Frontenis Attack and Defense Wall Lines
A 1-on-1 frontenis game with two lines on the wall: a winner below the low line counts double, and a shot above the high line is used to defend and recover. Students learn when to attack and when to defend based on their court position.
How to play
- Tape a short line 20 inches up the wall, an attack line at 3 feet, and a defense line at 8 feet; mark courts 26 feet deep with cones.
- Explain in 3 minutes: a shot between 20 inches and 3 feet is an attack, a shot above 8 feet is a defensive shot, and anything in between is neutral.
- Warm up for 4 minutes in pairs: one player feeds easy balls and the other decides to attack low or defend high based on where they receive the ball.
- Play 5-minute 1-on-1 games: a point won with an attack shot is worth 2, and any other point is worth 1.
- If a player attacks from behind the 20-foot line and misses, the opponent scores 2 points, which punishes attacking from a poor position.
- Play three games against different opponents and finish with a 3-minute discussion: where on the court does it make sense to attack?
Rules
- High defensive shots are never aimed at the opponent.
- Respect the hitter's space: don't cross in front of the wall while the opponent is setting up.
- Each player calls when their shot was an attack, and the opponent confirms it.
- If you can't agree whether a ball hit the line, replay the point.
Variations
Easier
Use only one attack line at 4 feet and no penalty for attacking from deep.
Standard
Use two lines, double points for attacks, and a penalty for missed attacks from deep.
Harder
Also require every serve to hit above the defense line.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play two bounces and shorten the penalty line to 16 feet.
- Visual impairment: use high-contrast tape and a bright yellow ball.
- Fitness or skill level: less experienced students rally cooperatively for the first few minutes before competing.
Learning goals
- Decide between attacking and defending based on court position.
- Hit low shots with power and high shots with control.
- Analyze basic tactics shared by wall sports.
Equipment for a class of 25
- rackets: 26
- tennis balls: 13
- masking tape: 4
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
At first everyone wants to attack on every shot; the penalty from deep changes that quickly. After each game, ask how many double points they won and how many they gave away.
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