Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
Sports Participation
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Sports Participation
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Subject: Physical Education Health Core
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 12
Grade code: 3.1.3.LI.6
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 3.1.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.1.3.LI.6
Theme: Physical Activity and Health
Subtheme: Sports Participation
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Welcome, learners! Today, we move from just understanding sports to actively participating and improving our skills. Sports like tennis are not just for fun; they are a fantastic way to keep our bodies healthy, develop discipline, and build friendships. In Ghana, where we enjoy being active, mastering basic sports skills can open doors to school teams (Inter-Co), community competitions, and a lifetime of healthy living. This lesson will focus on two of the most fundamental skills in tennis: the forehand and the backhand strokes. By mastering these, you build the foundation to play and enjoy the game for years to come.
This section breaks down the theory behind the forehand and backhand strokes. We will learn these concepts and then put them into practice on the court. A. The Grip: How to Hold the Racket
The way you hold the racket is the foundation of every shot. For beginners, the most common and versatile grip is the Eastern Forehand Grip. How to find it: Hold the racket with the strings perpendicular to the ground (on its edge). Place the palm of your dominant hand flat against the strings and slide it down to the handle. Alternatively, imagine you are "shaking hands" with the handle of the racket. Your index finger's knuckle and the heel of your palm should be on the 3rd bevel (if you imagine the handle is an octagon). Why it's good: It’s a very natural grip that allows for good power and control, making it ideal for learning. B. The Stance: How to Position Your Body
Your stance determines your balance and ability to move to the ball. There are three main stances: Neutral Stance: Description: Your feet are roughly parallel to the net, about shoulder-width apart. When hitting a forehand, your non-dominant shoulder points towards the net. It's like standing sideways. When to use: This is the classic, fundamental stance. It's excellent for learning because it promotes a full body rotation and good weight transfer into the shot. Use it when you have enough time to set up for the ball. Open Stance: Description: Your body faces more towards the net, with your feet roughly parallel to the baseline. You will rotate your hips and shoulders to generate power. When to use: Used when you are rushed and don't have time to turn sideways (e.g., returning a powerful serve or a wide shot). It allows for a quicker recovery. Closed Stance: Description: An exaggerated version of the neutral stance. Your front foot steps across your body, more than parallel to the net. When to use: This is less common in modern tennis but can be used to generate extra control or to hit a sharp-angled shot. C. The Forehand Stroke (For a Right-Handed Player)
The forehand is typically the first and most powerful stroke a player learns. We can break it down into three phases. Phase 1: Preparation (The "Unit Turn") Ready Position: Stand facing the net, knees slightly bent, weight on the balls of your feet, racket held in front of you with both hands. Turn: As the ball comes, turn your shoulders and hips sideways. Your non-dominant shoulder should point to the net. Take the Racket Back: Bring the racket back in a loop or a straight path. The racket head should go back to about hip or shoulder height. Your non-dominant arm should point towards the incoming ball for balance. Your body is now like a coiled spring, ready to unleash energy. Phase 2: Execution (The Swing and Contact) Drop and Swing: Let the racket head drop below the level of the ball. Swing Forward: Begin your forward swing, leading with the butt of the racket. Transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot. Contact Point: Make contact with the ball in front of your body, at about waist height. Your arm should be comfortably extended. The racket face should be vertical to the ground. *Think of "brushing up" the back of the ball to add a little topspin.* Phase 3: The Follow-Through Continue the Swing: After hitting the ball, your racket should continue moving forward, up, and across your body. Finish High: The racket should finish over your non-dominant shoulder, with your elbow pointing towards your target. *This is the key element: a full, high follow-through ensures you have completed the shot with proper technique and have not "stopped" at the ball, which reduces power and control.* D. The Two-Handed Backhand Stroke