Previous research has shown that simple single degree of freedom (SDOF) models can be used successfully to reproduce the force-time response of composite plates subjected to low-velocity impacts (LVI). In particular, a simple spring-mass (SM) model yields accurate estimates of the peak contact force as a function of impact energy. The major limitation of this model is that it applies only to elastic impact events, and ceases to be valid after the onset of damage. The effort of this investigation is to modify the SM model, while retaining the simplicity of its formulation, and to extend its range of validity to the super-critical regime. Three models are derived, namely the damaged stiffness, the dissipated energy, and the spring-mass-dashpot models, and their validity is examined through comparisons with experimental data. Impact force-time traces for carbon/epoxy laminates exhibiting various combinations of laminate thickness and support span are collected, and it is found that the additional unknowns introduced for each of the models, although determined empirically, are strongly related to the structural parameters for each configuration investigated.