Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 3
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Physical Education
Previous Lesson: Tennis.
Topic: Racket Games (Table Tennis)
Subject Matter: Brief history of table tennis, nature of the game, table tennis specifications, equipment used in table tennis, basic skills in table tennis, rules and regulations of table tennis

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Explain the brief history of table tennis.
Describe the nature of the game.
State the specifications of a table tennis table.
List the equipment used in table tennis.
Mention at least three basic skills in table tennis.
State some rules and regulations of table tennis.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate table tennis as a popular racket game.
Show interest in learning and practicing table tennis skills.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship when discussing the rules.

Psychomotor Domain:

Draw the basic specifications of a table tennis table.
Perform a basic table tennis grip and stance.
Demonstrate a simple serve in table tennis.

Cooperate with peers during practical demonstrations.
Discuss the importance of following rules in games.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Physical and Health Education.
Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
Physical and Health Education for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by J. O. Balogun et al.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A table tennis table (or a diagram of one).
Table tennis balls.
Table tennis net.
Table tennis bats (rackets).
Whiteboard and markers.
Charts showing table dimensions and basic skills.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamentals of table tennis, a widely played racket sport. Learning about its history, rules, and skills enables pupils to participate knowledgeably and appreciate the game, promoting physical activity and teamwork.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have some general knowledge of various sports and racket games.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Racket Games (Table Tennis)

Brief History of Table Tennis

Table tennis originated in England in the late 19th century, evolving from lawn tennis. It was initially played as an indoor parlour game and was sometimes called “ping-pong” due to the sound made by the ball hitting the bat and table.

Nature of the Game

Table tennis is an indoor racket game played by either two (singles) or four (doubles) players. Players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table divided by a net, using small rackets (bats).

Table Tennis Specifications

The standard dimensions for a table tennis table are:

Length: 2.74 meters (9 feet)
Width: 1.525 meters (5 feet)
Height: 76 cm (30 inches) from the floor
Net Height: 15.25 cm (6 inches) high

Equipment Used in Table Tennis

The essential equipment for playing table tennis includes:

Table: A rectangular table, usually green or blue, divided into two halves by a net.
Net: Stretched across the middle of the table, dividing it into two playing courts.
Ball: A small, lightweight, spherical celluloid or plastic ball, typically white or orange.
Bat (Racket): A small wooden racket covered with rubber on both sides, used to hit the ball.

Basic Skills in Table Tennis

Some fundamental skills in table tennis are:

Grip: The way a player holds the bat (e.g., shake-hand grip, pen-hold grip).
Stance: The player’s body position ready to receive or hit the ball.
Serve: The initial shot to start a point, where the ball is tossed up and hit.
Forehand Drive: A stroke played with the palm of the hand facing the ball.
Backhand Drive: A stroke played with the back of the hand facing the ball.

Rules and Regulations of Table Tennis

Key rules governing table tennis include:

Service: The ball must be tossed up at least 16 cm (6 inches) and hit so it bounces once on the server’s side, then once on the receiver’s side.
Scoring: A game is won by the player or pair first scoring 11 points, with a lead of at least two points.
Match: A match is typically played as the best of three, five, or seven games.
Let: A serve is a “let” if the ball touches the net assembly and otherwise lands legally; the serve is replayed.
Fault: A serve is a “fault” if it does not meet the legal requirements (e.g., hitting the net and not landing legally, or not bouncing on the server’s side).

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

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 table tennis as one of such games and states the topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning racket games and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic of table tennis and its relevance.

Step 2: Brief History and Nature of the Game

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the brief history of table tennis, including its origin and early names. The teacher also describes the nature of the game, including the number of players.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the historical background and basic characteristics of table tennis.

Step 3: Table Tennis Specifications and Equipment

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher draws a diagram of a table tennis table on the board or uses a chart to show its specifications (length, width, height, net height). The teacher then lists and displays (if available) the equipment used in table tennis.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the diagram, take notes, and identify the equipment.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and state the dimensions of the table and the equipment used.

Step 4: Basic Skills in Table Tennis

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates basic table tennis skills such as grip, stance, and a simple serve. The teacher encourages pupils to practice the grip and stance without the ball.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations and practice the basic grip and stance.
Learning Point: Pupils learn and attempt basic table tennis skills.

Step 5: Rules and Regulations of Table Tennis

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher outlines the basic rules and regulations of table tennis, covering service, scoring, and common faults or lets. The teacher encourages pupils to ask questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and participate in discussions about the rules.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the fundamental rules governing table tennis.

Step 6: Class Activity/Discussion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Question and Answer
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher engages pupils in a quick question and answer session to reinforce the day’s lesson content.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions and contribute to the discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Briefly explain the origin of table tennis.
List any three equipment used in table tennis.
State the standard length and width of a table tennis table.
Mention two basic skills in table tennis.
What is the scoring system in table tennis?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Homework
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson. The teacher assigns homework: “Draw and label a table tennis table with its dimensions.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils review the lesson and receive an assignment to reinforce learning.

Lesson Keywords

Table Tennis – A racket sport played by two or four players hitting a lightweight ball across a table with a net.
Bat – The small racket used to hit the ball in table tennis.
Serve – The act of putting the ball into play.
Forehand Drive – A stroke in table tennis where the player hits the ball on the side of their dominant hand.
Backhand Drive – A stroke in table tennis where the player hits the ball on the non-dominant side of their body.
Let – A situation in table tennis where a point is replayed, often due to the ball touching the net during service.
Fault – An illegal serve or action that results in the loss of a point.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research advanced table tennis techniques or famous players. For those who require more support, the teacher will provide additional guidance during practical demonstrations and use simpler language for explanations, pairing them with faster learners for peer support.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure the classroom or open space is suitable for demonstrating basic skills safely. If a full table tennis table is not available, use diagrams and improvised equipment to illustrate concepts. Emphasize safety during any practical activities. Encourage active participation and questions from all pupils.