Partner Hand Tennis over a Line

A warm-up before a racket unit in which pairs rally by hitting the ball with the palm over a line on the ground after one bounce. It gets students moving, turning sideways, and swinging forehands and backhands without the challenge of a racket.

How to play

1. Pairs play on a 3 x 4 m (10 x 13 ft) mini court drawn with chalk or using court lines, with a center line as the net.
2. Cooperative rally (2 min): hit with the palm after one bounce on your side; count consecutive hits.
3. Forehand and backhand (2 min): alternate palm forehands and back-of-hand backhands, always turned sideways.
4. Ready hop (1 min): after each hit, return to the middle of your court and do a small split-step before the next ball.
5. Point play (2 min): underhand serve; you win the point if the ball bounces twice on your partner's side; games to 5.
6. Rotation (1 min): the winner moves up a court and the loser moves down, like a ladder.

Rules

• The ball may bounce only once before you hit it.
• Hit with an open hand, never catch the ball.
• If a ball rolls into another court, wait for it to be sent back; don't walk in.
• Call the score out loud and alternate serves.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: 2 x 2 m court and two bounces allowed.
• Visual impairment: large brightly colored ball or one with a bell, and a shorter court.
• Lower skill level: cooperative play only, trying to beat the pair's record.

Learning goals

• Turn sideways to hit forehands and backhands.
• Recover to the middle after each hit.
• Adjust hitting force to the size of the court.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tennis balls: 13
• Chalk: 5

Teacher tip

Hand tennis is a playground classic and hooks students right away. Correct anyone who hits square to the line: the hips should turn just like with a racket.

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