Two-Table Hantis: Free Small Space PE Game

Short on tables or space? Two-Table Hantis is a free PE game for teams of two that needs just 2 tables per court, so 8 tables make 4 courts. Grades 6-12.

Hantis (“hand tennis”) is a fast table game played with a tennis ball and your hands. In Two-Table Hantis, each team of two shares one table, with a 3-5 ft gap between the tables. Players strike the ball onto the other team’s table, with up to 2 hits each to control it or pass to a partner. When a team gets out, both players go to the back of the line and the next team 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 serve, the rally, and outs and team rotation
• Every rule tagged Same or Changed 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, partner swaps, 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 court

How it works

• 2 teams of 2, one table per team: the Challengers and the Champions
• The Champions serve, and teammates take turns
• Each player gets up to 2 hits, and each team’s table takes 1 bounce
• If either player is out, the whole team is out and goes to the back of the line
• Winners stay: Challengers who win move up to the Champion table

What you need

• 2 same-size tables per court (folding or cafeteria tables)
• 1 tennis ball per court (softer foam balls work for beginners)
• About 26 x 16 ft of floor per court

Great for gyms and classrooms with limited tables or space, indoor and rainy-day PE, and middle and high school units, intramurals and clubs.

You may print, copy and share it for non-commercial use. Also free on Tes: One-Table Hantis (1v1), for one table per pair, and the Official Hantis Rulebook.