Paddle Around the World
Two lines of students stand on either side of a low net; each student hits the ball once with a paddle and runs around the net to the back of the opposite line. Students practice continuous striking, reading the bounce, and moving quickly while staying focused.
How to play
- Set up three low nets about 2.5 ft high and make three groups of 8 or 9; each group splits into two lines, one on each side of its net, 10 ft back.
- The first student in one line serves underhand; the first student across returns it after one bounce, and every player who hits runs clockwise to the back of the other line.
- For 4 minutes, cooperative play: the group counts consecutive hits and sets a record.
- For 6 minutes, play with lives: each student has 3 lives and loses one on a miss, but nobody is ever out; students just track their misses to improve next round.
- For 3 minutes, final challenge: each group tries to beat its cooperative record with the rule that the ball must bounce beyond a cone placed 3 ft from the net.
- Finish with 2 minutes of walking recovery and discuss what helps you get to the ball on time.
Rules
- Always run in the same direction around the net, outside the cones.
- Hit after one bounce with a soft stroke, no smashes.
- Nobody runs with the paddle raised above the shoulder.
Variations
Easier
Allow two bounces and move the lines to 6 ft from the net.
Standard
One bounce, forehand or backhand, and a run to the back of the opposite line.
Harder
Students must alternate forehand and backhand, and the ball must land past the 3-foot cone.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student stays on one side and hits each time their turn comes, without running around the net.
- Autism: mark the running path with colored cones and do one practice lap without the ball.
- Lower fitness: shorten the run by using the side of the net closest to the lines.
Learning goals
- Strike the ball continuously after one bounce.
- Move quickly and get ready to hit again.
- Cooperate with the group to keep the ball in play.
Equipment for a class of 25
- paddles: 25
- tennis balls: 6
- low net: 3
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
This is the classic around-the-world ping-pong game adapted for paddles: very active and with no elimination when lives only count for yourself. Watch for collisions at the net corners; cones should clearly mark the running path.
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