Observation Project Questions about Ping Pong
Posted on October 06, 2005 at 11:47 PM by sj695
What tool or device is the action taken on?
Ping pong paddle, table and ball
What is the goal of the activity?
To hit the ping pong ball across the table with the paddle and repeat as the other player does the same actions
What are the physical parameters of the activity?
Seeing the ball, swing the paddle, positioning the body.
What does the person engaged in it do with their arms, their legs, their hands or feet, their head?
Move arms to swing and reach ball as it enters their side of table. The person may also have to jump or move from different sides of the table to reach or hit the ball.
How do they change their posture?
Sometimes the person may have to bend to reach balls that land closer to the center of the table (the net)
Where do they need to focus their attention?
The ball, speed, direction, angle of approach and anticipated bounce.
Is there a secondary focus of attention (for example, if two limbs are used independently)?
Angle of their paddle and body position
What physical elements of the activity make it engaging?
Sound, returning the ball to your opponent.
What elements make it difficult, painful, or boring?
Repetitive, anticipating ball landing, speed and bounce