Table Tennis: Attack the Elbow
Table tennis games that reward hitting to the opponent's crossover point, the elbow area where they have to decide between forehand and backhand. Students work on accuracy, watching the opponent's position, and mixing elbow shots with wide angles.
How to play
- Six tables with 4 students each (one with 5). On each half of the table, place a 12-inch strip of masking tape in the middle third to mark roughly where a right-handed player's elbow is (3 min).
- Explain the concept: at the elbow, the opponent has to decide and move, so their return is weaker; once they move, the wide angles open up (2 min).
- Partner drill: one player always blocks to the middle and the other attacks, alternating elbow, wide forehand, and wide backhand. 2 minutes, then switch (4 min).
- Game to 11 with normal serves: a point won with a shot that lands on the middle strip counts 2 (8 min).
- Reflection: is the elbow zone the same for everyone? Compare left-handers, tall players, and players who stand far from the table (3 min).
Rules
- Double points only count if the ball lands on or touches the strip.
- Serve from behind the end line with an open palm.
- Safety: leave at least 6 feet between tables and never walk behind someone who is playing.
Variations
Easier
Make the strip wider and play long rallies with no smashing.
Standard
Game to 11 with double points for winning the rally on a shot to the middle strip.
Harder
Remove the tape so players must find the opponent's elbow from their position before each shot.
Adaptations
- Wheelchair users: the opponent keeps play in the middle of the table, and net-touching serves are allowed.
- Hearing impairment: the observer holds up fingers to show double points.
- Advanced players: the elbow only scores double if the previous shot went wide.
Learning goals
- Find the opponent's crossover point based on their position and dominant hand.
- Mix elbow shots and wide angles to throw the opponent off.
- Collect and analyze simple game stats as an observer.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Ping-pong tables: 6
- Paddles: 25
- Ping-pong balls: 24
- Masking tape (rolls): 2
Teacher tip
Remind anyone playing a left-hander that the strip switches sides, and have them move it. If a student only aims at the elbow, point out that the tactic works when it is mixed with wide angles.
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