Table Tennis: Return the Serve into the Box
Work on the table tennis return: read whether the serve is short or long and send it to a set zone. Open shoe boxes on the table serve as targets.
How to play
- Review the legal serve: ball on an open palm, tossed up and struck so it bounces first on your own side (3 min).
- One server and one returner per table; the server mixes short and long serves and the returner calls "short" or "long" before hitting (6 min).
- Place two boxes on the server's side, one in the forehand corner and one in the backhand corner. Return to the box the server calls (8 min).
- Rotate: switch roles and the two waiting players step in (6 min).
- Each student shares what helps them read the serve: the paddle, the bounce or the sound (2 min).
Rules
- Serves follow the rule: no tossing from a closed hand.
- Boxes stay put during a set and get reset between turns.
- Wait until your partner is ready before serving.
Variations
Easier
Always a long serve, return anywhere on the table.
Standard
Short and long serves, return to the called box.
Harder
Any spin on the serve, return to the box opposite the one called.
Adaptations
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the server holds up one or two fingers to show the box.
- Limited mobility: play seated with serves always within reach.
- Beginners: first return with no box, just getting the ball over.
Learning goals
- Tell a short serve from a long one.
- Place the return in a set zone.
- Apply the legal serve rule.
Equipment for a class of 25
- table tennis tables: 4
- table tennis paddles: 16
- table tennis balls: 40
- shoe boxes: 8
Teacher tip
Lidless shoe boxes are great targets because you can hear the ball land; a large cup or tray also works. Keep a bag of balls at each table so no one wastes time hunting.
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