Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
Sports Participation
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Sports Participation
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Physical Education Health Core
Class: SHS 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 4
Grade code: 2.1.2.LI.3
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.1.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.1.2.LI.3
Theme: Physical Activity and Health
Subtheme: Sports Participation
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This lesson introduces learners to the fundamental skills of Table Tennis, a sport affectionately known in Ghana as 'ping-pong'. Table tennis is an excellent sport for developing quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and concentration. It is accessible, requires minimal space compared to other sports, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and physical abilities. By mastering the basic skills, learners can participate in recreational games with friends and family, compete in school events like Inter-Schools competitions, and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. This lesson will move from understanding the skills to physically performing them in a controlled and then game-like situation.
This section breaks down the foundational skills needed to play table tennis. We will focus on the 'big three': Grip, Stance, and Strokes. Concept 1: The Grip (How to Hold the Bat/Racket)
The way you hold the bat is the foundation of every shot you will play. The most common and recommended grip for beginners is the Shakehand Grip. Description: Imagine you are shaking hands with the bat's handle. Step-by-step Guide: Hold the bat with the blade pointing to the ceiling. Place your palm flat against one side of the rubber. Slide your hand down until the webbing between your thumb and index finger rests comfortably on the top edge of the handle. Wrap your bottom three fingers (middle, ring, and pinky) around the handle. Rest your index finger along the bottom edge of the rubber on the backhand side. Your thumb should rest comfortably on the forehand side of the rubber. Why it's important: This grip provides a good balance of power and control for both forehand and backhand shots. It should feel firm but not tense. A tight grip will restrict your wrist movement. Concept 2: The Stance (The Ready Position)
The stance is your body position while waiting to receive the ball. A good stance allows you to move quickly in any direction. Description: An athletic, balanced position that keeps you ready for action. Step-by-step Guide: Feet: Stand with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. For a right-handed player, the right foot should be slightly behind the left foot. Knees: Bend your knees slightly. You should feel balanced and "springy," not stiff. Body: Lean forward from your hips, keeping your back relatively straight. Your body weight should be on the balls of your feet. Arms: Hold the bat out in front of your body, with your elbow bent at roughly a 90-degree angle. The bat should be pointing slightly upwards and towards the net. Why it's important: This position lowers your centre of gravity, making you more stable. It prepares your muscles to react and move explosively to the ball, whether it comes to your left or right. Concept 3: The Basic Strokes (Hitting the Ball)
A. The Forehand Stroke The forehand is typically the first and most powerful stroke a player learns. It is hit on the same side of the body as your playing hand (the right side for a right-handed player). Step-by-step Execution: Preparation (Backswing): From your ready stance, rotate your waist and shoulders away from the ball. Your arm moves back and slightly down, keeping the bat relatively closed (facing slightly downwards). Execution (Contact): As the ball bounces on your side and reaches the peak of its bounce, swing forward and slightly upward. Rotate your hips and shoulders towards the ball. Make contact with the ball in front and to the side of your body. Think of "brushing" the ball forward. Follow-through: Continue your swing forward and up, finishing with the bat pointing towards the net or your opponent, roughly at eye level. This ensures you complete the shot with control.