Corner Squash with a Foam Ball
A partner wall game in a corner of the playground: the foam ball must hit either of the two walls before bouncing once on the ground. Students first rally cooperatively and then compete, learning to use angles and to read the rebound.
How to play
- Find corners with two smooth walls and chalk a line on each wall about 20 in off the ground plus a 13 x 13 ft playing square; one pair plays in each corner while another pair waits outside (3 min).
- Cooperative rally: the two players take turns hitting against whichever wall they choose, allowing one bounce; they count how many hits in a row they get (4 min).
- Angle challenge: each shot must hit one wall and then the other before bouncing; count successful shots in 2 minutes.
- Game: serve by dropping the ball and hitting it against a wall; then players alternate shots and win the point when the opponent cannot reach it before a second bounce (6 min).
- Games go to 5 points; the waiting pair plays the winner, and the loser waits and calls the score (3 min).
Rules
- The ball must hit the wall above the chalk line.
- Players alternate shots and only one bounce on the ground is allowed.
- Safety: after hitting, give the opponent room; if a swing could hit your partner, stop and replay the point.
- No hard swings above shoulder height.
Variations
Easier
Allow two bounces before returning.
Standard
One bounce, ball above the line, and games to 5 points.
Harder
A shot only counts if the ball touches both walls.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays from a zone near the wall and gets two bounces on their turn.
- Autism: keep the same pair and explain the rotation with a drawing of the corner before starting.
- Advanced level: must use the backhand on one of every three points.
Learning goals
- Predict the ball's path after it rebounds off the wall.
- Move to leave space and reach the next ball.
- Respect the hitting order and the score.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 10
- foam balls: 6
- chalk: 6
- walls or corners: 5
Teacher tip
Check that the walls have no windows or ledges at playing height. The usual mistake is crowding the wall: ask students to take a step back after every shot.
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