Cardboard Paddles: Build Yours and Play Wall Ball

In pairs, students build reinforced cardboard paddles and test them against a wall with a sock ball. It works on forehand and backhand strokes and on designing their own equipment.

How to play

1. Demo: cut two 25 cm ovals with a handle, glue them with the corrugation crossed, and wrap the handle in tape (5 min).
2. Build in pairs: each student makes and signs their own paddle (12 min).
3. Paddle test: forehand and backhand against the wall, one bounce allowed (6 min).
4. Partner wall ball: alternate hits on the wall, one bounce allowed; count your rally (12 min).
5. Tune-up: tape any paddle that bent and discuss which design held up best (5 min).

Rules

• Use scissors seated and return them to the box when done.
• Each pair has its own section of wall marked in chalk.
• Don't swing if anyone is between you and the wall.
• In wall ball, partners take turns: one hit each.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: wall ball from the wheelchair with a long-handled paddle and two bounces.
• Fine motor difficulties: pre-cut template; the student only wraps the handle.
• Low vision: neon sock ball and a shorter wall section.

Learning goals

• Build their own sports equipment with durability in mind.
• Strike with control on forehand and backhand.
• Work together to keep the rally going.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cardboard boxes: 15
• packing tape: 6
• scissors: 15
• sock balls: 15
• chalk: 4

Teacher tip

Appliance or produce boxes are best: double-wall cardboard lasts longer. With no free wall, rally directly in pairs. Common mistake: gluing both layers with the corrugation running the same way; they fold on the first hit.

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