The 20 Seconds Between Points in Ping-Pong

Ping-pong games used to train a four-step between-point routine adapted from Jim Loehr: response, recovery, preparation and ritual. An observer records whether the player uses it and how they respond after losing a point.

How to play

1. Explain the four between-point steps: respond with a neutral or positive gesture, recover by breathing, prepare the next point and do a ritual before serving (4 min).
2. Each student defines their four steps on the worksheet, for example: turn away, two breaths, decide the serve and bounce the ball three times (4 min).
3. Trios at each table: two play a game to 11 and the third observes one of them, checking on the worksheet whether they do the routine after each lost point (7 min).
4. Rotate roles until everyone has played with an observer (10 min).
5. Each player compares points won after a complete or incomplete routine and adjusts theirs (5 min).

Rules

• The between-point routine can't last more than 20 seconds.
• No throwing the paddle and no negative gestures toward the opponent.
• Stray balls are picked up when the point ends so nobody steps on them.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: play from the wheelchair at a table with legs out of the way and slower rallies.
• Hearing impairment: the observer uses agreed-upon gestures at the end of the game.
• Autism: the routine is written on a card taped to their side of the table.

Learning goals

• Use a between-point routine to regain focus.
• Manage emotional reactions after losing a point.
• Analyze the effect of the routine with an observer's data.

Equipment for a class of 25

• ping-pong tables: 8
• paddles: 20
• ping-pong balls: 20
• worksheets: 30

Teacher tip

If tables are short, some groups can have four students with two observers. The same structure works for badminton or pickleball.

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