Vision Impaired Table Tennis (also known as Swish) is a fast, invigorating game. It was developed by people who are blind in Australia and has been played here for many years, on both a recreational and competitive level. The game allows people who are blind, vision impaired and sighted to compete on almost equal terms.
Vision Impaired Table Tennis is like playing table tennis, but instead of hitting a ball over the net, the ball is hit under the net and must travel along the surface of the table. The net is at a certain height so that those players with various degrees of sight do not have an advantage over blind players. The ball has bells in it to make it audible and it is about the size of a tennis ball and made of plastic with holes in it; and the bat is rectangular with a handle.
Vision Impaired Table Tennis is either played as a doubles or singles competition. It can be played from one game up to the best of five, and the first to eleven or the advantage of 2 after eleven. It can be played as singles (two players) or doubles (four players).It’s a great activity for kids as well as adults, no matter what age or ability.
Rules & Equipment
Table
Vision Impaired Table Tennis is like playing table tennis, but instead of hitting a ball over the net, the ball is hit under the net and must travel along the surface of the table. The net is at a certain height so that those players with various degrees of sight do not have an advantage over blind players.
Ball
The ball has bells in it to make it audible and it is about the size of a tennis ball and made of plastic with holes in it.
Bat
The bat is a rectangular object with a handle for the players to hold in order to be able to hit the ball.
Classifications
Anyone with a Vision Impairment is able to play Swish, the game allows people who are blind, vision impaired and sighted to compete on almost equal terms. Swish allows for all players to have a level playing field.
Pathways
Contacting your local Member Organisation to find out if Swish is offered near you is a good way to find out if you are able to play.
How to Contact?
Blind Table Tennis (Swish), is an extremely accessible, simple and fun game for the blind and vision impaired. It can be found on their Facebook page some of the highlights from past tournaments as well as event dates. If you are looking to begin playing it is recommended that you contact your local Member Organisation to assist in you finding where to play.
As found on the Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria Website, Swish is played across Multiple locations in Victoria alone, on different nights of the week, welcoming all skill levels. You can enquire on their website regarding any enquiries you might have about joining.
Contact Information
Marco, Phone Number 0412 128 429
Marco, Email President@vvitta.org.au
