Table Tennis Basic 4 Physical & Health Education Lesson Note

LEARNING AREA

1. Introductory Activities
2. Understanding Table Tennis as a Sport
3. Basic Equipment and Setup
4. Fundamental Skills Development
5. The Grip Techniques
6. Service Rules and Techniques
7. Forehand and Backhand Strokes
8. Scoring System and Game Rules
9. Practical Game Play

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, most of the pupils should have attained the following objectives –

1. explain the basic concepts of table tennis as a sport.
2. demonstrate proper grip techniques for holding the paddle.
3. perform basic service techniques correctly.
4. execute forehand and backhand strokes effectively.
5. understand and apply the scoring system.
6. show proper stance and footwork.
7. apply table tennis skills in game situations.
8. understand basic rules and regulations.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Table tennis table

2. Table tennis paddles/bats (various sizes for different ages)

3. Table tennis balls (40mm regulation size)

4. Net and post set

5. Scoreboard or paper for keeping score

6. Cones or markers for footwork drills

7. Charts showing proper techniques

8. Video clips of table tennis games (if available)

9. First aid kit

10. Clean towels for wiping equipment

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

• Scheme of Work
• 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Physical Education Curriculum
• International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Rules
• Table Tennis Coaching Manual
• All Relevant Material
• Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

LESSON 1 – INTRODUCTION TO TABLE TENNIS

WHAT IS TABLE TENNIS?

Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is an indoor sport played on a table divided by a net. Two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth using small paddles.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF TABLE TENNIS:

1. Indoor Sport: Played in enclosed spaces
2. Fast-Paced: Requires quick reflexes and reactions
3. Skill-Based: Emphasizes technique over physical strength
4. Accessible: Can be played by people of all ages
5. Mental Game: Requires concentration and strategy
6. Individual or Doubles: Can be played 1v1 or 2v2

BENEFITS OF TABLE TENNIS:

• Improves hand-eye coordination
• Develops quick reflexes
• Enhances concentration and focus
• Provides excellent cardiovascular exercise
• Builds mental alertness and strategic thinking

LESSON 2 – EQUIPMENT AND SETUP

TABLE TENNIS EQUIPMENT:

1. TABLE

• Dimensions: 2.74m long × 1.525m wide × 76cm high
• Surface: Dark-colored with white lines
• Net Height: 15.25cm high
• Playing Surface: Must provide uniform bounce

2. PADDLE/BAT

• Blade: Wooden base (flat and rigid)
• Rubber: Covering on both sides
• Handle: Various grip styles available
• Weight: Typically 150-250 grams

3. BALL

• Size: 40mm diameter
• Weight: 2.7 grams
• Material: Celluloid or plastic
• Color: White or orange

4. NET AND POSTS

• Net Length: 1.83m wide
• Net Height: 15.25cm
• Overhang: 15.25cm on each side

LESSON 3 – THE GRIP TECHNIQUES

The grip is fundamental to all table tennis strokes and determines how effectively you can control the paddle.

TYPES OF GRIPS:

1. SHAKEHAND GRIP (MOST COMMON)

Technique:

• Hold paddle like shaking hands with someone
• Thumb and index finger form “V” shape on handle
• Other three fingers wrap around handle
• Paddle face should be perpendicular to floor
• Comfortable, natural feeling grip

Advantages:

• Natural feeling for beginners
• Good for both forehand and backhand
• Allows powerful strokes
• Easy to learn and master

How to Practice:

• Hold paddle correctly for 30 seconds
• Practice without ball first
• Check grip position regularly
• Make sure grip feels comfortable

2. PENHOLD GRIP (ALTERNATIVE STYLE)

Technique:

• Hold paddle like holding a pen
• Thumb and index finger pinch the handle
• Other fingers curl behind paddle
• Paddle face angled slightly

Advantages:

• Strong forehand strokes
• Good for close-to-table play
• Quick wrist movements possible

LESSON 4 – SERVICE TECHNIQUES

Service is how each point begins in table tennis and is the only stroke where you have complete control.

BASIC SERVICE RULES:

Legal Service Requirements:

1. Ball must be thrown at least 16cm high
2. Ball must be hit on the way down
3. Ball must bounce once on your side, then opponent’s side
4. Paddle must be behind the table edge when serving
5. Ball must be visible to opponent during serve

BASIC SERVICE TECHNIQUE:

FOREHAND SERVICE:

Stance:

• Stand behind table, slightly to the left of center
• Left foot forward (for right-handed players)
• Body sideways to table
• Relaxed, balanced position

Ball Toss:

• Hold ball in open palm
• Toss ball straight up at least 16cm
• Toss from behind table edge
• Watch ball carefully

Contact:

• Hit ball on way down
• Contact ball with paddle face
• Follow through toward target
• Keep service motion smooth

Placement:

• Aim for opponent’s side of table
• Vary placement (corners, center)
• Start with slow, controlled serves
• Focus on getting ball in play

SERVICE PRACTICE ACTIVITIES:

1. Basic Serve Practice:

• Practice ball toss without hitting
• Serve 10 balls focusing on legal technique
• Count successful serves in a row

2. Target Serving:

• Place targets on opponent’s side
• Try to hit specific areas
• Practice both forehand and backhand serves

LESSON 5 – FOREHAND STROKE

The forehand is typically the strongest and most natural stroke in table tennis.

FOREHAND TECHNIQUE:

READY POSITION:

• Stand arm’s length from table
• Feet shoulder-width apart
• Knees slightly bent
• Paddle held in front of body
• Weight on balls of feet

BACKSWING:

• Turn body slightly to right (right-handed)
• Pull paddle back to right side
• Keep paddle at about waist height
• Weight shifts to right foot

FORWARD SWING:

• Rotate body toward table
• Bring paddle forward in smooth arc
• Contact ball at highest point of bounce
• Weight transfers to left foot

CONTACT POINT:

• Hit ball in front of body
• Contact ball at peak of bounce
• Paddle face slightly closed (angled down)
• Firm wrist at contact

FOLLOW THROUGH:

• Continue paddle motion across body
• Finish with paddle near left shoulder
• Return to ready position quickly
• Maintain balance throughout

FOREHAND PRACTICE DRILLS:

1. Shadow Practice:

• Practice forehand motion without ball
• Focus on smooth, consistent technique
• Check body rotation and weight transfer

2. Drop Ball Practice:

• Drop ball and hit forehand
• Focus on timing and contact point
• Gradually increase pace

3. Partner Rally:

• Rally with partner using only forehand
• Focus on consistency over power
• Count consecutive successful hits

LESSON 6 – BACKHAND STROKE

The backhand stroke is essential for covering the left side of the table and provides good control.

BACKHAND TECHNIQUE:

READY POSITION:

• Similar to forehand ready position
• Paddle held slightly more in front
• Body square to table

BACKSWING:

• Turn body slightly to left
• Pull paddle across body to left side
• Keep elbow relatively close to body
• Paddle at about chest height

FORWARD SWING:

• Rotate body back toward table
• Bring paddle forward from left to right
• Keep stroke compact and controlled
• Less body rotation than forehand

CONTACT POINT:

• Hit ball in front of body
• Contact at peak of bounce
• Paddle face perpendicular or slightly closed
• Firm contact with good control

FOLLOW THROUGH:

• Continue motion to right side
• Finish with paddle extended forward
• Quick return to ready position
• Maintain good balance

BACKHAND PRACTICE DRILLS:

1. Wall Practice:

• Stand close to wall
• Practice backhand motion
• Focus on compact, controlled stroke

2. Consistent Rally:

• Rally using only backhand strokes
• Emphasize placement over power
• Build consistency and confidence

LESSON 7 – SCORING SYSTEM

Understanding the scoring system is essential for playing competitive table tennis.

BASIC SCORING RULES:

GAME SCORING:

• Games played to 11 points
• Must win by 2 points
• If score reaches 10-10, play continues until one player leads by 2
• Match usually best of 3, 5, or 7 games

POINT SCORING:

• Point awarded when:
  • Ball lands off opponent’s side of table
  • Ball hits net and doesn’t go over
  • Opponent hits ball before it bounces
  • Ball bounces twice on opponent’s side
  • Opponent touches table with free hand

SERVICE ROTATION:

• Each player serves 2 points in a row
• Service alternates every 2 points
• At 10-10, service alternates every point
• In doubles, service rotates between all four players

KEEPING SCORE:

Score Calling:

• Server’s score called first
• Example: “5-3” means server has 5, receiver has 3
• Clear, loud score calling
• Confirm score if uncertain

Scoreboard Use:

• Update score after each point
• Both players should track score
• Use official scorecard for tournaments

LESSON 8 – BASIC RULES AND REGULATIONS

FUNDAMENTAL RULES:

STARTING PLAY:

• Coin toss or other method determines first server
• Winner chooses to serve first or select table side
• Warm-up period before match begins

DURING PLAY:

• Ball must bounce once on each side per shot
• Players alternate hitting the ball
• Ball must go over net (not around sides)
• No touching table with free hand

LET (REPLAY) SITUATIONS:

• Ball touches net but goes over and lands in
• Player not ready (rare, discouraged)
• Outside interference disturbs play

FAULTS (POINT TO OPPONENT):

• Ball doesn’t bounce on opponent’s side
• Ball bounces twice on your side
• Ball hits net and doesn’t go over
• Hitting ball before it bounces
• Double hit (hitting ball twice in succession)

LESSON 9 – FOOTWORK AND POSITIONING

Good footwork is essential for getting into proper position for each stroke.

BASIC FOOTWORK:

READY STANCE:

• Feet shoulder-width apart
• Weight on balls of feet
• Knees slightly bent
• Body leaning slightly forward

SIDE-TO-SIDE MOVEMENT:

• Quick shuffle steps
• Stay on balls of feet
• Maintain balance while moving
• Return to center position after each shot

FORWARD AND BACKWARD:

• Small adjustment steps
• Maintain ready position
• Adjust distance from table as needed

POSITIONING:

DISTANCE FROM TABLE:

• Generally arm’s length away
• Closer for attacking shots
• Further back for defensive shots
• Adjust based on opponent’s style

LESSON 10 – GAME STRATEGIES

BASIC TACTICS:

SERVE AND ATTACK:

• Serve to set up attacking opportunity
• Follow serve with aggressive stroke
• Put pressure on opponent immediately

PLACEMENT:

• Vary shot placement (corners, center)
• Move opponent around table
• Look for weak positions

CONSISTENCY:

• Focus on getting ball back in play
• Let opponent make errors
• Build points through patience

PRESENTATION

To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:

1. To introduce the lesson, the teacher revises previous lessons on racket sports. Based on this, he/she asks pupils about their experience with hitting balls;
2. Explains what table tennis is and demonstrates basic equipment setup;

Pupil’s Activities – Handle paddle correctly and practice basic grip without ball.

1. Teaches and demonstrates proper shakehand grip technique;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice grip technique and check hand position with teacher guidance.

1. Shows legal service technique and demonstrates proper ball toss;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice ball toss and basic service motion, first without ball, then with ball.

1. Demonstrates forehand stroke technique step by step;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice forehand stroke using shadow practice, then with dropped ball.

1. Teaches backhand stroke technique and positioning;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice backhand stroke motion and try hitting with partner.

1. Explains scoring system and basic rules through demonstration;

Pupil’s Activities – Practice keeping score during mini-games and learn rule applications.

1. Organizes controlled rallies and mini-games applying learned skills;

Pupil’s Activities – Play structured games focusing on technique rather than winning.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises all table tennis skills covered and links them to the following week’s lesson on advanced techniques and competitive play.

LESSON EVALUATION

Asks pupils to:

1. Demonstrate correct shakehand grip
2. Perform 5 legal serves in a row
3. Execute 10 consecutive forehand strokes
4. Show proper backhand technique
5. Keep score correctly during a game to 11 points

WORKBOOK

WEEKLY ASSESSMENT (TEST)

1. Table tennis is also known as _______. A. Badminton B. Ping pong
2. The most common grip in table tennis is the _______ grip. A. Shakehand B. Penhold
3. In service, the ball must be thrown at least _______ cm high. A. 16 B. 20
4. A game of table tennis is played to _______ points. A. 11 B. 15
5. Each player serves _______ points in a row. A. 1 B. 2
6. The table tennis ball must bounce _______ on each side per shot. A. Once B. Twice
7. When the score reaches 10-10, you must win by _______ points. A. 1 B. 2
8. The _______ stroke is typically the strongest stroke. A. Forehand B. Backhand
9. The net height is _______ cm. A. 15.25 B. 20
10. List four basic table tennis skills: a. _________________ b. _________________ c. _________________ d. _________________