Around the Table Ping Pong

Here is a practical game to use when you have just one ping pong table and ten people who want to play. It is call "around-the-table ping pong" and the name tells it all. Prepare for play by having the players circle the table with players spread evenly around. Two players (A and B) face each other while holding the paddles and prepare to volley like in a normal game. This is where normality ends. After player A serves, she sets the paddle on the table and rotates counter-clockwise. Player B returns the serve and by that time, a new player (C) has rotated into position, picked up player A´s paddle and is ready to volley the ball back to another participant (D) who has stepped in to take player B´s place. This round-the-table action continues and players are constantly changing sides as they rotate around. To win is to stay in. Any mishit causes you to be forced out of the game. No smashing is allowed--players must hit rainbow type shots. This becomes increasingly harder as players are removed because you can no longer leisurely take your place in line and rotate to the other side. When there are only three or four players left, you find yourself sprinting to the other side to take your turn there. Each player must leave the paddle in a "get-able" spot or it is counted as a mishit. When only two players are left, the dual to the death begins in dizzying fashion. Player A serves a rainbow type serve, drops her paddle, does one spin, picks up her paddle and prepares to return Player B´s shot. Player B returns serve with a rainbow return, drops his paddle,does one spin, picks up his paddle and prepares for his next shot. The first to mishit is out of the game and the survivor is the winner. Alternate Rule: Players can decide, before the contest, to allow 2 or 3 mishits before being put out of the game. It gives newcomers to this style of play more room for error and a chance to learn strategy on the go. Around-the-table-ping pong can be wild and hilariously funny. It takes some dexterity but great ping pong skills arenÕt necessary for a good time. It also maximizes your use of limited amount of tables when you have many kids who want to play. Answer to last month´s riddle: The Blind Man went last, not only because he could not see but also because he wanted to hear what the other two men said. He decided, "I will assume my hat is red. (a la an indirect proof) If my hat is red, one of the first two men will know the color of his hat." ( Work it out--if the blind man&#`80ps hat would have been red, there is no way that one of the other men, especially the second, would not have known his color.) Since neither man guessed his color, the blind man knew his hat was Not Red and therefore, white.

About the Author:

Steve Graner is a Christian educator and familyman employed by the Minot, ND Public School District. A licensed laypastor, he is passionate about Christian writing and Christian drama. Along with family and friends, Steve has performed numerous self-written dramas and musicals for area church audiences.