As part of my HDP PS (Personal Sports) class, I chose table tennis as my sport for the 2023-2024 school year. Looking back over this extended CAS experience, I can reflect on how it allowed me to identify my strengths, develop new skills through challenges, and demonstrate perseverance.
L1.Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
Going into table tennis, I expected my major assets to be hand-eye coordination from previous racquet sports and the ability to learn new abilities rapidly. And those were useful as foundations. But I also identified some flaws: my footwork was initially bad, and I struggled to make strokes with adequate spin and placement.
The areas I’ve been able to improve the most through coaching and practice are footwork, strategy, and gaining spin on my shots. I’m a lot better at rapidly getting into position now, and I understand when to use offensive versus defensive positioning. Applying topspin and underspin to the ball has also grown more natural. My main skills are my agility, determination, and ability to read/anticipate opponents’ shots.
L2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
Table tennis gave several obstacles, allowing me to develop a variety of new talents. Early on, I had to concentrate hard on my grip, posture, and fundamental strokes such as forehand push, backhand push, and basic drive shots. More difficult challenges included properly performing a legal serve with toss, mastering spin strokes, and improving offensive footwork/movement.
However, I am most proud of my ability to use various spins and Linux combinations on offence and defence, as well as my ability to quickly transition between strokes in a rally while moving. My talents in these areas have improved dramatically as a result of dedicated practice, coaching feedback, and playing against experienced opponents.
L4. Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience
Table tennis is a difficult sport that requires patience. There were many moments when I felt like I had reached a plateau or was struggling to improve my game. But I continuously showed up for practice, did extra reps, asked for coaching comments, and tested my talents against more experienced club members.
When I started having trouble combining top spin and footwork, I decided to watch slicedrive videos and practise targeted exercises every day. After months of hard training, it became natural. My dedication has paid off with more confident play and consistent performance in matches.
Overall, this multi-year CAS experience with table tennis has provided the balanced learning I had hoped for. I’ve developed a deep awareness for the sport’s complexities by recognising my own strengths and shortcomings, pushing through obstacles to learn new skills, and enduring through dedication and hard work. I’m excited to keep playing for leisure and lifetime wellness.
