PE Activities for High School

There are many different sports that can be used as activities for a PE gym class. The activities you choose will depend on several factors: the number of students, the size of the facilities, the skills of the staff and the equipment available to the school. Many of the following sports activities can be offered or modified by most schools.

Basketball

Basketball can be played in two different ways. Skills can be practiced by any number of students, so even the smaller groups can become proficient in the basics. Students can practice shooting from different points on the court. They can practice passing the ball back and forth and shooting on the run. Sprints will help with coordination. If the group has enough students to form two different teams, they students can play a complete basketball game.

Volleyball---or Nukem, a variation in which catching the ball is allowed---is an alternative that requires very little equipment and can appeal to all skill levels.

Swimming

Even a high school that doesn't have a swimming pool can make arrangements for their students to participate in swimming activities. Some schools rent space from a nearby public pool. Others will use facilities such as the YMCA. However, the students will be need bussed to these locations for their classes. Proper swim strokes, the basics of competition, and breath control are just a few of the many things that can be taught. Note that if swimming is taught onsite during the day, your school must also have good locker room and shower facilities.

Gymnastics/Aerobics

Schools that have only mats can teach basic tumbling. Students can learn cartwheels, forward and backward rolls, handstands, flips and exercises to improve balance. If the school has the apparatus needed, the students can learn techniques on the balance beam, uneven and parallel bars, the vault, the pommel horse, high bar and the still rings. Even a small team can compete in community events.

If safety concerns are too great for a full gymnastics program, consider adding aerobics or dance classes. Younger students may enjoy something as simple as step aerobics or a creative calisthenics routine. Non-contact cardio-kickboxing and hip-hop dance are two classes that may appeal to middle- and high-school kids.

Relay Races

A fun activity that can be offered is relay races, which require only space to run in and a baton the students can pass to each other. Schools with minimal equipment can set up simple obstacle courses to challenge racers. Younger students can compete with the crab walk, do three-legged races, or hop on one foot.

Soccer

Soccer is another activity that can be played whether or not the school has enough students for a team. In small groups the students can kick the ball back and forth while learning control or they can practice running down the length of the field or gym while keeping control of the soccer ball. They can form teams of two players and try to take the ball away from the other team to score a goal. Two cones can form a goal, allowing students to practice the skill of kicking a ball into a small opening.

References

• Physical Education Games Lesson Plans