Balloon Tennis Doubles over Benches
A doubles tennis game with balloons and mini rackets on small courts split by a gym bench. It is a first step into competition: students learn to send the balloon to open space, take turns with their partner, and keep score.
How to play
- Set up courts about 13 x 20 ft with cones and a gym bench lying in the middle as the net; two pairs play on each court, one on each side (3 min).
- Cooperative warm-up rally: all four players on the court try for 10 hits in a row over the bench (3 min).
- Serve: toss the balloon with your hand and hit it underhand from the back of the court; the serve switches pairs every 2 points.
- Play: each pair may use up to two touches, one per player, and must send the balloon over the bench; a pair wins the point when its balloon lands on the other side or the opponents miss (8 min).
- Games go to 7 points; afterward, winning pairs move one court to the right and the others one court to the left (4 min).
Rules
- Up to two touches per pair, and the same player cannot hit twice in a row.
- A balloon that clips the bench and goes over is still in play; if it lands on your side, the point goes to the other pair.
- Safety: never jump over or stand on the bench, and call 'mine' so you don't collide with your partner.
- Any disagreement is settled by replaying the point.
Variations
Easier
Play without points, just counting how many balloons cross in a row.
Standard
Games to 7 points with two touches per pair.
Harder
Allow only one touch per pair and use slightly longer rackets.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the partner covers the back and the student plays close to the bench, where it is easy to reach.
- Hearing impairment: show the score with fingers and signal the start of each point with a hand gesture.
- Advanced level: the most skilled student plays with the non-dominant hand.
Learning goals
- Send the balloon to open areas on the other side.
- Coordinate with a partner to share the court space.
- Take turns serving and keep score honestly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balloons: 10
- mini rackets: 25
- gym benches: 6
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
Place the benches away from the walls to leave a safety zone. If one court keeps getting stuck in arguments, have a resting student referee that game.
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