Untitled

p.2

Acknowledgements

The Smash Down Barriers program wishes to

acknowledge the contribution of the following people and

organisations to the development and production of this

resource:

The Australian Government and the Department of

Foreign Affairs and Trade for their support of the Smash

Down Barriers program.

Table Tennis Australia and the authors of the “TOPS -

Table Tennis In Schools Program” for permission to use

the content of the TOPS manual.

Table Tennis Australia and the Oceania Table Tennis

Federation for their continued support of the Smash

Down Barriers program.

Author: Christian Holtz (Table Tennis

Australia and ITTF-Oceania)

Design: Carolina Rosso (Estudio Planeador)

Illustrations: Martin Laksman

©Table Tennis Australia

publication may be reproduced, stored

in a retrieval system, or transmitted in

any form or by any means, electronic,

mechanical, photocopying, recording or

otherwise, without the prior consent of

Table Tennis Australia in writing.

p.3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION TO THE SMASH DOWN

BARRIERS PROGRAM

COACHING PLAYERS WITH DISABILITIES

SAFETY

BASIC TERMS

BASIC RULES

WARM-UP & WARM-DOWN

OVERVIEW OF LESSONS

LESSON 1 – GRIP

LESSON 2 – FOREHAND & BACKHAND DRIVE

LESSON 3 - SERVES

LESSON 4 – FOREHAND & BACKHAND PUSH

LESSON 5 - FOREHAND TOPSPIN

LESSON 6 – TEAM PLAY

CONTENTS

p.4

What is it?

The Smash Down Barriers program is a sport-for-

development program supported by the Australian

Government, Table Tennis Australia and the International

Table Tennis Federation.

Its objective is to use table tennis as a tool to improve the

lives of people with disabilities by:

Increasing levels of physical activity;

Providing leadership opportunities; &

Promoting social inclusion.

This Smash Down Barriers Manual consists of 6 introductory

lessons designed to assist coaches with any level of Para

Table Tennis understanding, to deliver fun, safe and inclusive

activities. Any person wishing to learn more should contact

their state or national table tennis association.

Introduction to

Smash

Down

Barriers

program

p.5

Do not treat players with disabilities as if they

are simple, and avoid using condescending

language. Having a disability does not mean

that a person is intellectually inferior.

Speak directly to the person with the disability;

not to someone accompanying them.

Do not lean on or touch a person’s wheelchair

without their consent. The wheelchair is part

of the user’s personal space.

Coaching

Players

with Disabilities

Consider sitting down or kneeling to get on

the same level as the wheelchair user when

engaged in long conversations.

Do not demean or patronize the athlete by

patting them on the head.

Feel comfortable using expressions such as

running along. It is likely the wheelchair user

expresses things in the same way.

p.6

Check the playing area is free of hazards

and is a safe distance away from walls

and fixed objects.

Ensure the surface is safe and appropriate

for the activities.

Check there is a safe distance between

the group of participants and tables.

Make sure all equipment is appropriate,

safe and working correctly.

Check equipment that has been set up by

others before you use it.

Provide clear instructions for the game

and use of equipment.

Instruct participants on safety: e.g. no

leaning on the table.

Remind players to be aware of table

corners when moving around the tables.

Safety

p.7

Basic

Terms &

Rules

A rally

is the period during which

the ball is in play.

A serve

is played from behind the table with the

server hitting the ball so that it bounces

on their half of the table before going over

the net and bouncing on their opponent’s

half of the table. Each player has 2 serves

in a row before it is the opponent’s turn.

A let

is called when the ball hits the net during

a serve and bounces on the opponent’s

half of the table. When a ‘let’ is called, the

server may have another serve.

When the receiver is in a wheelchair, a let

may be called during the serve if:

- The ball bounces on the receiver’s

court and returns in the direction of

the net;

- The ball comes to rest on the

receiver’s court; or

- In singles, crosses either sideline

of the table.

A game

is played with 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles)

players and is won when a person or

team reaches 11 points. Games can also

be played with a time limit (for example

a player or team leading after 5 minutes

is the winner). If scores are level, then

the game is determined with serves

alternating after each point. The first player

or team with a 2-point advantage wins the

game.

A match

consists of an odd number of games (for

example best of 1, 3, 5 or 7 games).

In doubles matches

all players successively take it in turns

to hit the ball, except when the match is

played by wheelchair players.

p.8

Scoring

Scoring – the server’s score is always called first. A point

is scored each time a rally is won. If both players reach 10

points, then the players alternate with one serve each. The

first player to have a 2-point advantage wins the game (for

example 12-10).

5 common ways of winning a point:

The opponent fails to make a correct service

The opponent fails to make a correct return

The opponent serves or hits the ball outside the table or

beyond the end line without touching the table

The opponent’s free hand touches the playing surface

In doubles, the opponents strike the ball out of the sequence

established by the server and the first receiver.

p.9

Warm-up &

Warm-down

The Ideal Warm-up will:

Raise the body temperature.

Result in the pulse rising between 10-30 beats

per minute above resting heart rate.

Include low intensity exercises which allow full

range of motion movements.

Be low impact.

Be rhythmic and continuous.

Move from general to specific muscle groups.

Include stretching of major muscle groups to

be used in the lesson

Examples include:

A 5-min walk or light jog

Mobilising the joints: arm circles, ankle and

wrists rotations, etc.

Stretching

p.10

Warm-up &

Warm-down

The ideal Warm-Down will:

Decrease the body temperature and heart rate.

Include low intensity exercises which allow full

range of motion movements.

Be low impact.

Be rhythmic and continuous.

Include stretching of major muscles groups

used in the lesson.

Include a relaxation activity.

Examples include:

Slowly walking around

Slow stretches to prevent stiffness.

Tips for Coaches:

The following lesson-plans assume that each

lesson starts with a warm-up and ends with a

warm-down.

Skill Focus

Start

Activities

Finish

Grip

Warm Up

Shakehand Grip

Balance & Transfer

Roller Ball

Bounce & Catch

Bounce & Transfer

Bouncer Challenge

Warm Down

Ready Position

Forehand & Backhand

Drive

Warm Up

Ready Position

Forehand & Backhand

Drive

Balloon Table Tennis

Ten Pin Table Tennis

Table Tennis Cricket

Hitting Challenge

Warm Down

LESSON

Serves

Warm Up

Basic Serving

Frogger Splat

Target Serving

Beat The Champ

Warm Down

Forehand & Backhand

Push

Warm Up

Forehand Push

Backhand Push

Hit The Square

Limbo Table Tennis

Hitting Challenge

Warm Down

Forehand Topspin

Warm Up

Forehand Topspin

Throw & Hit

Topspin vs Backspin

Top Table

Warm Down

Singles & Doubles

Matches

Warm Up

Serves in Doubles

Doubles Matches

Team Matches

Warm Down

p.11

OVERVIEW OF LESSONS

p.12

MINUTES

GRIP

Equipment:

tSBDLFUQFSQMBZFS

tBUMFBTUCBMMQFSQMBZFS

tCBMMPPOTPQUJPOBM

ACTIVITIES:

Warm-up 5 minutes

Shakehand Grip 5 minutes

Balance & Transfer 10 minutes

Roller Ball 10 minutes

Bounce & Catch 10 minutes

Bounce & Transfer 5 minutes

Bouncer Challenge 5 minutes

Warm-down 5 minutes

p.13

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

SHAKEHAND GRIP

tSBDLFUQFSQMBZFS

t5IFDPBDITIPVMEEFNPOTUSBUFUIFTIBLFIBOEHSJQ

1=hIFA=NEB=L>@^BN=`H=NEB=J>FG=IC=NEB=E>HA

1=pF>@B=NEB=NEOG?=>HA=CILBC`HDBL=LIODEFS=

parallel to the straight edge of the rubber.

1=wL>J=NEB=LBG>`H`HD=NELBB=C`HDBLM=FIIMBFS=

around the handle to provide stability.

1=cEB@^=NE>N=BPBLS=JBLMIH=E>M=NEB=@ILLB@N=DL`J=

and pay attention to the forefinger.

1=d`CCBLBHN=J>L>=JF>SBLM=ICNBH=LBKO`LB=A`CCBLBHN=Q>SM=NI=DL`J=NEB=L>@^BN=fIL=BR>GJFB=JF>SBLM=Q`NE=

quadriplegia do not have the strength in their hands to grip the racket and often use elastic bandages

to join the bat and the hand. Regardless of the necessary modifications, it is important that the racket

is secured to the hand in a manner enabling the widest possible range of effects and techniques.

p.14

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

BALANCE & TRANSFER

t%JWJEFUIJTBDUJWJUZJOUPQBSUT#BMM#BMBODF#BMM5SBOTGFS

tSBDLFUBOECBMMQFSQMBZFS

t#BMMPPOTBSFBHPPEPQUJPOXIFODPBDIJOHCFHJOOFST

Ball-Balance

1=uM`HD=NEB=@ILLB@N=DL`J=JF>@B=>HA=?>F>H@B=NEB=?>FF=IH=NEB=

forehand side for 2 minutes.

1=m`R=`N=OJ=>HA=>M^=JF>SBLM=NI=/@E>HDB=E>HAM0=/Q>F^=CILQ>LA

backward”, “lift the right leg”, etc.

1=rBJB>N=OM`HD=NEB=?>@^E>HA=M`AB

Ball-Transfer

1=gBN=`HNI=MG>FF=DLIOJM=Q`NE=IHB=?>FF=JBL=DLIOJ=

1=tEB=C`LMN=JF>SBL=Q`FF=?>F>H@B=NEB=?>FF=IH=NEB=CILBE>HA=?BCILB=

transferring it to the second player and around the group.

1=rBJB>N=NEB=BRBL@`MB=Q`NE=NEB=?>@^E>HA

1=m`R=`N=OJ=?S=>FNBLH>N`HD=CILBE>HA=>HA=?>@^E>HA=M`ABM=>HA=

changing direction.

1=cEB@^=NE>N=JF>SBLM=>LB=OM`HD=NEB=@ILLB@N=DL`J

1=m>^B=`N=B>M`BL=?S=OM`HD=?>FFIIHM=IL=E>LABL=?S=OM`HD==IL=GILB=?>FFM=JBL=DLIOJ

p.15

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

ROLLER BALL

tSBDLFUQFSQMBZFSBOECBMMQFSQBJS

t5IJTFYFSDJTFDBOCFEPOFPOBOZnBUTVSGBDFFHUIFnPPSB

EFTLPSBUBCMF

1=d`P`AB=NEB=DLIOJ=`HNI=J>`LM=C>@`HD=B>@E=INEBL=

across a table or the floor.

1=uM`HD=NEB=?>@^E>HA=M`AB=IC=NEB=L>@^BN=>M^=NEB=

players to roll the ball to each other, trying to

keep the ball rolling all the time.

1=M^=NEB=JF>SBLM=NI=JF>S=>=G>N@E=OJ=NI==JI`HNM==JI`HN=`M=M@ILBA=`C=NEB=?>FF=J>MMBM=IPBL=NEB=BHA=

without the opponent returning it.

p.16

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

BOUNCE & CATCH

tSBDLFUBOECBMMQFSQMBZFS

1=hIFA=NEB=L>@^BN=`H=CLIHN=IC=SIOL=?IAS=Q`NE=NEB=

forehand side facing up.

1=bIOH@B=NEB=?>FF=IH@B=>HA=@>N@E=`N

1=bIOH@B=NEB=?>FF=NQ`@B=>HA=@>N@E=`N

1=bIOH@B=NEB=?>FF=NEL`@B=>HA=@>N@E=`N

1=m`R=`N=OJ=?S=>M^`HD=NEB=JF>SBLM=NI=?IOH@B=NEB=?>FF=

“X” number of times and catch it.

1=rBJB>N=NEB=BRBL@`MB=C`LMN=OM`HD=NEB=?>@^E>HA=>HA=

then alternating sides of the racket.

1=cEB@^=NE>N=JF>SBLM=>LB=OM`HD=NEB=@ILLB@N=DL`J

1=eH@IOL>DB=JF>SBLM=NI=OMB=>=FIQ=?IOH@B

1=eH@IOL>DB=JF>SBLM=NI=NELIQ=NEB=?>FF=IHNI=NEB=L>@^BN=OM`HD=>=CF>N=E>HA=NI=M`GOF>NB=NEB=MBLPB

p.17

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

BOUNCE & TRANSFER

t%JWJEFUIFQMBZFSTJOUPTNBMMHSPVQTXJUISBDLFU

per player and 1 ball per group.

1=sN>HA`HD=`H=>=@`L@FB=NEB=C`LMN=JF>SBL=

will bounce the ball on the forehand

and ‘pass’ the ball to the second

player and around the group.

1=rBJB>N=NEB=BRBL@`MB=C`LMN=Q`NE=NEB=

backhand and then alternating sides

of the racket.

1=m`R=`N=OJ=?S=@E>HD`HD=A`LB@N`IH=>HA=

calling out a minimum number of

bounces before transferring the ball.

1=cEB@^=NE>N=JF>SBLM=>LB=OM`HD=NEB=@ILLB@N=DL`J

1=eH@IOL>DB=JF>SBLM=NI=OMB=>=FIQ=?IOH@B

p.18

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

BOUNCER CHALLENGE

tSBDLFUBOECBMMQFSQMBZFS

Ask players to count the maximum number they can do

in 30 seconds of each of the following:

1=bIOH@B=NEB=?>FF=IH=NEB=CILBE>HA

1=bIOH@B=NEB=?>FF=IH=NEB=?>@^E>HA

1=bIOH@B=NEB=?>FF=>FNBLH>N`HD=NEB=CILBE>HA=>HA=?>@^E>HA

1=iH=J>`LM=?IOH@B=>HA=NL>HMCBL=NEB=?>FF=OM`HD=NEB=CILBE>HA

1=iH=J>`LM=?IOH@B=>HA=NL>HMCBL=NEB=?>FF=OM`HD=NEB=

backhand

1=iH=J>`LM=?IOH@B=>HA=NL>HMCBL=NEB=?>FF=>FNBLH>N`HD=NEB=

forehand and the backhand

After each 30 seconds, ask the players to indicate how

many they did.

1=cEB@^=NE>N=JF>SBLM=>LB=OM`HD=NEB=@ILLB@N=DL`J

1=eH@IOL>DB=JF>SBLM=NI=OMB=>=FIQ=?IOH@B

p.19

MINUTES

FOREHAND & BACKHAND DRIVE

Equipment:

tSBDLFUQFSQMBZFS

tBUMFBTUCBMMQFSQMBZFS

tCBMMPPOT

ACTIVITIES:

Warm-up 5 minutes

Ready Position 5 minutes

Forehand & Backhand 5 minutes

Balloon Table Tennis 10 minutes

Ten Pin Table Tennis 10 minutes

Table Tennis Cricket 10 minutes

Hitting Challenge 5 minutes

Warm-down 5 minutes

tQBQFSQMBTUJDDVQTPS

similar targets

p.20

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

READY POSITION

tSBDLFUQFSQMBZFS

t%FNPOTUSBUFUIFSFBEZQPTJUJPOBOEBTLUIF

participants to copy it.

1=bBHA=SIOL=^HBBM=>HA=FB>H=MF`DENFS=CILQ>LA

1=pF>@B=SIOL=CBBN=MEIOFABLQ`ANE=>J>LN

1=hIFA=NEB=L>@^BN=`H=CLIHN=IC=SIOL=@EBMN=>HA=

in a vertical position (for easy transfer to

forehand or backhand).

1=fIL=MN>HA`HD=JF>SBLM=2=NEB=LB>AS=JIM`N`IH=MEIOFA=?B=NEB=M>GB=OMBA=?S=>?FB?IA`BA=JF>SBLM=sIGB=A`M>?`F`N`BM=Q`FF=

restrict movement and require minor modifications, for example some ambulant players may not be able to bend

the knees. Each case should be considered individually.

1=fIL=QEBBF@E>`L=JF>SBLM=2=NEB=QEBBF@E>`L=MEIOFA=?B=JIM`N`IHBA=MI=NE>N=NEB=JF>SBL=@>H=LB>@E=NEB=CILBE>HA=and

backhand corners. If possible, the player should lean slightly forward without losing balance; some players use their

free hand to grip the chair for extra support.

p.21

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

FOREHAND & BACKHAND DRIVE

t%FNPOTUSBUFUIF'PSFIBOE%SJWFmSTUBTLUIF

players to copy your actions and provide feedback.

Then repeat this exercise using the Backhand Drive.

tSBDLFUQFSQMBZFS

1=fILBE>HA=dL`PB=CIL=L`DENE>HABA=JF>SBLM

1==Place your left foot forward with the body angled 45° to the table.

1==Start in the Ready Position with the racket in front of your chest.

1==Rotate your hip to the right until the racket is beside you at hip height.

1==Contact the ball slightly in front of the body with a brushing up action.

1==Follow through forward and up, finishing near your forehead as if saluting.

1=cEB@^=NE>N=JF>SBLM=>LB=OM`HD=NEB=@ILLB@N=DL`J=>HA=>AIJN`HD=NEB=LB>AS=JIM`N`IH

1=cIG?`HB=NE`M=>@N`P`NS=Q`NE=b>FFIIH=t>?FB=tBHH`M=HBRN=>@N`P`NS=?S=NB>@E`HD=NEB=fILBE>HA=dL`PB=C`LMN=DBNN`HD=

them to practice with balloons and then repeat the activity with the Backhand Drive.

p.22

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

FOREHAND & BACKHAND DRIVE

t%FNPOTUSBUFUIF'PSFIBOE%SJWFmSTUBTLUIF

players to copy your actions and provide feedback.

Then repeat this exercise using the Backhand Drive.

tSBDLFUQFSQMBZFS

1=b>@^E>HA=dL`PB

1==Place your feet shoulder-width apart and square to the table.

1==Start in the Ready Position with the racket in front of your chest.

1==Bring the racket toward your stomach and then forward to contact the ball upward

with a brushing action.

1==Follow through forward and up as if throwing a frisbee.

1=cEB@^=NE>N=JF>SBLM=>LB=OM`HD=NEB=@ILLB@N=DL`J=>HA=>AIJN`HD=NEB=LB>AS=JIM`N`IH

1=cIG?`HB=NE`M=>@N`P`NS=Q`NE=b>FFIIH=t>?FB=tBHH`M=HBRN=J>DB=?S=NB>@E`HD=NEB=fILBE>HA=dL`PB=C`LMN=DBNN`HD=

them to practice with balloons and then repeat the activity with the Backhand Drive.

p.23

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

BALLOON TABLE TENNIS

tSBDLFUQFSQMBZFSBOEBUMFBTUCBMMPPOQFSQBJS

TQBSFCBMMPPOTXJMMCFOFFEFEBTUIFZCSFBLEVSJOHQMBZ

1=d`P`AB=`HNI=J>`LM=IHB=?>FFIIH=?BNQBBH=NQI=JF>SBLM

1=h`N=NEB=?>FFIIH=NI=B>@E=INEBL=OM`HD=NEB=CILBE>HA=AL`PB

1=cIOHN=EIQ=G>HS=CILBE>HAM=@>H=?B=AIHB=Q`NEION=FBNN`HD=NEB=?>FFIIH=E`N=NEB=CFIIL

1=rBJB>N=NEB=BRBL@`MB=Q`NE=NEB=?>@^E>HA=AL`PB

1=cEB@^=NE>N=JF>SBLM=OMB=@ILLB@N=DL`J=>HA=>AIJN=NEB=LB>AS=JIM`N`IH

1=rBG`HA=JF>SBLM=NI=CIFFIQ=NELIODE=NI=NEB`L=EB>AM=>M=`C=M>FON`HD=CILBE>HA=MNLI^B=IL=CILQ>LA=>HA=OJ=>M=

if throwing a frisbee (backhand stroke).

p.24

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

TEN PIN TABLE TENNIS

Divide the players into small groups of 4 with 1 racket

and 1 ball per group. Set up 6 plastic cups or similar

targets on one-half of the table as shown below.

1=tEB=MN=JF>SBL=NEB=E`NNBL=?IOH@BM=NEB=?>FF=

on their forehand-side of the table and hits

it at the targets.

1=e>@E=N>LDBN=`M==JI`HN=>HA=B>@E=JF>SBL=E>M=

5 balls to score as many points as possible.

1=rBJF>@B=IL=LBMBN=NEB=N>LDBNM=>M=HBBABA=

and change around.

1=tEB=JF>SBL=Q`NE=NEB=GIMN=

points wins the game.

1=cEB@^=NE>N=JF>SBLM=>LB=OM`HD=NEB=@ILLB@N=CILBE>HA=NB@EH`KOB

1=eH@IOL>DB=NEB=LB@B`PBLM=NI=OMB=NEB=rB>AS=pIM`N`IH=QEBH=@>N@E`HD=NEB=?>FF

1=rBJB>N=NE`M=BRBL@`MB=Q`NE=NEB=?>@^E>HA=AL`PB

p.25

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

TABLE TENNIS CRICKET

%JWJEFUIFQMBZFSTJOUPTNBMMHSPVQTBOETFMFDUPOFUPCFUIFmSTU

“batter.” Place 2 sheets of paper with the number 4 on them as

shown below. Each group should have 1 racket and 1 ball.

1=oHB=JF>SBL=`M=NEB=/?>NNBL0=>HA=NEB=INEBLM=>LB=NEB=/C`BFABLM0

A “fielder” bounces the ball on both sides of the table toward the “batter”.

1=s@IL`HD=2=iC=NEB=/?>NNBL0

1==E`NM=NEB=N>LDBNM=NEBH=EBMEB=M@ILBM==JI`HNM=

1==misses the targets but hits the table then 1 point;

1==misses the table on the full then 0 points; &

1==misses the table on the full and the ball

is caught by a fielder then

they swap positions.

1=cEB@^=NE>N=JF>SBLM=>LB=OM`HD=NEB=@ILLB@N=rB>AS=pIM`N`IH=>HA=fILBE>HA=dL`PB=NB@EH`KOB

1=cE>HDB=`N=?S=JF>@`HD=NEB=MEBBNM=IC=J>JBL=`H=A`CCBLBHN=>LB>M=IC=NEB=N>?FB

p.26

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

HITTING CHALLENGE

*OUIJTDIBMMFOHFQMBZFSTQBJSVQBOEIJUGPSFIBOETDPOUJOVPVTMZ

Pairs attempt to set a personal record for continuous hitting.

Repeat this challenge using the backhand drive.

1=MN=JF>SBL=?IOH@BM=NEB=?>FF=IH=NEB`L=M`AB=IC=NEB=

table and hits a forehand across to the receiver’s

forehand side.

1=tEB=LB@B`PBL=E`NM=NEB=?>FF=?>@^=OM`HD=NEB=

forehand stroke and the rally continuous with

forehand drives.

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1=iC=MJ>@B=`M=F`G`NBA=JON==JF>SBLM=NI=>=N>?FB=Q`NE==OM`HD=NEB=CILBE>HA=AL`PB=>HA==OM`HD=NEB=?>@^E>HA=

drive. Change positions half-way through the exercise.

1=M^=NEB=JF>SBLM=NI=LB@ILA=NEB`L=E`DEBMN=L>FFS

1=rBJB>N=Q`NE=NEB=?>@^E>HA=AL`PB

p.27

MINUTES

SERVES

Equipment:

tSBDLFUQFSQMBZFS

at least 1 ball per player

6 sheets of paper per table

ACTIVITIES:

Warm-up 5 minutes

Basic Serving 10 minutes

Frogger Splat 10 minutes

Target Serving 10 minutes

Beat the Champ 15 minutes

Warm-down 5 minutes

6 shallow baskets per table

PQUJPOBM

p.28

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

BASIC SERVING

1 racket and 1 ball per player. First the coach should

demonstrate the concept and allow the players to practice

individually.

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1=sIGB=A`M>?`F`N`BM=Q`FF=LBMNL`@N=>=JF>SBL.M=@>J>@`NS=NI=CIFFIQ=NEB=MBLP`@B=LOFBM=`H=NEBMB=@>MBM=NEB=LOFBM=

are relaxed. For example, amputees or players with hemiplegia can put the ball on a side of the racket

or toss the ball with the racket hand.

1=sBLPB=CLIG=?BE`HA=NEB=BHA=F`HB=IC=NEB=N>?FB=>HA=`H=NEB=LB>AS=JIM`N`IH

1=l>S=NEB=?>FF=IH=NEB=CF>N=J>FG=IC=NEB=CLBB=E>HA=>HA=NELIQ=NEB=?>FF=OJ=>N=FB>MN=@G=PBLN`@>FFS=

without imparting spin.

1=h`N=NEB=?>FF=AIQH=MI=NE>N=`N=?IOH@BM=C`LMN=IH=SIOL=M`AB=NEBH=IH=NEB=INEBL=M`AB=IC=NEB=N>?FB

p.29

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

FROGGER SPLAT

1 racket and 1 ball per player. Place a sheet of paper on each

half of the table as shown below.

1=cEB@^=NE>N=NEB=JF>SBLM=>LB=CIFFIQ`HD=NEB=NB@EH`KOBM=IC=b>M`@=sBLP`HD

1=m`R=`N=OJ=?S=@E>HD`HD=NEB=JIM`N`IHM=IC=NEB=MEBBNM=IC=J>JBL

1=tEB=>`G=IC=fLIDDBL=sJF>N=`M=NI=

serve so that the ball bounces

on both sheets of paper.

1=pF>SBLM=M@ILB=>=JI`HN=B>@E=N`GB=

they hit the sheets of paper.

p.30

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

TARGET SERVING GAME

t1MBDFTIFFUTPGQBQFSPSTIBMMPXCBTLFUTPOPOFIBMGPGUIF

table as shown below.

t1VUUIFQMBZFSTJOUPTNBMMHSPVQTTPUIBUBOZQMBZFSTOPU

practising their serves are picking up balls from the ground.

tSBDLFUBOECBMMTQFSHSPVQ

1=cEB@^=NE>N=NEB=JF>SBLM=>LB=CIFFIQ`HD=NEB=b>M`@=sBLP`HD=NB@EH`KOBM

1=e>@E=JF>SBL=E>M==?>FFM=NI=E`N=>FF==MEBBNM=IC=J>JBL=IL=?>M^BNM

1=pF>SBLM=DBN==JI`HN=CIL=BPBLS=?>FF=NE>N=E`NM=NEB=N>LDBN

1=tEB=JF>SBL=Q`NE=NEB=E`DEBMN=M@ILB=Q`HM=NEB=D>GB

p.31

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

BEAT THE CHAMP

t%JWJEFUIFQMBZFSTJOUPHSPVQTPGQFSUBCMF

tSBDLFUQFSQMBZFSBOECBMMQFSUBCMF

1=m>N@E=JF>SBLM=`H=DLIOJM=>@@ILA`HD=NI=>?`F`NS=FBPBF=>HAIL=A`M>?`F`NS=

to make the game fun and challenging.

1==JF>SBL=MN>LNM=>M=NEB=/@E>GJ`IH0=>HA=

the rest are “challengers”.

1=e>@E=JF>SBL=@E>FFBHDBM=NEB=

“champion” to a first-to-3-points game.

1=e>@E=JF>SBL=DBNM=IHB=MBLPB=Q`NE=NEB=

“challenger” serving first.

1=tEB=Q`HHBL=MN>SM=IH=NEB=N>?FB=>HA=

plays against the next “challenger”.

1=tEB=/@E>GJ`IH0=LBN`LBM=>CNBL=Q`HH`HD=

3 consecutive games.

p.32

MINUTES

FOREHAND & BACKHAND PUSH

1 racket per player

at least 1 ball per player

2 sheets of paper per table

TFUQFSUBCMFPGTUSJOHDMBNQTBOESPET

ACTIVITIES:

Warm-up 5 minutes

Forehand Push 10 minutes

Backhand Push 10 minutes

Hit the Square 10 minutes

Limbo Table Tennis 10 minutes

Hitting Challenge 5 minutes

Warm-down 5 minutes

p.33

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

FOREHAND PUSH

t'JSTUUIFDPBDITIPVMEEFNPOTUSBUFUIFDPODFQUUIFOBMMPX

some time to practice the forehand push in groups of 4 per table

with 1 racket and 1 ball per player.

1=iH`N`>FFS=E`N=>@LIMM=NEB=N>?FB=Q`NE=NEB=>`G=NI=^BBJ=NEB=L>FFS=DI`HD

1=m>^B=`N=E>LABL=?S=>M^`HD=NEB=JF>SBLM=NI=JOME=NI=?INE=NEB=CILBE>HA=>HA=?>@^E>HA=@ILHBLM

1=sN>LN=`H=NEB=LB>AS=JIM`N`IH=Q`NE=NEB=L>@^BN=`H=CLIHN=IC=SIO=>HA=`H=>=PBLN`@>F=JIM`N`IH

1=tOLH=SIOL=E`J=>HA=JF>@B=SIOL=CBBN=M`AB=IH=>N=8=>HDFB=NI=NEB=N>?FB

1=sQ`HD=NEB=L>@^BN=?>@^=>HA=?BM`ABM=NEB=?IAS=>N=E`J=EB`DEN

1=cIGB=CILQ>LA=>HA=AIQH=Q`NE=NEB=L>@^BN=>HA=?LOME=OHABLHB>NE=NEB=?>FF

1=f`H`ME=Q`NE=NEB=L>@^BN=@FIMB=NI=NEB=N>?FB=Q`NE=NEB=J>FG=C>@`HD=OJQ>LA

p.34

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

BACKHAND PUSH

t'JSTUUIFDPBDITIPVMEEFNPOTUSBUFUIFDPODFQUUIFOBMMPX

some time to practice the backhand push in groups of 4 per table

with 1 racket and 1 ball per player.

1=m>^B=`N=E>LABL=?S=>M^`HD=JF>SBLM=NI=JOME=NI=?INE=NEB=CILBE>HA=>HA=NEB=?>@^E>HA=@ILHBLM

1=sN>LN=`H=NEB=LB>AS=JIM`N`IH=Q`NE=NEB=L>@^BN=`H=CLIHN=IC=SIO=>HA=`H=>=PBLN`@>F=JIM`N`IH

1=tOLH=SIOL=E`J=>HA=JF>@B=SIOL=CBBN=M`AB=IH=>N=8=>HDFB=NI=NEB=N>?FB

1=sQ`HD=NEB=L>@^BN=?>@^=>HA=?BM`ABM=NEB=?IAS=>N=E`J=EB`DEN

1=cIGB=CILQ>LA=>HA=AIQH=Q`NE=NEB=L>@^BN=>HA=?LOME=OHABLHB>NE=NEB=?>FF

1=f`H`ME=Q`NE=NEB=L>@^BN=@FIMB=NI=NEB=N>?FB

p.35

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

HIT THE SQUARE

1 racket and 1 ball per player. Place a sheet of paper on each

half of the table as shown below.

1=eH@IOL>DB=JF>SBLM=NI=OMB=?INE=NEB=CILBE>HA=>HA=?>@^E>HA=JOME

1=m`R=`N=OJ=?S=@E>HD`HD=NEB=JIM`N`IHM=IC=NEB=MEBBNM=IC=J>JBL

1=tEB=>`G=IC=h`N=NEB=sKO>LB=`M=NI=JOME=MI=NE>N=NEB=?>FF=?IOH@BM=IH=NEB=IJJIHBHN.M=MEBBN=IC=J>JBL

1=pF>SBLM=M@ILB=>=JI`HN=B>@E=N`GB=NEBS=E`N=NEB=MEBBN=IC=J>JBL

p.36

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

LIMBO TABLE TENNIS

Set up a string over the net using the clamps and rods/sticks

as shown below. The objective of limbo table tennis is to keep

the ball low and push the ball through the gap between the

net and the string.

1=eH@IOL>DB=JF>SBLM=NI=OMB=?INE=NEB=CILBE>HA=>HA=NEB=?>@^E>HA=JOME=>HA=

push to all sides of the table.

1=tE`M=BRBL@`MB=@>H=>FMI=?B=OMBA=NI=^BBJ=NEB=MBLPB=FIQ

1=sN>LN=?S=MBNN`HD=NEB=

string 20 cms above

the height of the net

and lower it throughout

the exercise to

increase difficulty.

1=pF>SBLM=LB@B`PB==JI`HN=

for every ball that is

pushed through the

gap between the net

and the string.

p.37

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

HITTING CHALLENGE

*OUIJTDIBMMFOHFQMBZFSTQBJSVQBOEQVTIDPOUJOVPVTMZ1BJST

attempt to set a personal record score for continuous hitting

using the forehand push.

1=eGJE>M`TB=MFIQFS=>HA=@IHN`HOIOMFS=tEB=>`G=`M=NI=@IHNLIF=NEB=?>FF=>HA=^BBJ=NEB=L>FFS=DI`HD

1=iC=MJ>@B=`M=F`G`NBA=JON==JF>SBLM=NI=>=N>?FB=Q`NE==OM`HD=NEB=CILBE>HA=JOME=>HA==OM`HD=NEB=

backhand push. Change positions half-way through the exercise.

1=MN=JF>SBL=MBLPBM=NI=

the receiver’s forehand

corner.

1=tEB=LB@B`PBL=JOMEBM=

the ball back using the

forehand push and the

rally continues with

forehand push.

1=M^=NEB=JF>SBLM=NI=

record their highest rally.

1=rBJB>N=Q`NE=NEB=

backhand push.

p.38

MINUTES

FOREHAND TOPSPIN

1 racket per player

at least 10 balls per table

ACTIVITIES:

Warm-up 5 minutes

Forehand Topspin 5 minutes

Throw & Hit 15 minutes

Topspin vs Backspin 10 minutes

Top Table 15 minutes

Warm-down 5 minutes

p.39

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

FOREHAND TOPSPIN BASICS

Arrange the group so that all participants can see the coach

demonstrate the Forehand Topspin stroke and ask the players

to copy the coach’s actions.

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example, players with paraplegia may not have the necessary strength

and movement for this stroke. In such cases, ask the players to perform the

same exercises using the forehand drive.

1=sN>HA`HD=JF>SBLM=MEIOFA=MN>LN=`H=NEB=rB>AS=

Position and turn the hip so that their feet are side

on at 45° to the table. Wheelchair players should

start in the ready position and turn the hips, waist

and shoulders slightly to the right.

1=sQ`HD=NEB=L>@^BN=?>@^=>HA=FIQ=>JJLIR`G>NBFS=>N=

knee height) until the racket is almost vertical.”

1=sQ`HD=NEB=L>@^BN=CILQ>LA=>HA=OJ=@IHN>@N`HD=NEB=NIJ=

of the ball with a brushing action and finishing above

the head.

1=tEB=?>FF=MEIOFA=A`J=KO`@^FS=IH=NEB=INEBL=M`AB=IC=NEB=

table due to the topspin.

p.40

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

THROW & HIT

1 racket and 1 ball per player

1=m`R=`N=OJ=?S=NELIQ`HD=NEB=?>FF=MI=NE>N=`N=?IOH@BM=IH@B=IH=NEB=LB@B`PBL.M=CILBE>HA=@ILHBL

1=M^=NEB=JF>SBLM=NI=E`N=>=CILBE>HA=NIJMJ`H=NI=NEB=LB@B`PBL.M=CILBE>HA=>HA=?>@^E>HA=@ILHBLM

1=LL>HDB=NEB=J>LN`@`J>HNM=`HNI=MG>FF=DLIOJM=IC==

players and 1 coach or feeder per group

1=tEB=@I>@E=NELIQM=NEB=?>FF=MI=NE>N=`N=?IOH@BM=IH=

both sides of the table toward the forehand side

of the receiver.

1=tEB=JF>SBLM=N>^B=NOLHM=>HA=>NNBGJN=NI=E`N=>=

forehand topspin.

1=M=NEB=JF>SBLM=JLIDLBMM=NELIODE=NEB=BRBL@`MB=NEB=

@I>@ECBBABL=E`NM=NEB=?>FF=?>@^=NI=ABPBFIJ=>=@IHN`HOIOM=

forehand topspin rally.

p.41

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

TOPSPIN VS BACKSPIN

Arrange the players into small groups with only 2 players

per table at the time and 1 ball per table.

1=tEB=CILBE>HA=NIJMJ`H=`M=ICNBH=OMBA=NI=@IOHNBL=NEB=?>@^MJ`H=DBHBL>NBA=QEBH=JOME`HD=NEB=?>FF=

1=tI=JF>S=>D>`HMN=>=?>FF=Q`NE=GILB=?>@^MJ`H=>=GILB=IJBH=L>@^BN=J>FG=C>@`HD=OJ=`M=LBKO`LBA=

1=m>^B=`N=E>LABL=?S=JF>S`HD=>=D>GB=QEBLB=NEB=JF>SBLM=GOMN=JOME=NQ`@B=?BCILB=/IJBH`HD=OJ0=

with the forehand topspin.

1=pF>SBL==?BD`HM=NEB=L>FFS=?S=JOME`HD=NEB=?>FF=NI=NEB=

forehand corner of Player 2.

1=pF>SBL==JF>SM=>=CILBE>HA=NIJMJ`H=NI=/IJBH=OJ0=

and counter the backspin generated by Player 1.

1=cE>HDB=JF>SBLM=>CNBL=>=CBQ=>NNBGJNM

p.42

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

TOP TABLE

Players will play games until the coach calls “stop”. The player

leading the game moves one table closer to the “Top Table” while

the player losing the game moves one table away.

1=iC=MN>HA`HD=JF>SBLM=>LB=G>N@EBA=>D>`HMN=QEBBF@E>`L=JF>SBLM=NEBH=NEB=JF>SBLM=MEIOFA=CIFFIQ=

the modified rules for wheelchair table tennis (see lesson 6).

1=MM`DH==JF>SBLM=JBL=N>?FB=HS=LBG>`H`HD=JF>SBLM=

can assist with umpiring and ball picking and they

can take turns to play as instructed by the coach.

1=tEB=@I>@E=MEIOFA=`ABHN`CS=NEB=/tIJ=t>?FB0=>N=NEB=

beginning of the activity.

1=tEB=@I>@E=N`GBM=D>GBM=>HA=@>FFM=/MNIJ0=BPBLS==G`HONBM

1=w`HH`HD=JF>SBLM=GIPB=NIQ>LA=NEB=/tIJ=t>?FB0=QE`FB=FIM`HD=

players move away.

1=rBJB>N

TOP TABLE

WINNERS LOSERS

2 3 4 5

p.43

MINUTES

TEAM PLAY Singles & Doubles Matches

1 racket per player

at least 1 ball per table

ACTIVITIES:

Warm-up 5 minutes

Serves in Doubles 10 minutes

Doubles Matches 10 minutes

Team Matches 25 minutes

Warm-down 5 minutes

p.44

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

SERVES IN DOUBLES

Divide the players into groups of 4 and allocate each group to a

table. 4 rackets and at least 1 ball per group.

1=wEBH=QEBBF@E>`L=JF>SBLM=>LB=MBLP`HD=NEB=MN>HA>LA=LOFBM=>JJFS=hIQBPBL=>=/FBN0=G>S=?B=

called if the ball returns to the net after bouncing on the receiver’s court or comes to a rest

on the receiver’s court.

1=FQ>SM=MBLPB=CLIG=NEB=L`DEN=@ILHBL=NI=NEB=L`DEN=@ILHBL

1=pF>SBLM=E`N=>FNBLH>NBFS=BR@BJN=QEBBF@E>`L=JF>SBLM

1=sBLPB=NQ`@B=NI=NEB=M>GB=M`AB=>HA=M>GB=JBLMIH

1=CNBL=SIO=C`H`ME=MBLP`HD==JI`HNM=MQ>J=M`ABM=Q`NE=SIOL=J>LNHBL

p.45

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

DOUBLES MATCHES

Arrange the players into pairs with 1 racket per player

and 1 ball per table.

1=wEBH=>=AIO?FBM=G>N@E=`M=JF>SBA=?S=QEBBF@E>`L=JF>SBLM=NEBS=AI=HIN=E>PB=NI=E`N=>FNBLH>NBFS=

1=fILG=DLIOJM=IC==J>`LM=JBL=N>?FB=tEB=C`LMN=

2 pairs will play a doubles match while

the remaining pair can assist with scoring,

umpiring and ball-picking.

1=pF>SBL==MBLPBM=CLIG=NEB=CILBE>HA=@ILHBL=IC=

the table to the opponents’ forehand corner.

1=pF>SBLM=E`N=>FNBLH>NBFS

1=pF>SBL==MBLPBM=NQ`@B=NI=NEB=M>GB=M`AB=>HA=NEB=M>GB=JBLMIH

1=pF>S=>=G>N@E=NI==tEB=Q`HHBLM=NEBH=JF>S=>D>`HMN=NEB=LA=J>`L

p.46

WHAT TO DO

MINUTES

TIPS

FOR

COACHES

TEAM MATCHES

Divide the group into pairs. 1 racket per player and 1 ball per table.

Team matches are played in 3 parts; starting with doubles and

followed by 2 singles matches. A team receives 1 point for each

NBUDIXPO5IFSFGPSFJGUFBN"XJOTUIFEPVCMFTCVUMPTFTCPUI

singles they lose the match 1-2.

1=rBGBG?BL=NE>N=G>N@EBM=@>H=?B=JF>SBA=NI=?BMN=IC====IL==D>GBM

1=M=NEB=C`LMN=LIOHA=IC=G>N@EBM=BHA=JF>S=Q`HH`HD=NB>GM=>D>`HMN=Q`HH`HD=NB>GM=>HA=FIM`HD=

teams against losing teams.

1=tB>G==>HA=tB>G=b=JF>S=>=AIO?FBM=G>N@E=

to 11 points. The winning team receives 1 point.

1=pF>SBL==CLIG=tB>G==JF>SM=>=M`HDFBM=G>N@E=

to 11 points against Player 1 from Team B. The

winning team receives 1 point.

1=pF>SBL==CLIG=tB>G==JF>SM=>=M`HDFBM=G>N@E=

to 11 points against Player 2 from Team B. The winning team

receives 1 point.

1=tEB=NB>G=Q`NE=NEB=GIMN=JI`HNM=>N=NEB=BHA=IC=NEB==G>N@EBM=

is the overall winner.

p.47

Useful Links / Contacts

For information about the Smash Down Barriers Program visit:

www.smashdownbarriers.com

For information about table tennis visit:

www.ittf.com

and for information about para table tennis visit:

www.ipttc.org

To find a club or for more coach education and resources,

contact your state or national table tennis association.