Spinneroos program smashes down barriers in the Northern Territory

Table Tennis Australia’s Spinneroos continues to be a hit in schools across the country, promoting inclusivity and fostering a sense of collaboration among students who get introduced to table tennis through a fun range of lessons and activities. 

Northern Territory teacher Carmine Adamo said that students at Nemarluk School in Alawa also loved Spinneroos, which is included in Sport Australia’s Sporting School program.

Adamo welcomed in particular the Smash Down Barriers manual, a handbook provided alongside other e-coaching resources which illustrates how to modify activities to make them easier to follow for students with a disability.

“The program is inclusive and can be modified to cater for all students. 

“For example, students can use their hands as a bat, the table tennis ball can be substituted with a bigger ball or the table can be split into two small tables, for those students that need more practice,” he said.

Adamo added that the most rewarding aspect of delivering the program was seeing his students' faces when they hit the ball over the net, as well as witnessing a collaborative attitude develop between the children. 

“Students worked together and grew in confidence after each session. Hitting a table tennis ball and getting active was enough for them to gain encouragement from their peers,” he said. 

Another great aspect of the Spinneroos program is that it allows children to explore and learn the art of table tennis at their own pace.

“It allows students to focus on a specific skill, for example hitting a forehand, or serve, in a fun, safe and interactive environment,” Adamo said. 
 
He added that students enjoyed Spinneroos so much that they are still finding time to play table tennis and practice their skills, even after the end of the course.
 
“The students still get the tables out and play against each other at recess, at lunch or during free time,” he said. 
 
Adamo said he recommends the Spinneroos program to any school who want their students to have fun and develop their hand-eye coordination. 

Click here to learn more about Table Tennis Australia Sporting School programs on offer.