Paddle Ball Call-the-Side Rally

A paddle ball rally in groups of three, where a caller standing behind the hitter calls which half of the opposite court each shot must go to. Students work on aiming, paddle-face angle, and paying attention to a cue while the ball is in play.

How to play

1. Groups of three: two players facing each other 6–8 m (20–25 ft) apart, one bounce allowed, and a caller behind one of them. Use chalk to split each player's zone into two halves.
2. The caller says "Left!" or "Right!" as the ball comes to their teammate, who must aim the shot at that half of the opposite zone.
3. The player on the far side always returns to the middle to keep the rally going.
4. Every shot that lands in the called half is a point; 2-minute sets counting hits.
5. Rotate every 2 minutes: the caller plays, the player who followed the calls moves to the far side, and that player becomes the caller (6 sets, 12 min). Group debrief at the end (3 min).

Rules

• The call is made before the ball bounces on the hitter's side.
• The caller stands 2 m (6 ft) behind the hitter, never beside them.
• Groups stay at least 4 m (13 ft) apart.
• Play with a soft ball and no hard shots at anyone's body.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: the caller points to the side with an outstretched arm instead of calling.
• Limited mobility: play at 4 m (13 ft) with two bounces allowed.
• Skill level: group students of similar ability so the far player can return to the middle.

Learning goals

• Aim a shot at a specific zone by angling the paddle.
• Follow a cue while tracking the ball.
• Cooperate to keep a useful rally going.

Equipment for a class of 25

• paddles: 25
• soft balls: 10
• chalk: 8

Teacher tip

Remind students that direction comes from the paddle face at contact, not from the follow-through; cue "point the paddle where you want the ball to go." If balls fly too far, let a little air out of the soft balls.

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