TIP: Click the   Video tab to see this activity in action

Hello, there seems to be a problem, you have either not got java enabled, or you do not have the latest Flash player installed. Please click here to install the latest player, once complete, close that window and refresh this page.

Showdown is a fun sport created for the blind and visually impaired which could be described as the blind communities answer to Air hockey, or table tennis, (A table top version of Torball). It is played by two people of either sex, one on one.

Popularity
It is growing very quickly, now being played in many countries around the world. It is also played by sighted players, but they are not allowed to participate in IBSA tournaments (the International Blind Sports Federation).

Age
This is an activity suitable for anyone of five or six years of age and upwards.

Ability
Concentration and quick reflexes.

Description
The game of Showdown is played by two players, on a rectangular table with goal pockets on both short sides. In the middle there is a net (centre division). The players have to wear goggles, ensureing that they won’t be able to see the ball. Their job is to use a racket to keep the ball which is audible, out of the goal pocket on their side of the table, while trying to hit it in a way so that it’ll pass under the net, and end up in that of their opponents.

Dedication
A player score two points for a goal and one point when their opponent hits the ball into the screen, hits the ball off the table, touches the ball with the bat within the goal area, or touches the ball with anything but the bat. The matches are usually played in three sets, and the first player to reach eleven points, leading by two or more points wins the set. The exceptions are semifinals, and finals where it’s five sets instead of three.

Closely Related Activities
Air Hockey 699, Table Tennis 598, Torball 1083, Goalball 289, Subbuteo 586, Table Football 666.

Cost
The sport is inexpensive to start up, requires minimal maintenance, and can be played in a room the size of a classroom or meeting room. The only equipment needed is the specially designed table, two paddles, a special ball into which metal bee bees have been inserted, goggles, and a glove to protect the batting hand. Sound produced by the bee bees rolling around inside the ball indicates the location of the ball during the play.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

Please be advised that this record has not necessarily been reviewed by people with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information. The information and images for this activity are supplied by the general public, Please contact us if there is a breach of copyright or you wish to improve the data.