Bench Palm Tennis
1v1 duels in which a soft ball is struck with the palm over a gym bench turned on its side, with one bounce on each side. It is a racket-free intro to tennis that builds coordination, positioning and directed striking.
How to play
- Place 6 gym benches on the blacktop and draw a 6 x 10 ft court with chalk on each side. Make pairs; two pairs per bench take turns (3 min).
- Cooperative rally for 2 minutes: palm hits over the bench with one bounce on each side.
- Game: serve by bouncing the ball and hitting it underhand. The ball must bounce once on the opponent's side before it is returned.
- You lose the point if you let it bounce twice, hit the bench or hit it out. Games to 5; the waiting pair referees, then plays (8 min).
- Switch partners between benches and play one last 2-minute game with the non-dominant hand.
Rules
- One bounce on your side, and hit with an open palm.
- No stepping on or jumping over the bench.
- Safety: keep 10 ft between benches, and never play with a bench that wobbles.
Variations
Easier
Allow two bounces and two-hand hits.
Standard
One bounce per side and one-hand hits.
Harder
Shrink the court to 5 x 6 ft, or each player must tap the ball once to themselves before sending it over.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays seated by the bench with a shorter court.
- Visual impairment: a brightly colored or sound ball, and players call out when they hit.
- Fitness level: pair by ability and let players choose a large or small court.
Learning goals
- Strike with the palm to send the ball into the opponent's court.
- Get to the right distance after the bounce.
- Accept calls from the referee and the opponent.
Equipment for a class of 25
- gym bench: 6
- soft balls: 12
- chalk: 6
Teacher tip
This is a great lead-in to mini tennis because it teaches students to let the ball bounce and wait sideways. If balls keep going out, cue soft "low-to-high" hits.
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