Polybat gala day
Equipment
Polybat bats and balls or alternatives (small flat-edged play bat, plastic or wooden rulers may also be used.)
Table tennis tables or any large tables (One table per 4 students)
Rebound sides attached to the tables using materials such as wood or cardboard
Download the Polybat - Gala day activity card to support teaching before and during the sport session.
Polybat gala day
Organisation
In the week prior to the gala day, organise students into teams of 2.
Students may be given time to create signs to support their team at the gala day.
Select a student from each team to be the team captain for the gala day or allow students to take it in turns.
Set-up enough polybat tables for students to play as a round robin. Winning team moves to next table.
2 teams at each table to play against eachother.
Polybat games
Polybat
A table-top bat and ball game to develop striking and defending skills.
Activity set-up
Attach rebound sides to the table using materials such as wood or cardboard.
How to play
Aim is to hit the ball over the opponent’s end of the table, or cause them to play a fault by lifting the ball off the table surface.
Play doubles.
Each player has 5 serves. Serve then goes to another player (or rotates alternately for doubles).
First team to 11 points wins.
Play begins with the server playing the ball off any side. Strokes can then be played directly or off the side.
The ball must always stay on the table surface; a lifted ball scores a point for the opponent.
Players can block, control and hit the ball back towards their opponent using more than one hit; but no ‘trapping’ or ‘stopping’ of the ball is allowed.
Safety
Ensure the lower limbs of wheelchair users do not rub against the table.
Avoid striking the sides with the bat.
Ensure rebound sides are correctly clipped or taped onto the table.
Winning team moves tables. Play as many games as time allows or students enjoy.
Modifying Polybat using TREE
Teaching style
To improve technique or anticipation of the ball movement:
encourage players to keep the bat steady and in front of their body
rest the bat on the table surface if necessary to provide more stability
encourage players to watch the speed and direction of the ball. Practice this by rolling the ball from different angles..
Rules
Play first to 11 or 21 points with or without a 2-point advantage.
Modify the multiple touch rule for players of different abilities.
Allow players to serve directly to their opponent.
Equipment
If polybats are not available use any small flat-edged bat. Plastic or wooden rulers may also be used.
A number of smaller tables can be pushed together and taped to smooth the joins to create a large table.
Larger wiffle balls can be used before progressing to a standard Polybat ball.
Environment
Reduce the width of the end line by adding shorter sides to the table to cater for different abilities, or if two players play against one.
Polybat awards
Teachers may choose to award students with certificates for their involvement in the Polybat unit.
Certificates available for download include:
Reflection
2 stars and a wish
Ask students - what are 2 things you feel you did well today?
What will you take away from Polybat that you can use for our next sport?
Students can answer reflection questions as a whole class, small group or in pairs.
