Table Tennis Deep-Ball Paper Targets
A table tennis game with sheets of paper taped to the deep corners of the table as targets: shots that bounce on them score double. Students work on hitting deep, which pushes the opponent away from the table, and on aiming accurately.
How to play
- Tape a sheet of paper in each deep corner on both sides of the table; put 4 students at each table, with two playing and two waiting and collecting balls.
- Phase 1, 5 minutes: a cooperative rally in which each player tries to bounce the ball on one of the partner's papers; the pair counts target hits.
- Phase 2, 5 minutes: one player always aims for the papers and the other always returns to the middle of the table; switch roles halfway through.
- Phase 3, 8 minutes: games to 7 points in which a point won with a bounce on a paper is worth 2; waiting players rotate in every 4 minutes.
- Waiting players serve as referees: they confirm whether the ball hit the paper and call the score.
- Finish with 2 minutes to discuss which shot gets the ball deep most reliably.
Rules
- If it's unclear whether the ball hit the paper, the point counts as 1.
- Walk to collect balls and never duck under another table in play.
- Keep a safe distance from the next table when stepping back.
Variations
Easier
Use two sheets side by side in each corner to make bigger targets.
Standard
Use one sheet per corner and double points for bounces on a target.
Harder
Shrink the targets to half sheets, and they only count if the opponent can't return the ball.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays close to the table, and their targets are placed in the middle of the back edge.
- Visual impairment: use brightly colored paper and orange balls.
- Fitness or skill level: less experienced students may let the ball bounce twice on their side in the cooperative phase.
Learning goals
- Hit with depth to push the opponent away from the table.
- Aim the ball accurately to the deep corners.
- Referee classmates' target hits fairly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- ping-pong tables: 6
- paddles: 26
- ping-pong balls: 24
- sheets of paper: 24
- masking tape: 2
Teacher tip
The papers shift over time, so check the tape between phases. Most students hit too short at first, so stress finishing the stroke forward.
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