One-Table Hantis: Free 1v1 Small Space PE

A free 1v1 PE game for small spaces: two players, one table, one tennis ball. A tape line splits the table, a light toss starts each rally, and the winner stays on. Grades 6-12.

Hantis (“hand tennis”) is a fast table game played with a tennis ball and your hands. One-Table Hantis brings it down to one table per pair, and each player’s half of the table works like their own table. After the toss, players take turns using up to 2 hits to send the ball onto the other half, until someone is out. The out player goes to the back of the line and the next player comes in.

What’s included (9-page PDF)

• Set-up page: court diagram, equipment list, a “how many courts” planner, groups and safety
• The rules on 3 pages, with diagrams: the toss serve and your side, the rally, and outs and rotation
• Every rule tagged Same, Changed or New against the Official Hantis Rulebook
• Teach it in 3 minutes: a read-aloud script, coaching tips, class signals and quick fixes
• More ways to play: a 3-win limit, a rally-count warm-up, scored games, Up and down the river, and easier or harder options
• Wrap-up questions and SHAPE America (2024) standards connections
• A one-page court card to post at every table

How it works

• 1 vs 1 on one table, split by a tape line down the middle
• The Champion serves with a gentle underhand toss onto the Challenger’s half
• Up to 2 hits each, and 1 bounce on your own half
• Each player stays on their own side of the middle line
• Winner stays: a Challenger who wins moves up to the Champion end

What you need

• 1 sturdy table per court (a 6 ft folding table works well) and a strip of tape
• 1 tennis ball per table (softer foam balls work for beginners)
• About 16 x 10 ft of floor per table

Great for small gyms and classrooms with only a few tables, indoor and rainy-day PE, warm-ups, stations, intramurals and clubs.

You may print, copy and share it for non-commercial use. Also free on Tes: Two-Table Hantis, for teams of two on 2 tables, and the Official Hantis Rulebook.