Chalk-Court Mini Tennis
Singles mini tennis on small courts drawn in chalk on both sides of a low rope, using mini rackets and a soft ball. Students practice forehand and backhand off the bounce, the underhand serve and the basic tactic of moving the opponent.
How to play
- String 2 long ropes about 30 in high and chalk 6 courts about 10 x 16 ft on each side. Pairs on each court; an extra student referees and joins at the first rotation (4 min).
- Cooperative rally for 4 minutes: forehand and backhand off a bounce, aiming for 10 in a row.
- Game: underhand serve off a bounce, crosscourt. The ball must bounce once before every hit.
- Simple scoring to 7 points; the serve switches every 2 points. Afterward, the winner rotates one court right and the loser one court left (14 min).
- Wrap up by asking: what happened when you sent the ball to the corner? (3 min).
Rules
- One bounce before each hit; a ball on the line is in.
- Shake hands or high-five your opponent after every game.
- Safety: each pair stays on its own court, and you wait until your opponent is back on their side before serving.
Variations
Easier
Allow two bounces, and the serve may be a hand toss.
Standard
One bounce per hit, underhand serve and games to 7.
Harder
Earn a bonus point for winning with a backhand, or play on a longer court.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a narrower court on that student's side and two bounces allowed.
- Autism or shyness: a fixed opponent of similar level and a score shown on a small whiteboard.
- Skill level: a bigger, slower foam ball.
Learning goals
- Hit forehands and backhands off the bounce with a racket.
- Serve underhand, sending the ball crosscourt.
- Send the ball away from the opponent to win the point.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mini rackets: 25
- soft balls: 12
- chalk: 6
- long rope: 2
Teacher tip
Correct the setup: sideways to the rope with the racket back before the bounce. Draw the courts before class so you don't lose time.
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