Tennis: a dying game in local schools? : an effort to revive it

Abstract

Undoubtedly, tennis brings about numerous benefits that can be enjoyed by many young people especially if it is introduced appropriately at school in the Primary and Secondary sectors. This study sets to investigate the popularity of tennis in schools and the pedagogical tools used to teach it. When teaching of tennis does not occur, the reasons for not teaching it are examined. Data was collected from interviews conducted with twenty-four Physical Education teachers in the Primary and Secondary sectors within State, Church and Private Schools. The Data gathered is analysed and the main findings are discussed. A sample of lesson plans has been designed in order to offer a guide to Physical Education teachers on how they could teach tennis in their lessons. This study reveals fundamental issues regarding the importance of teaching tennis in a correct manner both at Primary and at Secondary level, the need for teachers to attend courses in tennis, the advantage of bringing tennis coaches to schools to give tennis lessons, and the need for improved facilities and sufficient equipment to teach tennis. The perceptions, ideas and philosophies of Physical Education teachers have been invaluable in providing proposals which may lead to an increase in popularity of tennis in schools and outside schools. One of the chief aims of Physical Education is to promote lifelong participation in sports or physical activity. Since tennis is a lifelong sport, it is quite logical to conclude that tennis should be part of Physical Education teachers' teaching programme.