. And yes, it sparked at least one dramatic meltdown a week.