Table Tennis

Adapted Table Tennis is sometimes called Swish. Showdown is it's own sport designed for athletes with vision impairment, but anyone can play! 

Overview

Showdown is a purpose-built sport for athletes with a vision impairment, often compared to table tennis but played using sound and touch rather than sight. Unlike traditional table tennis, showdown is played on an enclosed table with an audible ball and rules designed specifically for blind and low vision players.

In New Zealand, programmes are still developing, and the sport is often introduced through table tennis clubs using adapted equipment. These informal versions (sometimes referred to as sound-based or “swish”) use modified setups to help players learn key skills such as tracking sound and positioning. It may also be played in social groups or school settings where there is awareness of the adaptations.

If your club or school would like to learn more about creating a DIY showdown setup, get in touch with Blind Sport NZ.

Key points: 

  • The game is played on a table with raised side boards.
  • A screen with a gap under it runs across the middle of the table, so the ball must stay low and players cannot see past it. 
  • The ball is audible, so players can track it with their hearing. 
  • Players use a bat (paddle) to strike the ball along the table surface.
  • The aim is to score goals past your opponent into a goal pocket.
  • All players wear eyeshades to ensure equal conditions.

  • The game is fast and played entirely based on sound and reaction.

Equipment used:

  • Showdown table with side boards, central screen and goal pockets. There are blueprints available online for making your own and some clubs do have clip on DIY creations for community level. 
  • Audible ball
  • Paddle (bat)
  • Protective glove
  • Eyeshades

BOOK our Accessible Sport Kit 

Pathway information

Community: Participation is most likely to occur through Table tennis clubs using adapted setups, School based or Youth Sport programmes, BLV social groups and Have-a-go sessions. Explore opportunities through Disability Sport Aotearoa (formerly the ParaFed Network). 

Development: Athletes can develop skills through regular informal play, focusing on reaction speed, tracking and consistency of play.

Competitive: Showdown is most established in Europe, particularly in countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Germany, where it has strong club systems and regular competition. 


Classification: 

All players wear eyeshades, so classification is not required during play. The sport is designed so all participants compete under the same conditions regardless of vision level.

See our page on Classification and Paralympics New Zealand


International Federation: International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA)


NZ National Sport Organisations: Table Tennis New Zealand

National governing body for table tennis in NZ.

While showdown is a separate international sport, table tennis clubs are currently the most realistic entry point for participation in NZ.


Competitions include:

  • IBSA Showdown World Championships typically held every 4 years. 

  • IBSA Showdown European Championships, held every 2–3 years

Showdown has an established international competition structure, with regular IBSA events and tournaments. The sport is strongest in Europe and continues to grow in other regions, including Australia and the UK. In New Zealand, it is still in the early stages of development, with a focus on building awareness and participation.


Please check the governing and national organisations for up to date information. 

Check out some other sports: