Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2, JSS 2)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science And Technology
Curriculum Theme: Physical And Health Education
Previous Lesson: Equipment and Facilities of Table Tennis
Topic: Basic Skills And Techniques Of Tennis
Subject Matter: Grips, services, drives, chop, and smash
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
(a) Define basic tennis skills and techniques.
(b) Identify and describe different types of grips, services, drives, chop, and smash in tennis. - Affective Domain:
(a) Demonstrate interest and enthusiasm in participating in tennis activities.
(b) Show discipline and fair play during practical tennis sessions. - Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Perform correct grips, services, drives, chop, and smash techniques in tennis.
(b) Exhibit coordination, balance, and control during tennis practice. - Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in pairs or groups during tennis practice.
(b) Respect rules and demonstrate sportsmanship during play.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
- Megaspin – Basic Table Tennis Techniques
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Tennis racquets and balls
- Tennis court or open space
- Visual aids (charts or diagrams showing grips and strokes)
- Demonstration videos of tennis techniques
- Cones or markers for practice drills
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson equips pupils with fundamental tennis skills necessary for proper performance, coordination, and sportsmanship in physical education.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should have basic knowledge of general physical exercises, hand-eye coordination, and experience with ball games.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Basic Skills And Techniques Of Tennis
Grips
Grips are how a player holds the tennis racquet. The grip affects control, power, and precision of shots. Correct grip improves performance and reduces injury.
The following are common grips used in tennis:
- Continental Grip
- Eastern Grip
- Semi-Western Grip
- Western Grip
Services
A service is the act of putting the ball into play at the start of a point. Effective service can give a player an advantage.
The following are types of tennis services:
- Flat Serve
- Topspin Serve
- Slice Serve
- Kick Serve
Drives
Drives are strokes used to hit the ball after it bounces on your side of the court. They are generally powerful and aimed at the opponent’s court.
These include:
- Forehand Drive
- Backhand Drive
Chop
Chop is a technique where the ball is hit with a slicing motion to impart backspin. It slows the ball and makes it harder for the opponent to return.
Examples include:
- Backhand Chop
- Forehand Chop
Smash
A smash is an overhead shot executed with force to end a point. It is usually used when the ball is high and near the net.
They are:
- Overhead Smash
- Jump Smash
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work, Practical Performance
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Recap previous lesson on basic ball games; introduce tennis as a sport emphasizing skills and techniques.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively, answer recap questions.
Learning Point: Understanding the relevance of tennis skills in physical education.
Step 2: Demonstrating Grips
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Show various tennis grips using a racquet; explain their purpose and use.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe and practice each grip.
Learning Point: Correct grip enhances control and precision.
Step 3: Explaining and Practicing Services
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation and Practical Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Explain and demonstrate different types of services; guide pupils to practice.
Pupils’ Activity: Attempt different services under teacher supervision.
Learning Point: Effective service initiates the game advantageously.
Step 4: Practicing Drives
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration and Practice
Teacher’s Activity: Demonstrate forehand and backhand drives; supervise pupils as they practice.
Pupils’ Activity: Practice drives with partners or against the wall.
Learning Point: Drives develop accuracy and power in tennis shots.
Step 5: Practicing Chop
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration and Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: Show how to perform forehand and backhand chops; assist pupils individually.
Pupils’ Activity: Attempt chop techniques during practice drills.
Learning Point: Chop slows the ball, challenging opponent returns.
Step 6: Practicing Smash
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: Demonstrate overhead and jump smash; correct pupils’ posture and timing.
Pupils’ Activity: Perform smashes in pairs or small groups.
Learning Point: Smash is an aggressive technique to win points.
Step 7: Note-Taking
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize all skills and techniques; pupils copy notes.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes accurately.
Learning Point: Recording knowledge for reinforcement.
Step 8: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning and Practical Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define grip and give two types.
- Name and describe two types of tennis services.
- What is the purpose of a chop?
- Demonstrate a forehand drive.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions and demonstrate skills.
Learning Point: Assessing comprehension and skill acquisition.
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Closure
Teacher’s Activity: Recap lesson objectives; motivate pupils to practice regularly.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and acknowledge key points.
Learning Point: Reinforcement of knowledge and skill practice.
Lesson Keywords
- Grip – how the racquet is held
- Service – act of putting the ball into play
- Drive – powerful stroke after ball bounce
- Chop – slicing shot with backspin
- Smash – forceful overhead shot
Differentiation
Provide additional demonstrations for slower learners, pair fast learners with peers for practice, and adjust practice drills according to ability.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure sufficient space for practical activities, supervise closely for safety, and encourage fair play.

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