Blog

By Anissa Brockway, Occupational Therapy Coordinator at 45th Street

January not only signifies the new year, across the globe, it also marks Australia’s annual tennis season. The Australian Open is one the four Grand Slam tournaments held each year, followed by the French Open in Paris, Wimbledon in London, and the US Open held locally in Queens, New York. To honor this time of year, Aaron School is hosting its own Grand Slam tournament: The Aaron Open!

The Occupational Therapy Department collaborated with the PE teachers to host a joint play-in table tennis tournament for middle schoolers. Over the course of several weeks, students developed their table tennis skills including serves, forehand and backhand drives, paddle grip and blocking. Although participation was voluntary, there was overwhelming interest from our middle schoolers who accepted the challenge. Players were randomly assigned to brackets as the 1-to-1 matches were held in the Assembly Room on Friday afternoons. After several rounds of play, the semi-final and grand final-rounds were livestreamed throughout the school. The entire student body watched on as a 6th grader emerged as this year’s table tennis champion!

We congratulate all of our student participants for serving up friendly competition and good sportsmanship!

The guidelines for the Aaron Open were as follows:

1. Games are played to 21 points

A Game is played to 21 points. A Game must be won by two points.

2. Alternate serves every 2 points

Each side of the table alternates serving 2 points at a time.

3. Toss the ball straight up or bounce it when serving

Hold the ball in your open palm, behind your end of the table. Toss at least 6” straight up and strike it on the way down. The ball must touch your side of the table and then the other side.

4. The serve can land anywhere in singles

There is no restriction on where the ball lands on your side or your opponent’s side of the table. It can bounce two or more times on your opponent’s side, bounce over the side, or even hit the edge to earn a point.