Soccer Tennis 2v2

A net game in pairs where students play the ball with feet, thighs, or head to send it over a low net, with one bounce allowed between contacts. Students practice ball control with different body parts, teamwork with a partner, and the logic of net games.

How to play

1. Set up six courts about 16 × 13 ft per side with a low net or rope at 2.5 ft; make pairs, two per court, and keep one sub pair that rotates in every game.
2. For 4 minutes, in pairs with no net, each player controls with the foot or thigh, lets it bounce, and passes to the partner; they aim for 10 passes in a row.
3. Explain the rules: serve with the foot from the back by dropping the ball, maximum three contacts per pair, one bounce allowed between contacts, and no arms or hands.
4. For 12 minutes, play 4-minute games with rally scoring; a point is won when the ball bounces twice in a row on the other side or the other pair sends it out.
5. After each game, winners rotate courts and the sub pair replaces one of the pairs that lost, which sits out only one game.
6. Finish with 4 minutes: each pair discusses which contact surface gave the most control and which gave the most power.

Rules

• No arms or hands, except to drop the ball for the serve.
• Keep your feet below waist height when near another player.
• Use a slightly deflated or soft ball to avoid hard hits.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student plays with the hands in their zone while the partner uses the feet, and contacts count for both.
• Autism or shyness: keep the same partner the whole time and extend the cooperative warm-up phase.
• Lower skill level: use a larger foam ball that bounces higher and is easier to control.

Learning goals

• Control and strike the ball with the foot, thigh, and head.
• Work with a partner to build the rally.
• Transfer net-game logic to a sport played with the feet.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soccer balls: 7
• low net: 6
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

This game hooks soccer fans during a net sports unit and evens out skill levels, since strong volleyball players aren't always strong with their feet. Ban bicycle kicks and acrobatic shots from the start.

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