Mini Tennis with a Control Touch

A 1v1 mini tennis game where a player may take one control tap upward on the racket before sending the ball back over. It eases the move from cooperation to competition: students get more time to set up and decide where to aim, and they practice handling winning and losing.

How to play

1. Set up mini tennis courts about 16 x 33 ft with a low net about 30 in high; two students play on each court and a third keeps score (3 min).
2. Cooperative rally: each player receives, does one control tap up on the racket, and sends it back; aim for 10 exchanges in a row (4 min).
3. Game: serve underhand; the receiver may let it bounce once, take a control tap, and return it, or return it directly; a direct return that wins the point scores 2 (8 min).
4. Games go to 5 points; afterward, the scorekeeper plays the winner and the loser keeps score (3 min).
5. Wrap-up: each student shares whether the control tap or the direct return worked better, and how it felt to win or lose points (2 min).

Rules

• Only one control tap and one bounce are allowed per turn.
• The control tap cannot leave your own side.
• Safety: don't hit while the opponent is picking up a ball, and no one leans on the net.
• The scorekeeper calls the score out loud after every point.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: cut the student's side of the court in half and allow two bounces.
• Emotional regulation (autism or frustration): the scorekeeper calls the score in a neutral tone, and a signal to ask for a break is agreed on beforehand.
• Advanced level: must use a backhand return whenever the ball comes to that side.

Learning goals

• Use a control tap to set up a better shot.
• Choose between playing it safe and taking a risk for more points.
• Accept the result and congratulate the opponent at the end.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mini rackets: 25
• foam balls: 10
• low nets: 8
• cones: 32

Teacher tip

The control tap gives beginners confidence, and the 2-point rule pushes skilled players to take risks. Watch for students getting frustrated and give them the scorekeeper role for a breather.

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