There are game rooms in Catskills resorts not as well-appointed as the Giants’ locker room at their team practice and training facility.

The distinctive sound of a paddle hitting a light, hollow ball meant there was pingpong being played Wednesday as the Giants began their heavy preparation for Sunday’s season-opener at the Cowboys. Lo and behold, Saquon Barkley and Sterling Shepard were squaring off against each other.

A pingpong table in the center of a locker room? Yup, it’s a new world order around coach Pat Shurmur’s team.

There also is cornhole, spikeball and a few leather couches positioned in the center of the room, making it look more like a lounge than a locker room. The Giants also have a players’ lounge with computers, TVs and recliners, but no games.

Barkley, in the spring, asked Shurmur about adding the pingpong table. Shurmur gave his consent, Barkley purchased a table and is a frequent participant. Shurmur thought it was a good idea for the players to interact and compete in a social way. The new setup opens the room more than in the past, which Shurmur advocates as a way to allow players to see all of their teammates.

Other than RT Mike Remmers (illness/back) missing practice, the Giants are remarkably healthy. The only two players already ruled out for Sunday are backups: TE Garrett Dickerson (quad) and WR Darius Slayton (hamstring). CB Antonio Hamilton (adductor) and LB Nate Stupar (concussion) were full participants.

“Well, I think that’s important, obviously, to have what you consider to be your best guys,’’ Shurmur said.

One of the main reasons why there is so much doubt around the league that the Giants can approach playoff contention is their lack of proven playmakers on their defense. They will start five players who are rookies or second-year players. One of the young veterans believes the pedigree of these youngsters will carry them through the emotions of a season-opener at AT&T Stadium.

“I think they are ready for it,’’ said safety Jabrill Peppers, entering his third NFL season and first with the Giants. “All of these guys have played in big games. In college, the stadiums are a lot bigger than the league stadiums, but I don’t think anybody has played in a game this magnitude. Being in the big-game atmosphere definitely helps relieve some jitters. Once you get that first pop in you, I think everybody will be fine.’’

Rookies Dexter Lawrence (Clemson) and DeAndre Baker (Georgia) played at the highest level possible in college.