Floor Billiards Between Benches

Giant billiard tables on the gym floor, with benches on their sides as rails, where students roll a cue ball by hand to sink balls in the corner pockets. It works accuracy, reading angles and rebounds, and turn-based play.

How to play

1. Build 4 tables about 10 x 5 ft (4 min): two benches on their sides as long rails and two rolled mats as short rails, with a 12-inch gap at each corner as a pocket.
2. Make 4 groups of 6 split into two trios; each table gets 6 tennis balls in a triangle and one marked ball as the cue ball (1 min).
3. The cue ball is rolled by hand from the head of the table, kneeling outside it; it must hit a ball and try to sink it.
4. Trios alternate shots and rotate the shooter. A sunk ball scores 1 point and another shot; if the cue ball hits nothing, the other trio scores.
5. A game ends when all 6 balls are in or after 4 min. Play 3 games, switching tables and opponents (12 min).
6. Final challenge (3 min): sinking a ball after a rail rebound is worth 2 points.

Rules

• The cue ball always rolls on the floor, never through the air.
• Nobody steps onto the table; balls are reset from outside.
• If the cue ball goes into a pocket, subtract 1 point.
• Safety: two people tip each bench, away from doorways.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student shoots seated at the table edge or uses a cardboard ramp.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell and have a partner describe positions like a clock.
• Skill level: the trio marks the target pocket with a cone to help beginners.

Learning goals

• Roll the ball by adjusting direction and force.
• Predict paths and rebound angles.
• Take turns and accept the other team's points.

Equipment for a class of 25

• benches: 8
• mats: 8
• tennis balls: 28

Teacher tip

If you are short on benches, use a wall corner as two rails. Have the shooter call the pocket first so they think about the angle.

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