Racket Rules: True or False with a Rolling Ball

In circles of five or six, students roll a ball across the floor to a classmate, who reads a statement about padel, tennis or fronton rules, and the group decides if it's true or false. It reviews the rules in a calm format.

How to play

1. Circles, sitting or standing, with gentle forearm and shoulder stretches while cards are handed out (1 min).
2. Card round: whoever gets the rolled ball reads a statement (for example, "in padel you serve above the waist"); the group votes thumbs up or down and the reader gives the answer on the back (2 min).
3. Faster second round: the reader rolls the ball to someone who hasn't read yet, and the circle works through the fault and wall cards (2 min).
4. Made-up card: each circle writes a new statement and passes it to the next circle to solve (2 min).

Rules

• Roll the ball along the floor; never throw it.
• Everyone votes at the same time without looking at others.
• If you disagree with an answer, note it and check with the teacher at the end.

Variations

Adaptations

• Low vision: large-print cards or a classmate reads them aloud.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: the statement is shown to the circle as well as read aloud, and votes are by gesture.
• Limited mobility: the circle forms around the student's position and the ball is handed to them.

Learning goals

• Review basic paddle and racket sport rules.
• Bring arousal down after the main activity.
• Argue rules decisions as a group.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tennis balls: 5
• case cards: 20

Teacher tip

Make about 20 double-sided cards and laminate them to reuse: padel (walls and serve), tennis (scoring and tiebreak) and fronton (low line and serve). Check every answer against the official rules before printing.

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