Badminton is a popular sport played across the lifespan. This article introduces a knowledge packet for the teaching of badminton to upper elementary students. The knowledge packet consists of a content map, task descriptions, and an assessment. The content map illustrates progressions and sequences of tasks. The descriptions of the tasks,…

A simple throwing task is described to illustrate various aspects of projectile motion. The task was to throw a tennis ball in a waste paper bin about 2 m away. Success depends on skill, but it also depends on the physics of the problem. If the ball is thrown underarm, then success depends primarily on the throw speed, which must be controlled to…

This article describes a progressive methodology for teaching the tennis serve to large groups with a focus on optimizing practice opportunities and providing individual feedback to players. Specifically, it delineates teaching the serve to 24 players on two courts. The methodology can be adapted for more players and/or more courts as appropriate,…

This article addresses the importance of clearly defining tennis terms and explaining the reasons behind certain techniques so that students will learn and apply the material taught and enjoy the game more fully. (Contains 4 figures.)

Tennis is a sport that promotes physical activity for a lifetime. Individuals of practically all ages can benefit from recreational and/or competitive play. Although playing tennis provides many wellness opportunities, learning to play the game and playing consistently can be a challenge, regardless of one's age (for the purpose of this…

Physical educators often struggle to teach individual striking skills to upper level (3-5 grade) elementary students. Finding a developmentally appropriate striking activity with a high participation rate can be a challenge. And sports such as tennis, pickleball, and badminton are often not an option for a variety of reasons (e.g., space or…

Physics, engineering and technology increasingly play a critical role in many sports, enabling athletes to go the extra proverbial mile and surpass their own limits. However, it is not only the competitive elite who benefit from advances in equipment design; many sports have been made safer and more accessible through science and innovation.…

The physical education field abounds with theoretically sound curricular approaches such as fitness education, skill theme approach, tactical approach, and sport education. In an era that emphasizes authentic sport experiences, the Sport Education Model includes unique features that sets it apart from other curricular models and can be a valuable…

This article describes the variety of strategies that can be used to determine the probability that a player wins a tennis game, given a probability of 60 percent that he or she wins each point. The article suggests strategies for using the problem in 9-12 classrooms.

This guide is designed for New York City school teachers who will conduct tennis classes for about 50 students while using limited tennis facilities. The insides of school buildings and school playgrounds will constitute the "courts" for these lessons. This type of introduction to the sport is intended to give students a sense of the…

The paper describes a research project which observes the teaching practices of trainers working in three non-linguistic skill ("other-skill") areas--music (classical singing), table tennis, and flight simulation. The aim is to compare these practices with those of the language teacher and to consider whether the latter has anything to learn from…

All students must be as active as possible during physical education tournaments. Several activities that can keep students busy and learning during their down times include wall or court practice, written or skills tests, self-analysis from videotape, instructional videotape viewing, formally assessing opponents, and officiating another match.…

How many physical education programs incorporate tennis into the curriculum? How many physical educators feel proficient enough to teach tennis? Equally important, do students truly make progress when tennis is taught? Tennis instruction in secondary physical education settings is often frustrating for students and teachers alike. Many physical…