Polybat functional profiles

These profiles relate to physical impairments. For other groups with impairments, i.e. learning disability, hearing impairment etc. suitable competition profiles are currently being developed.

Polybat profile 1

• Players have difficulty in covering the width of the table in defence and may not be able to regain their upright playing position for their next stroke.
• Players may not be able to orientate the bat to the table so that the ball is often lifted causing bouncing and resulting in weak returns.
• These players play a predominantly ‘response’ and ‘defensive’ game without basic strong directed shots.
• Players often have difficulties in anticipating the path of the ball and need to slow the ball before returning it.

Criteria for the class

1. Reach/range of movement across the table is limited; returns often lack length/strength; controlling the ball is a challenge; and the characteristic game ‘tempo’ is sedate.
2. All players must participate seated even if not wheelchair users.
3. Disability Sport England equivalent profiles for this functional class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12.

Polybat profile 2

• The players in this class are mostly able to reach forwards and across the table width and anticipate returns.
• Players are able to control the angle of the bat to the table to eliminate bouncing of the ball and produce controlled rebound shots.
• Players can read the basic game and rely upon both defensive and offensive strokes.
• Participants have a relatively strong serve in contrast to their other strokes.

Criteria for the class

1. They have a dominant backhand or forehand stroke; engage in strong purposeful rallies; and the characteristic ‘tempo’ of the game is dynamic and rushed.
2. Players only participate standing if their abilities fit the above functional profile – they cannot gain an advantage with reach (very few will be able to play standing).
3. DSE equivalent profiles for the functional class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13.

Polybat profile 3

• Participants are able to play co-ordinated strokes with controlled pace and direction.
• They are able to read the game tactically and turn defensive play into attack by using a combination of forehand and backhand strokes.
• Competitors are able to play a faster rally with overall control.
• Players are able to control the speed and direction of rebound shots.

Criteria for the class

1. Able to anticipate the path of the ball; identify opponent’s weaknesses and attack them consistently; and the characteristic ‘tempo’ of the game is one of tactical rallies.
2. Players only participate standing if their abilities fit the above functional profiles – they cannot gain an advantage with reach.
3. DSE equivalent profiles 6, 7, 8, 14 (standing), 17 (seated or standing), 31 (seated or standing).

Polybat profile 4

• Players have challenges which are observable in one or more of the following aspects: co-ordination – body, limbs, hand; arm manipulation; and perception – which would make even recreational table tennis impossible.
• Balance challenges are often evident so table support can be necessary.
• Being ambulant they can reach with control to stroke the ball early.
• A key aspect in rallies is that they are able to sustain the fast rally.

Criteria for the class

1. Ambulant movement allows for good early defence and offensive reactions; reach combined with the movement of the bat produces fast powerful strokes; and the characteristic ‘tempo’ of the game is often extremely fast with changing angles and reaction shots.
2. Only standing players participate.
3. DSE equivalent profiles 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29.

Note: a proportion of individuals in the upper ability levels of this profile will have too much function to qualify for Polybat competitions and should be encouraged to participate in table tennis.