Classroom Desk Table Tennis
Two classroom desks are pushed together with a row of books standing up as a net for adapted ping-pong in pairs. It is a rainy-day option for schools without regulation tables and builds fine control of the stroke, hand-eye coordination, and self-officiating.
How to play
- Push two desks together for each pair to make a table about 4 × 4 ft and stand a row of books in the middle as a net; keep tables at least 5 ft apart.
- For 3 minutes, each student bounces the ball on the paddle 20 times in a row, then bounces it on the table and taps it up.
- For 5 minutes, cooperative rally: the pair counts consecutive hits over the books; once they reach 15, they step back a little.
- For 7 minutes, play a game to 7 points: serve so the ball bounces on your side first and then on the other side, as in table tennis; each player serves twice in a row.
- After each game, winners rotate one table to the right and the other players stay, so partners change.
- Finish with 5 minutes of putting the room back: each pair returns the desks, books, and equipment and shares which shot was hardest.
Rules
- Desks stay in place during play; if they slide apart, stop and push them back together.
- Play standing up without leaning on the table.
- Pick up dropped balls without crawling under other pairs' tables while they play.
Variations
Easier
Allow two bounces on your side and use a foam ball.
Standard
Game to 7 with an adapted table tennis serve and one bounce per side.
Harder
Place two cups in the corners of each side; hitting one with the ball is worth 2 points.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays seated or from a wheelchair with the table at the right height.
- Autism: play in a quieter corner of the room and keep the same partner for the first two rounds.
- Lower skill level: lower the net by laying the books flat and use a larger paddle.
Learning goals
- Control the power and direction of the stroke in a small space.
- Improve hand-eye coordination with a paddle.
- Officiate your own game while respecting your partner.
Equipment for a class of 25
- classroom desks: 26
- books: 40
- mini rackets: 26
- light balls: 15
Teacher tip
Check beforehand that desks don't wobble and the floor is clear of backpacks. Ask each student to bring a thick book the class before so you have enough for the nets.
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