Floor Showdown: Bench-Lined Table and a Sound Ball

A floor version of showdown, "table tennis for the blind": two masked players hit a sound ball down a bench-lined lane, trying to slide it into the opponent's goal. It keeps the real logic of the sport with gym equipment.

How to play

1. Explanation and setup: showdown is played on a walled table, masked, with a bat, scoring by getting the ball into the opponent's goal pocket. Here, a 4 m lane between two benches on their sides with an open box at each end (4 min).
2. Kneeling rally without masks: hit the rolling ball, use the side walls and trap it with the paddle (5 min).
3. Masked games to 7 on four lanes: goal = 2 points; ball out of the lane = 1 point to the opponent; a referee and scorer per lane (12 min).
4. Rotate roles and give technical feedback: paddle position and use of the wall (4 min).

Rules

• The ball always rolls; if it rises above the benches, point to the opponent.
• Play kneeling or seated, never standing.
• The free hand doesn't touch the ball.
• Silence on the lane during the point.

Variations

Adaptations

• Blind or low-vision student: plays on equal terms; in showdown everyone wears eyeshades.
• Wheelchair user: a raised lane on two tables with strip-wood or box walls.
• Student with a wrist injury: referees and gives technical commentary.

Learning goals

• Know showdown and its basic rules.
• Hit accurately using sound.
• Referee fairly.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym benches: 8
• paddle rackets: 8
• bell balls: 4
• eye masks: 16
• cardboard boxes: 8

Teacher tip

Paddle-tennis rackets work well; a wooden board with a handle does too. For the ball, put bells inside a holed plastic ball and seal it with tape. Lay the benches on their sides so they form gap-free walls.

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