Physical and Health Education – Primary 6 Weekly Short Class Lesson Notes for Second Term

WEEK 3 – INTRODUCTION TO TABLE TENNIS

Table tennis is a game played by hitting a small light ball across a table using a bat. Two or four players play the game, and the aim is to score points by making the ball land on the opponent’s side of the table.

 

SHORT HISTORY OF TABLE TENNIS

Table tennis started in England in the late 19th century. It was first played by people using books as bats and a small ball on a table. The game later became popular and spread to many countries, including Nigeria, where it is now played in schools, clubs, and competitions.

 

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT IN TABLE TENNIS

FACILITIES

Facilities are the places or areas used for playing table tennis.

1. Table Tennis Court/Room – The place where the game is played.

2. Table Tennis Table – A flat table divided into two halves.

3. Net and Net Posts – Placed across the middle of the table.

 

EQUIPMENT

Equipment are the items used to play the game.

1. Table Tennis Bat (Racket) – Used to hit the ball.

2. Table Tennis Ball – A small light ball.

3. Net – Divides the table into two equal parts.

4. Scoreboard – Used to record scores.

 

BASIC SKILLS IN TABLE TENNIS

1. Grip – Holding the bat correctly.

2. Serving – Starting the game by hitting the ball.

3. Forehand Stroke – Hitting the ball with the front of the bat.

4. Backhand Stroke – Hitting the ball with the back of the bat.

5. Receiving – Returning the opponent’s serve.

6. Footwork – Moving the feet quickly to reach the ball.

 

SAFETY MEASURES IN TABLE TENNIS

1. Wear sports shoes to avoid slipping.

2. Warm up before playing to prevent injuries.

3. Use the bat carefully to avoid hitting others.

4. Keep the playing area clear of obstacles.

5. Follow the rules of the game.

6. Avoid rough play during the game.

 

10 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON TABLE TENNIS

INSTRUCTION – Choose the correct answer from the options A – D.

1. Table tennis is a game played by hitting a ______. 

A. Ball with the hands

B. Ball with a bat

C. Ball with the feet

D. Ball with a racket only in football

2. The main aim of table tennis is to ______. 

A. Hit the ball on your side only

B. Score points by making the ball land on the opponent’s side

C. Throw the ball in the air

D. Catch the ball

3. Table tennis was first played in ______. 

A. Nigeria

B. India

C. England

D. USA

4. Which of these is a facility used in table tennis?

A. Swimming Pool

B. Football Pitch

C. Basketball Court

D. Table Tennis Table

5. Which equipment is used to hit the ball in table tennis?

A. Hockey Stick

B. Bat

C. Racket

D. Net

6. The small, light ball used in table tennis is called ______. 

A. Football

B. Table Tennis Ball

C. Hockey Ball

D. Cricket Ball

7. A skill in table tennis that involves starting the game is called ______. 

A. Footwork

B. Receiving

C. Serving

D. Dribbling

8. Holding the bat correctly to play the game is called ______. 

A. Stroke

B. Pass

C. Tackle

D. Grip

9. Which of these is a safety measure in table tennis?

A. Using the bat carefully

B. Playing roughly

C. Hitting others with the bat

D. Playing on a wet floor

10. Why should players warm up before playing table tennis?

A. To impress others   B. To prevent injuries   C. To win easily   D. To make the ball heavy

Answer Key – 1. B 2. B 3. C 4. D 5. C 6. B 7. C 8. D 9. A 10. B