You probably have a different idea of TABLE tennis – this version is obviously not the regular table tennis! The aim is to rally with the ball bouncing on the table. Its a great option when you don’t have a smooth or level surface to play on because the ball only bounces on the surface of the table.
You’ll need 2 people, a ball and a makeshift net. If you don’t have a red ball, you can use any ball that you have. This game is great fun with a sponge ball. Sponge balls as well as red and orange balls have a lower pressure and therefore less bounce – making them great for games on small courts.
Some supermarkets sell tennis balls and you can also buy them cheaply from Amazon or other online sports retailers. Search the store for “red tennis balls”.
Learning objectives
- Develop rally skills and racket and ball control
- Build accuracy
- Learn to receive and hit the ball in different ways
Get set up for TABLE Tennis
The equipment we’ve used is optional or can swapped out for something similar! Make do with what you’ve got. In the video clip below, to play TABLE Tennis, Mark has set up:
- Two chairs – which are used to support our makeshift net.
- Bamboo stick – this serves as our net. A broom or mop handle would be just as good.
- Rackets – that’s not optional! You’ll need a racket.
- Red ball – any ball will do.
TABLE Tennis Variations
- Hit forehand to forehand, backhand to backhand – or alternate backhand and forehand.
- Change to hitting backhand to backhand. Make the game harder by playing strictly backhands only – no matter where the ball is received.
- Turn the table so that it runs long-ways across the “court”. That narrows, but widens, the bounce area.
- The receiving player can start off facing AWAY from Player 1. Player 1 yells “PLAY” when they hit the ball. The receiver needs to turn and still hit the ball.
- You can also choose whether to bounce the ball on the table or bounce on the ground.
- You can also play with one thrower/catcher and one hitter.
Make it competitive!
- Version 1: Choose a variation above and play short tie-break sets – first to 5.
- Version 2: Choose a variation above. The point can only begin after 5 shots are played in.
More activities to do at home
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