Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 8
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Sports and Games
Previous Lesson: Badminton: Meaning, Court, Skills, Equipment and Rules.
Topic: Racket Games (Squash)
Subject Matter: Meaning of squash, history of squash, nature of squash, basic skills in squash, equipment and facilities, rules and regulation

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define squash as a racket sport.
State the history and nature of squash.
Enumerate the basic skills, equipment, and facilities used in squash.
List some rules and regulations of squash.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the physical and mental benefits of playing squash.
Show interest in learning and practicing squash skills.
Recognize the importance of rules and fair play in squash.

Psychomotor Domain:

Demonstrate basic squash grips and stances (if practical).
Identify the various equipment and facilities for playing squash.
Perform simple squash movements like hitting a ball against a wall.

Promote sportsmanship and respect for opponents and officials in racket games.
Develop a positive attitude towards physical activity through squash.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Physical and Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Squash racket
Squash balls
Pictures or diagrams of a squash court
Chart showing basic squash skills

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand squash as an important racket game, including its rules and skills. Learning about squash encourages physical fitness, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking. It also exposes pupils to a sport that can be played for recreation and competition.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of different types of sports and games, including some racket sports like table tennis or badminton.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Racket Games (Squash)

Meaning of Squash

Squash is a fast-paced indoor racket sport played by two players (singles) or four players (doubles) in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball. The objective is to hit the ball against the front wall in such a way that the opponent cannot make a legal return.

History of Squash

Squash originated in England in the early 19th century. It developed from the game of rackets played in prisons. The first four-walled courts were built at Harrow School around 1830, and the game quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of formal rules and organizations.

Nature of Squash

Squash is a highly demanding sport that requires agility, speed, strength, endurance, and good hand-eye coordination. It is played in an enclosed court, and players must strike the ball against the front wall, allowing it to bounce once on the floor before being returned by the opponent. The game involves constant movement, strategic shot placement, and quick reflexes.

Basic Skills in Squash

The following are basic skills in squash:

Grip: The way a player holds the racket (e.g., forehand grip, backhand grip).
Serve: The shot that starts a rally, hit from the service box to the front wall and landing in the opposite back quarter.
Forehand: A shot hit with the palm of the hitting hand facing forward.
Backhand: A shot hit with the back of the hitting hand facing forward.
Volley: Hitting the ball before it bounces on the floor.
Drop Shot: A soft shot hit close to the front wall, designed to die quickly.
Boast: A shot hit off a side wall (or two side walls) before hitting the front wall.
Drive: A powerful shot hit along the side wall to the back of the court.

Equipment and Facilities for Squash

The following are equipment and facilities for squash:

Squash Racket: Lighter than tennis rackets, with a smaller head.
Squash Ball: Small, hollow rubber ball. Different coloured dots indicate different bounce levels for various skill levels.
Protective Eyewear: Essential for safety due to the enclosed court and fast-moving ball.
Appropriate Footwear: Non-marking court shoes for good grip and support.
Squash Court: A four-walled indoor court, typically 9.75 m (32 ft) long and 6.4 m (21 ft) wide. It has a front wall line, service line, and a tin (a low board at the bottom of the front wall).

Rules and Regulations of Squash

The following are some rules and regulations of squash:

Scoring: Matches are typically best of three or five games. Games are usually played to 11 points, with players needing to win by two clear points.
Serve: The server must hit the ball directly to the front wall, above the service line and below the out line, so that it lands in the opposite back quarter.
Return: After the serve, players alternate hitting the ball against the front wall. The ball can hit the side or back walls before or after hitting the front wall, but must not hit the floor more than once.
Let: A rally is replayed if a player’s swing is obstructed by the opponent or if there is a dangerous situation, and the player could have made a good return.
Stroke: A point is awarded to a player if the opponent obstructs their swing or access to the ball and they would have made a winning shot, or if the opponent turns twice.
Out: The ball is out if it hits the tin, the top line of the court, or goes outside the court boundaries.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention different racket games they know. The teacher then introduces the topic: Racket Games (Squash).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils greet the teacher and mention racket games like table tennis and badminton. They listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge of racket games and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Meaning and Nature of Squash

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of squash as an indoor racket sport played in a four-walled court. The teacher also describes the nature of the game, emphasizing its demands on speed, agility, and strategy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification regarding the meaning and nature of squash.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and characteristics of squash.

Step 3: History of Squash

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates a brief history of squash, mentioning its origins in England and development from the game of rackets.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the historical account and note key facts.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the historical background of squash.

Step 4: Basic Skills in Squash

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and briefly explains basic skills in squash such as grip, serve, forehand, backhand, volley, and drop shot, possibly demonstrating simple movements or using charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, listen, and identify the basic skills. They may attempt to mimic some movements.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the fundamental skills required in squash.

Step 5: Equipment and Facilities

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Description
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays pictures or actual squash equipment (if available) and describes the essential facilities like the squash court, racket, and ball.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the equipment and facilities and ask questions about their uses and specifications.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize and describe the equipment and facilities necessary for playing squash.

Step 6: Rules and Regulations

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains some of the basic rules and regulations of squash, including scoring, serving, returning the ball, and situations for a ‘let’ or ‘stroke’.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully, take notes, and ask questions about the rules of the game.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the fundamental rules governing squash.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define squash.
Mention two basic skills in squash.
List three equipment used in playing squash.
State two important rules of squash.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the meaning, skills, equipment, and rules of squash. The teacher encourages pupils to practice the sport for physical fitness.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of the lesson and are encouraged to participate in squash.

Lesson Keywords

Squash – A racket sport played in an enclosed court.
Racket – An implement with a handle and an open frame across which a network of strings or catgut is stretched, used for striking the ball in games like squash.
Serve – The action of putting the ball into play at the start of a point.
Volley – To hit the ball before it bounces on the floor.
Tin – The low board at the bottom of the front wall of a squash court.
Let – A situation in squash where the rally is replayed without a point being awarded.
Stroke – A situation in squash where a point is awarded to a player due to opponent’s obstruction.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research and present on advanced squash strategies or famous squash players. For those who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations, repeat demonstrations, and offer individual assistance during practical sessions or question-and-answer segments.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure to use visual aids effectively, such as pictures of equipment, court diagrams, or short video clips of squash play, to enhance understanding. If a squash court is accessible, a practical demonstration of basic grips and movements would be highly beneficial. Emphasize safety, especially the importance of protective eyewear. Encourage pupils to ask questions and participate actively in discussions. The practical aspect of demonstrating basic skills should be adapted based on available space and resources.