Soccer requires stamina, lower-body strength and excellent teamwork. The dexterity needed to control a ball is a skill developed over years by professional soccer players. As a high school PE activity, students can learn the basics of kicking a ball to one another while standing in a line, developing control. As students progress they can be divided into teams, learning to pass the ball while moving up field and defending their own goal. The end result of soccer in high school PE is teamwork, aerobic activity and lower leg coordination.
Martial arts teaches students about self-control, discipline and self-defense. This is a practical lesson, particularly for girls as they prepare for life after high school and on their own. Learning basic kicks strengthens and tones legs. Part of the lesson should discuss how to increase power by engaging other muscle groups such as the abdomen to generate more thrust with a kick. Use punching bags or have students partner up using sparring mitts to work on direction and accuracy of different types of kicks.
Swimming is an aerobic activity that places little impact on the body. For students who are involved in other sports, swimming is a way to cross train or recover from injury because of the low impact of the activity. Teach students the different types of swimming strokes and how to perform them properly. Incorporate the use of a kick board or fins to increase the workout, showing students there is a lot they can do in the water to improve physical fitness. Depending on the skill level of students water polo, Marco Polo and other water games can be incorporated to work on team building and strategy skills. Treading water is also an excellent kicking skill that gives students a measure of true physical stamina. From this activity, you can transition into rescue and CPR lessons.