PP 2
Course ContentBall Games
Habari Mwanafunzi Mpendwa! Let's Get Ready to Play!
Have you ever felt the amazing joy of kicking a ball with your friends in the field? Or the excitement of throwing a ball and having your friend catch it perfectly? Today, we are going to jump into the super fun world of Ball Games! These games are a fantastic way to make friends, get strong and healthy, and have a lot of fun. Tuko pamoja? Let's begin!
Image Suggestion: A vibrant, sunlit photograph of a diverse group of happy Kenyan primary school children of different genders playing together in a grassy field. Some are kicking a football, one is holding a volleyball, and another is about to throw a small tennis ball. The style should be joyful and action-oriented.
What are Ball Games?
Simply put, ball games are any games or sports that use a ball as the main object of play. The goal is usually to hit, kick, or throw the ball to score points or achieve a goal. But more than that, ball games teach us important lessons like:
- Teamwork: Working together with your friends to win.
- Fair Play: Playing by the rules and being honest.
- Exercise: Running, jumping, and moving our bodies to stay healthy and strong!
Ball Games We Love in Kenya!
We have so many exciting ball games right here at home. You probably play some of them every day!
- Football (Mpira wa Miguu): This is the most popular game! We cheer for our Harambee Stars and play with our friends in any open space. The goal is to kick the ball into the other team's net.
- Kati (Dodgeball): A classic Kenyan game! Two players stand on opposite sides, and everyone else is in the middle. The goal is to throw the ball and hit a player in the middle. If you are hit, you are out!
- Volleyball (Mpira wa Wavu): Our national women's team, the Malkia Strikers, are amazing at this! You use your hands to hit a ball over a high net, and the other team must return it.
- Basketball (Mpira wa Kikapu): A fast and exciting game where you bounce (dribble) a ball and try to throw it through a high hoop to score points.
Image Suggestion: A dynamic digital illustration of Kenyan children playing 'Kati'. A girl in the middle is jumping high to dodge a brightly coloured ball thrown by a boy. Other children are in the background, laughing and waiting for their turn. The style should be colourful and energetic, like a cartoon.
Learning the Basic Skills
To be great at ball games, you only need to practice a few simple skills. Let's look at them!
-
Throwing: To throw a ball far and straight, you should stand with one foot forward, swing your arm back, and then swing it forward, releasing the ball as your arm moves towards your target.
Diagram: The Path of a Thrown Ball (Ball travels in an arc) --->-->---> __/ \__ / \ O------------------->O (You) (Target) - Catching: The secret to catching is to watch the ball all the way into your hands. Make a "basket" with your hands and let the ball land softly inside. Don't be afraid of the ball!
- Kicking: For football, it's best to kick with the inside of your foot for better control. Keep your eyes on the ball and swing your leg smoothly.
- Dribbling: In basketball, you bounce the ball with your fingertips, not the palm of your hand. In football, you use gentle taps with your feet to keep the ball close to you as you run.
Fair Play and Keeping Score
Rules make games fair and safe for everyone. A person who makes sure everyone follows the rules is called a referee or sometimes an 'mpambe' in our local games. It's also important to show good sportsmanship—that means congratulating the other team whether you win or lose!
We also use math to keep score. Let's imagine a football match between two teams: Simba FC and Chui United.
--- SCORE CALCULATION ---
FIRST HALF:
Simba FC scores: 1 goal
Chui United scores: 1 goal
SECOND HALF:
Simba FC scores: 2 goals
Chui United scores: 1 goal
--- LET'S ADD THE SCORES ---
Simba FC Total Score = (First Half) + (Second Half)
Simba FC Total Score = 1 + 2 = 3
Chui United Total Score = (First Half) + (Second Half)
Chui United Total Score = 1 + 1 = 2
FINAL SCORE: Simba FC 3 - 2 Chui United
Congratulations, Simba FC! Great game, Chui United!
Get Creative: Make Your Own Ball!
You don't always need a new, expensive ball to play. We can be creative and make our own! Let's make a classic Kenyan "juala" ball.
A story from my childhood: When I was your age, we didn't have money to buy a real football. My friends and I would collect old plastic bags ('juala') from our homes. We would spend the afternoon carefully stuffing them and tying them with string until we had a perfect, bouncy ball. Those were some of the best football games I ever played!
What you will need:
- Many plastic bags (ask for old ones that are no longer needed).
- One or two larger plastic bags for the outside layer.
- A strong string or rope (sisal string works great!).
Steps:
- Take one plastic bag and crumple it into a tight ball. This will be the center.
- Take another bag and wrap it tightly around the first one. Keep doing this, adding more bags and making the ball bigger and rounder.
- Once it's the size you want, put your ball of bags inside one of the larger bags.
- Wrap it tightly and begin winding the string all around the ball, making it very tight and secure. Tie a strong knot.
- You're done! You now have your very own homemade ball!
Time to Play!
You have learned what ball games are, the different types we play in Kenya, the skills you need, and even how to make your own ball. The most important part of any game is to have fun, be a good friend, and keep your body moving.
Sasa, nenda nje ukacheze! (Now, go outside and play!)
Jambo Future Champion! Let's Talk Ball Games!
Have you ever kicked a juala (plastic bag) ball with your friends? Or maybe you are the star player in a game of 'kati' during break time? If you have, then you already love ball games! Today, we are going to explore the exciting world of games played with a ball. These games are not just fun; they make us strong, fast, and smart. Let's get ready to play and learn!
What Makes a Game a 'Ball Game'?
It's simple! A ball game is any game where the main object you use is a ball. The goal is often to get the ball to a certain place, like into a net or over a line. To do this, we use our bodies in amazing ways!
- Kicking: Using your feet, like in our favourite game, football (soka)!
- Throwing: Using your hands to send the ball to a teammate, like in netball.
- Catching: Receiving the ball safely with your hands.
- Bouncing: Hitting the ball on the ground, like in basketball.
- Hitting: Using your hand or a bat to strike the ball, like in volleyball or rounders.
Story Time: Akinyi's Winning Goal
During the last school sports day, Akinyi's team was playing football. The score was tied. With just one minute left, her teammate passed the ball to her. She remembered her teacher's advice: "Look at the goal, not at your feet!" She took a deep breath, kicked the ball with all her might, and SWOOSH! It flew right into the corner of the net. Her team won! Akinyi learned that focusing and working as a team (we call this ushirikiano) is the key to winning.
Our Favourite Ball Games in Kenya
We have so many fun ball games that we play in our school compounds and at home. Here are a few:
1. Football (Soka)
This is the king of games! From watching the Harambee Stars to playing with our friends in the estate, we all love soka. The goal is to score by kicking the ball into the opponent's goal post. You cannot use your hands unless you are the goalkeeper!
Image Suggestion: A vibrant and sunny image of Kenyan children of different ages, boys and girls, joyfully playing football on a dusty field in a rural village. They are using a simple, worn-out leather ball. Some are barefoot. The mood is energetic and happy.
A Simple Football Pitch Diagram
+---------------------------------------+
| G G |
| O [] [] O |
| A A |
| L L |
| |
| / \ |
| | o | Player with ball |
| \_/ |
| |
| |
| |
| G [] [] G |
| O O |
| A A |
| L L |
+---------------------------------------+
2. 'Kati' (Dodgeball)
This is a classic playground game! Two players stand on opposite sides and throw a soft ball to try and hit the players in the middle. If you are in the middle, your job is to dodge, jump, and weave to avoid getting hit. It's a fantastic game for quick thinking and even quicker feet!
3. Netball
Very popular in our schools, especially during competitions! In netball, you pass the ball to your teammates to get it close enough to your goal ring. The Goal Shooter or Goal Attack then tries to shoot the ball through the hoop. Remember, you cannot run with the ball in netball!
4. Volleyball
Have you heard of our amazing national team, the Malkia Strikers? They are queens of volleyball! In this game, two teams hit a ball over a high net. The goal is to make the ball touch the ground on the other team's side. It requires a lot of teamwork and powerful hitting.
Image Suggestion: A dynamic action shot of Kenyan schoolgirls playing netball on an outdoor court. One girl is jumping high in the air to shoot the ball into the hoop, while a defender from the opposing team tries to block her. Their uniforms are bright school colours.
Let's Add Some 'Hesabu' to Our Game!
Did you know that sports use mathematics? Yes! We use it for keeping score and measuring our playing fields.
Example 1: Calculating the Final Score
Imagine our school team, Simba FC, played against Chui FC. In the first half, Simba scored 1 goal and Chui scored 2. In the second half, Simba scored 3 more goals and Chui scored 1. Who won?
Step 1: Calculate Simba FC's total goals.
First Half Goals: 1
Second Half Goals: 3
---------------------
Total: 1 + 3 = 4 Goals
Step 2: Calculate Chui FC's total goals.
First Half Goals: 2
Second Half Goals: 1
---------------------
Total: 2 + 1 = 3 Goals
Step 3: Compare the scores.
Simba FC (4) > Chui FC (3)
Conclusion: Simba FC won the match! Hongera Simba!
Example 2: Measuring our 'Kati' Playing Area
Let's say we want to draw a rectangular area for our 'kati' game. The length is 10 big steps, and the width is 5 big steps. What is the total distance around our playing area (the perimeter)?
Formula for Perimeter of a Rectangle:
Perimeter = Length + Width + Length + Width
OR
Perimeter = 2 * (Length + Width)
Step 1: Identify the values.
Length = 10 steps
Width = 5 steps
Step 2: Add all the sides together.
Perimeter = 10 + 5 + 10 + 5
Step 3: Calculate the total.
Perimeter = 30 steps
Conclusion: The total distance around our playing area is 30 big steps!
Playing Safe is Playing Smart! (Usalama Kwanza)
To enjoy our games, we must always remember to be safe. A smart player is a safe player!
- Warm-Up: Always stretch and do some light jogging before you start playing to prepare your muscles.
- Play Area: Make sure your playing area is clear of sharp stones, holes, or thorns. Never play near a busy road.
- Be a Good Sport: Play fair. Don't push or hurt others. Shake hands after the game, whether you win or lose.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially on a hot day.
Your Turn to Be a Champion!
Ball games are a wonderful way to have fun, make friends, and keep our bodies healthy and strong (afya bora). You learn teamwork, how to follow rules, and how to think fast. So, next time you are out to play, remember what you've learned today.
Activity: Ask your parents, an uncle, or an auntie what their favourite ball game was when they were your age. Maybe they can teach you a new game!
Keep playing, keep learning, and keep smiling!
Habari Mwanafunzi! Let's Get Ready to Play with Balls!
Have you ever felt that big smile on your face when you kick a football just right, or when you perfectly catch a ball your friend threw? That amazing feeling is what ball games are all about! They are full of energy, laughter, and fun. Today, we are going to explore the exciting world of ball games, from the ones we play on our school fields to the games our national heroes play!
Image Suggestion: A vibrant and colorful photograph of a diverse group of Kenyan children (boys and girls) in school uniforms, laughing as they play with different types of balls (football, netball, handmade balls) on a sunny school field. The background should show acacia trees and a typical Kenyan school building.
So, What Exactly is a Ball Game?
It's simple! A ball game is any game or sport that uses a ball. The main goal is usually to score points by getting the ball into a specific area. We use our bodies in amazing ways to play:
- Kicking: Like in our beloved game of football!
- Throwing: Like when you are aiming in a game of kati.
- Hitting: Like in volleyball, when you spike the ball over the net.
- Catching: A very important skill in almost every ball game!
Playing ball games is not just fun; it helps us to be strong, healthy, and smart. It also teaches us how to be part of a team!
Our Favourite Ball Games in Kenya
Here in Kenya, we love our ball games! You probably play some of these with your friends every day.
1. Football (Mpira wa Miguu)
This is the most popular game! We all dream of playing like our heroes in the Harambee Stars. The goal is to kick the ball into the opponent's net.
2. Kati (Kenyan Dodgeball)
A classic game for break time! Two players stand on opposite sides and throw a soft ball to try and hit the players in the middle. If you are hit, you are out! The last one standing is the winner.
A Quick Game of Kati:
START | V Two players ('hitters') stand apart. | V Other players stand in the middle. | V Hitters throw the ball to hit players in the middle. | V Player is hit? ---> YES ---> Player is out! | V NO | Continue playing. | V Is there only one player left in the middle? ---> YES ---> They are the WINNER!
3. Volleyball
Have you heard of our amazing national women's team, the Malkia Strikers? They are queens of volleyball! In this game, two teams hit a ball over a high net, trying to make it touch the ground on the other side.
Let's Add Some Fun Math!
Did you know that playing games also uses a little bit of math? Let's see how!
Keeping Score
Imagine your class team, "The Lions," is playing against "The Eagles" in football. You need to add the points to see who wins!
Step 1: The Lions score a goal. (Lions: 1, Eagles: 0)
Step 2: The Eagles score a goal. (Lions: 1, Eagles: 1)
Step 3: The Lions score another goal! (Lions: 2, Eagles: 1)
Calculation:
Lions' Score: 1 + 1 = 2
Eagles' Score: 0 + 1 = 1
Result: The Lions win with 2 goals! Hongera!
Making Fair Teams
If there are 12 students who want to play volleyball, and you need 2 teams, how many players will be on each team?
Total Students: 12
Number of Teams: 2
Formula: Total Students ÷ Number of Teams = Players per Team
Calculation: 12 ÷ 2 = 6
Result: Each team will have 6 players. Easy!
The Magic of a Throw!
When you throw a ball to your friend, it doesn't travel in a straight line. It makes a beautiful curve in the air called an arc. If you want the ball to go far, you need to throw it a bit high!
This is you!
O
/|\
/ \
Throwing a short distance:
O -------------> o (Friend)
/|\
Throwing a long distance (notice the arc):
, - ~ ~ ~ - ,
, ' ' ,
, ,
O ------------------------> o (Friend)
/|\
Mapping Out the Game: A Football Pitch
Every game has its own playing area. A football pitch is a rectangle with goals at each end and a circle in the middle. Knowing the parts of the pitch helps you know where to be!
Image Suggestion: An aerial view photograph of a real Kenyan school football pitch. The pitch can be dusty/earth-colored, with simple, perhaps handmade, goalposts. A group of students should be seen mid-game, creating a sense of action and joy.
A Simple Football Pitch Diagram:
+---------------------------------------------+
| G | | G |
| O | | | | | O |
| A |_______________|_|_|_________________| A |
| L | | | | | L |
| | ( O ) | |
| | | | | | |
| |---------------|-|-|-----------------| |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
+---------------------------------------------+
Key:
G O A L = The Goal Area
( O ) = The Center Circle
Stay Safe While You Play!
To have the most fun, we must always be safe. Remember these simple rules:
- Warm-up: Do some simple stretches before you start playing to prepare your body.
- Play Fair: Follow the rules and don't push or hurt others. Be a good sport whether you win or lose.
- Right Place: Play in a safe, open area like a field, away from roads and cars.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially on a hot day!
Your Turn to Play!
Fantastic work! You've learned what ball games are, discovered some of our favorite Kenyan games, and even seen how math and science are part of the fun. The most important lesson is that ball games are about moving your body, working with friends, and enjoying yourself.
Now, it's your turn! Grab a ball, call your friends, and go outside to play. Try a game of kati or start a friendly football match. Let the games begin!
Pro Tip
Take your own short notes while going through the topics.
