Table Tennis: The Backhand Push Crosscourt

Students learn the backhand push, the short, controlled stroke used to return low balls. It is practiced in the backhand diagonal with quick rotations at each table.

How to play

1. Demo: paddle in front of the belly button, elbow bent, short forward push like closing a drawer (3 min).
2. Four students per table: two rally backhand to backhand crosscourt while two count; switch every two minutes (6 min).
3. Accuracy challenge: split the opponent's backhand half with chalk; only the half farther from the net counts (5 min).
4. Short game to five where only crosscourt backhand winners score; other shots keep the rally going (4 min).
5. Each pair chalks its best streak on the floor (2 min).

Rules

• If a ball lands on another table, wait for that rally to stop before picking it up.
• Stand close to the table: the push needs no big swing.
• Counters cheer, they don't criticize.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: play on a table with colored tape edges and an orange ball on a blue table.
• Wheelchair users: para table tennis is played seated; set the table at chest height with no running.
• Injured dominant hand: use the other hand; the stroke is short and simple.

Learning goals

• Perform a controlled backhand push.
• Keep the ball in the backhand diagonal.
• Help through counting and observing.

Equipment for a class of 25

• table tennis tables: 4
• table tennis paddles: 16
• table tennis balls: 30
• chalk: 1

Teacher tip

With only one or two tables, push classroom desks together and line up books as a net. If a pair includes a lefty, the backhand diagonal changes: have them play down the line.

More activities like this

More main activities for Middle School