Period 1 Team Games

Due Date: Tuesday, January 8th
It has been a great semester in all of my classes.


For your final blog I want to know how I can be a better teacher. Please answer the following questions for your final blog.
1. What did you like most about the class?
2. What did you like least about the class?
3. How did you like the use of the blog in class?
4. What would you change to make your experience in physical education better?
5. Will you take a physical education class again?

Your response will have no implications for your final grade other than if you fail to do it, so please be honest as your responses help form what we do in the future. It has been a pleasure working with each of you this past semester. Stop in and say hi when your travels bring you by the gym.

Period 2 Net Games

Due Date: Tuesday, January 8th
It has been a great semester in all of my classes.


For your final blog I want to know how I can be a better teacher. Please answer the following questions for your final blog.
1. What did you like most about the class?
2. What did you like least about the class?
3. How did you like the use of the blog in class?
4. What would you change to make your experience in physical education better?
5. Will you take a physical education class again?

Your response will have no implications for your final grade other than if you fail to do it, so please be honest as your responses help form what we do in the future. It has been a pleasure working with each of you this past semester. Stop in and say hi when your travels bring you by the gym.

Period 5 Basketball

Due Date: Tuesday, January 8th
It has been a great semester in all of my classes.


For your final blog I want to know how I can be a better teacher. Please answer the following questions for your final blog.
1. What did you like most about the class?
2. What did you like least about the class?
3. How did you like the use of the blog in class?
4. What would you change to make your experience in physical education better?
5. Will you take a physical education class again?

Your response will have no implications for your final grade other than if you fail to do it, so please be honest as your responses help form what we do in the future. It has been a pleasure working with each of you this past semester. Stop in and say hi when your travels bring you by the gym.

Period 7 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Tuesday, January 8th
It has been a great semester in all of my classes.


For your final blog I want to know how I can be a better teacher. Please answer the following questions for your final blog.
1. What did you like most about the class?
2. What did you like least about the class?
3. How did you like the use of the blog in class?
4. What would you change to make your experience in physical education better?
5. Will you take a physical education class again?

Your response will have no implications for your final grade other than if you fail to do it, so please be honest as your responses help form what we do in the future. It has been a pleasure working with each of you this past semester. Stop in and say hi when your travels bring you by the gym.

Period 8 Basketball

Due Date: Tuesday, January 8th

It has been a great semester in all of my classes.


For your final blog I want to know how I can be a better teacher. Please answer the following questions for your final blog.
1. What did you like most about the class?
2. What did you like least about the class?
3. How did you like the use of the blog in class?
4. What would you change to make your experience in physical education better?
5. Will you take a physical education class again?

Your response will have no implications for your final grade other than if you fail to do it, so please be honest as your responses help form what we do in the future. It has been a pleasure working with each of you this past semester. Stop in and say hi when your travels bring you by the gym.

Period 1 Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, December 12th

We are getting ready to start our volleyball unit. Please take your time and find  the answer to the following questions.

Number and answer the following questions. Each question is worth 2 points. Please put your name on your Blog.
1. How many points are necessary to win a high school game of volleyball?

2. What are 2 thing you need to do when you set the volleyball (think body position)?

True or False

3. If a ball lands on the boundary line it is "good" or in.

4. A ball that touches the top of the net and goes over is still in play.

5. The server may stand at any spot behind the end line when serving

Period 2 Net Games

 

Due Date: Wednesday, December 12th


We are getting ready to start our badminton unit.  Please watch the video below that will give you a brief overview of badminton and answer the following questions.  Please put your name on your Blog.

 

 

1.  How tall is the net in badminton? How long is the net?

 



2.  Where do you serve from to start a badminton game?

3.  Who is the only person who can win a point in badminton?

4. How many points is a badminton game played to?

5.  How many sets is a game of badminton?

Period 5 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, December 12th

In class we have been working on setting screens and discussing reading the defense in our 3 on 3 unit. Please watch the video below and answer the following questions. Each question is worth 2 points. Please make sure to write your name on your Blog.

. When you set a screen, do you set the screen on a person or an area?

2. What are 3 things the offensive player can do when they are being screened?

3. When should you curl off of a screen?

4. What is the most important thing to do when coming off a screen?

5. How frequently is your team using screens during your game play? Have they been effective for your team?

Period 7 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, December 12th

In class we have been working on setting screens and discussing reading the defense in our 3 on 3 unit. Please watch the video below and answer the following questions. Each question is worth 2 points. Please make sure to write your name on your Blog.

 

1. When you set a screen, do you set the screen on a person or an area?

2. What are 3 things the offensive player can do when they are being screened?

3. When should you curl off of a screen?

4. What is the most important thing to do when coming off a screen?

5. How frequently is your team using screens during your game play? Have they been effective for your team?

Period 8 Basketball

Due Date:  Wednesday, December 12th


In class we have been working on setting screens and discussing reading the defense in our 3 on 3 unit.  Please watch the video below and answer the following questions.  Each question is worth 2 points.  Please make sure to write your name on your Blog.

1.  When you set a screen, do you set the screen on a person or an area?

2.  What are 3 things the offensive player can do when they are being screened?

3.  When should you curl off of a screen?

4.  What is the most important thing to do when coming off a screen?

5.  How frequently is your team using screens during your game play? Have they been effective for your team?

Period 1- Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, November 21st

Basketball high school rules quiz. Please answer each question with the correct letter. Each question is worth 2 points. Please put your name on your Blog.
1. How many fouls before a player fouls out of the game?
a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. 5


2.When does the bonus situation start?
a. After the 5th foul
b. After the 6th foul
c. After the 7th foul
d. After the 10th foul

3.How many timeouts does a team get per game?
a. 1 full, 2 30 second
b. 2 full, 3 30 second
c. 3 full, 2 30 second
d. 2 full, 2 30 second

True or False


4. A technical foul warrents the ball out of bounds at half court and 2 free throws.


5. A game always starts with a jumpball.

Period 2 - Net Games

Due Date: Wednesday, November 21st

Number and answer the following questions. Each question is worth 2 points. Please put your name on your Blog.
1. How many points are necessary to win a game of volleyball?

2. What are 2 thing you need to do when you set the volleyball (think body position)?

True or False

3. If a ball lands on the boundary line it is "good" or in.

4. A ball that touches the top of the net and goes over is still in play.

5. The server may stand at any spot behind the end line when serving

Period 5 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, Novmeber 21st

We are getting ready to start our 3 on 3 unit. Briefly explain 2 ways to get open or create space that we have discussed in class.

Period 7 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, November 21st

We are getting ready to start our 3 on 3 unit. Briefly explain 2 ways to get open or create space that we have discussed in class.

Period 8 Basketball

Due Date:   Wednesday, November 21st

We are getting ready to start our 3 on 3 unit. Briefly explain 2 ways to get open or create space that we have discussed in class.

Period 1- Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, November 7th


We are currently in our lacorsse unit and have strarting playing games.  Based on your lacrosse knowledge please name 2 stregnths and 2 weaknesses in your teams offense and defense. 

Period 2- Net Games

Due Date: Wednesday, November 7th

We are currently playing doubles in pickleball.  This week when you are playing use 2 different formations ( side by side and front-back) during an entire game.  Which formation works better for your team?  Why? Depending on the opponent you are facing would you use a different formation? Why?

Period 5 - Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, November 7th


We are currently in our 2 on 2 unit. At the beginning of this unit we spent several days working on post moves and focusing on a post-wing game. Based on what you have learned, how is your team's post game during game play? Do you think this is affecting your win/loss record? Why?

Period 7- Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, November 7th


We are currently in our 2 on 2 unit. At the beginning of this unit we spent several days working on post moves and focusing on a post-wing game. Based on what you have learned, how is your team's post game during game play? Do you think this is affecting your win/loss record? Why?

Period 8 - Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, November 7th

We are currently in our 2 on 2 unit. At the beginning of this unit we spent several days working on post moves and focusing on a post-wing game. Based on what you have learned, how is your team's post game during game play? Do you think this is affecting your win/loss record? Why?

Period 1 - Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, October 17th
Watch the video clip below and answer the following questions. Please make sure to write your name on your blog.
1.  When throwing the lacrosse ball where should your top hand be?

2.  When catching the ball, what position should stick be in?

3.  What are 2 things you can do to make yourself a better thrower in lacrosse?

 

Period 2 Net Games

Due Date: Wednesday, October 17th

Watch the video clip below and answer the following questions. Please make sure to write your name on your blog.

1.  What are 2 types of hits/ shots in pickleball?

2.  Please explain the 2 Bounce Rule in pickleball.

3.  What is the no volley zone?

4. In doubles when your team is serving where should you and your partner stand?

Period 5 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, October 17th
Watch the video clip below and answer the following questions. Please make sure to write your name on your blog.
1. Please indicate 2 ways to get position in the post.

2. How can you give your oppenent a different look in the post?

3. In the video, Carlos Boozer says that size and build or physique do not determine how successful you will be in the post position. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

Period 7 Basketball

 

Due Date: Wednesday, October 17th

Watch the video clip below and answer the following questions. Please make sure to write your name on your blog.
1. Please indicate 2 ways to get position in the post.

2. How can you give your oppenent a different look in the post?

3. In the video, Carlos Boozer says that size and build or physique do not determine how successful you will be in the post position. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

Period 8 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, October 17th

Watch the video clip below and answer the following questions.  Please make sure to write your name on your blog.

1. Please indicate 2 ways to get position in the post.

2.  How can you give your oppenent a different look in the post?

3.  In the video, Carlos Boozer says that size and build or physique do not determine how successful you will be in the post position.  Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

 

 

Period 1 Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, October 3rd

Please watch the video clip below about football positions and offensive strategies. Please answer the following questions after viewing the video clip. Make sure to put your name on your assignment.
1.  What do tight ends do in a high school football game?

2.  What positions would the fastest members of the team play?

3.  What are 2 advantages of running a pro set or split back offense?

4.  After watching the video clip and grasping a better understanding of positions, please list your team members and name the position that you think they are most successful at.  Please don't forget to include yourself.

Period 2 Net Games

Due Date: Wednesday, October 3rd


Please watch the video clip below about serving the ball in tennis.  Please answer the following questions after viewing the video clip.  Make sure to put your name on your assignment.

1.  What is the grip for the serve called?

2.  What are 3 things you need to do to ensure your serve will be successful?

3.  What part of the serve do you need to work on, or is the most challenging to you? How can you improve this area?

Period 5 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, October 3rd


As a way to wrap up our one on one unit please watch the video below with Kobe Bryant. Please answer the following questions after viewing the video clip. Make sure to put your name on your assignment.


1. Name 2 ways Kobe creates space.

2. Explain one of his signature moves and how he reads the defense in the move.

3. Which move on the video clip do you feel you are best at? Why ?

Period 7 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, October 3rd


As a way to wrap up our one on one unit please watch the video below with Kobe Bryant. Please answer the following questions after viewing the video clip. Make sure to put your name on your assignment.


1. Name 2 ways Kobe creates space.

2. Explain one of his signature moves and how he reads the defense in the move.

3. Which move on the video clip do you feel you are best at? Why ?

Period 8 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, October 3rd


As a way to wrap up our one on one unit please watch the video below with Kobe Bryant.  Please answer the following questions after viewing the video clip.  Make sure to put your name on your assignment. 
 

1.  Name 2 ways Kobe creates space.

  2.  Explain one of his signature moves and how he reads the defense in the move.

  3.  Which move on the video clip do you feel you are best at?  Why ?

Period 1 Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, September 19th

Football terminology and rules quiz

 Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. Each question is worth 2 points.
Please don't forget to put your name on the Blog, so you can receive credit.
1. Who was the first team to ever win the Super Bowl?

2. What is the line of scrimmage?

3. Name and explain a pass pattern we ran in class. What does the running backs and wide receivers do?

4. Assuming there are no penalties, which yard line does a kickoff start from in high school?

True of False
5. In flag football, a fumble, or a ball that is dropped to the ground, is ruled a dead ball and not able to be advanced.

Period 2 Net Games

Due Date: Wednesday, September 19th


Tennis Quiz
Each question is worth 2 points please answer the following questions and don't forget to put your name on your Blog


1.  How high is the top of a tennis net?



2.  What is meant by Deuce in tennis?



Please answer the following questions with True or False


3.  A score of zero in tennis is called "love".


4.  A server may have two opportunities to hit the ball into the proper service court on each and every point attempt.


5. If  a serve hits the top of the net and falls into the proper service area, the server gets another opportunity to serve correctly with no penalty.  

Period 5 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, September 19th

We are currently in our 1 on 1 unit. We have discussed triple threat and several ways to create space or separation from your opponent in class. Please watch the video clip below of Jeremy Lin competing against John Wall in a 2010 summer league game. Please name 2 ways that Jeremy Lin created space or was able to get to the basket. Be specific when you name a move that he used. Also, explain how his ability to read the defense allowed him to be so successful in this game.

Period 7 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, September 19th


We are currently in our 1 on 1 unit.  We have discussed triple threat and several ways to create space or separation from your opponent in class.  Please watch the video clip below of Jeremy Lin competing against John Wall in a 2010 summer league game.  Please name 2 ways that Jeremy Lin created space or was able to get to the basket.  Be specific when you name a move that he used.  Also, explain how his ability to read the defense allowed him to be so successful in this game.

Period 8 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, September 19th

We are currently in our 1 on 1 unit. We have discussed triple threat and several ways to create space or separation from your opponent in class. Please watch the video clip below of Jeremy Lin competing against John Wall in a 2010 summer league game. Please name 2 ways that Jeremy Lin created space or was able to get to the basket. Be specific when you name a move that he used. Also, explain how his ability to read the defense allowed him to be so successful in this game.

Period 1 - Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, August 29th

Welcome Back! Hope you had a great summer and are looking forward to working hard to reach your health and fitness goals through your physical education class. I am looking forward to meeting those of you I have not met and reconnecting with those who have been in class before. We have continued to work hard to improve the basketball classes and hope you will enjoy the semester.

For your first blog, I just want to be sure you know how to comment.
Please leave me a comment with your name and what your favorite thing you did this summer so that I know you are able to use the blog.

The instructions are below.
1. Click on the word "Comment" below and a text box will appear

2. click in the text box and write your comment, in this case your name. Be sure to include your name in all comments

3. Under the text box is a place to decide how you want to comment. If you have a google account you can select that profile. If not select "anonymous" as your profile(remember to put your name in the comment or I will not know it is yours and will not give you credit)

4. Click "post comment" and you are done

Period 2 - Net Games

Due Date: Wednesday, August 29th

Welcome Back! Hope you had a great summer and are looking forward to working hard to reach your health and fitness goals through your physical education class. I am looking forward to meeting those of you I have not met and reconnecting with those who have been in class before. We have continued to work hard to improve the basketball classes and hope you will enjoy the semester.

For your first blog, I just want to be sure you know how to comment.
Please leave me a comment with your name and what your favorite thing you did this summer so that I know you are able to use the blog.

The instructions are below.
1. Click on the word "Comment" below and a text box will appear

2. click in the text box and write your comment, in this case your name. Be sure to include your name in all comments

3. Under the text box is a place to decide how you want to comment. If you have a google account you can select that profile. If not select "anonymous" as your profile(remember to put your name in the comment or I will not know it is yours and will not give you credit)

4. Click "post comment" and you are done

Period 5 - Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, August 29th

Welcome Back! Hope you had a great summer and are looking forward to working hard to reach your health and fitness goals through your physical education class. I am looking forward to meeting those of you I have not met and reconnecting with those who have been in class before. We have continued to work hard to improve the basketball classes and hope you will enjoy the semester.

For your first blog, I just want to be sure you know how to comment.
Please leave me a comment with your name and what your favorite thing you did this summer so that I know you are able to use the blog.

The instructions are below.
1. Click on the word "Comment" below and a text box will appear

2. click in the text box and write your comment, in this case your name. Be sure to include your name in all comments

3. Under the text box is a place to decide how you want to comment. If you have a google account you can select that profile. If not select "anonymous" as your profile(remember to put your name in the comment or I will not know it is yours and will not give you credit)

4. Click "post comment" and you are done

Period 7- Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, August 29th

Welcome Back! Hope you had a great summer and are looking forward to working hard to reach your health and fitness goals through your physical education class. I am looking forward to meeting those of you I have not met and reconnecting with those who have been in class before. We have continued to work hard to improve the basketball classes and hope you will enjoy the semester.

For your first blog, I just want to be sure you know how to comment.
Please leave me a comment with your name and what your favorite thing you did this summer so that I know you are able to use the blog.

The instructions are below.
1. Click on the word "Comment" below and a text box will appear

2. click in the text box and write your comment, in this case your name. Be sure to include your name in all comments

3. Under the text box is a place to decide how you want to comment. If you have a google account you can select that profile. If not select "anonymous" as your profile(remember to put your name in the comment or I will not know it is yours and will not give you credit)

4. Click "post comment" and you are done

Period 8- Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, August 29th

Welcome Back! Hope you had a great summer and are looking forward to working hard to reach your health and fitness goals through your physical education class. I am looking forward to meeting those of you I have not met and reconnecting with those who have been in class before. We have continued to work hard to improve the basketball classes and hope you will enjoy the semester.

For your first blog, I just want to be sure you know how to comment.
Please leave me a comment with your name and what your favorite thing you did this summer so that I know you are able to use the blog.

The instructions are below.
1. Click on the word "Comment" below and a text box will appear

2. click in the text box and write your comment, in this case your name. Be sure to include your name in all comments

3. Under the text box is a place to decide how you want to comment. If you have a google account you can select that profile. If not select "anonymous" as your profile(remember to put your name in the comment or I will not know it is yours and will not give you credit)

4. Click "post comment" and you are done

Period 1 General PE

Due Date: Wednesday, May 16th We are in the process of getting comfortable with our teams and making plays. We are trying to avoid the "just go out" situation that most P.E. football games deterioate into. How can we avoid this? Post you comments

Period 2 Basketball

NO BLOG THIS WEEK. I WILL BE GRADING YOUR 5 ON 5 PLAYS THIS WEEK.

Period 3 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, May 16th We do a warm-up drill called the 11-man transition drill. Please explain 2 things the offense has to do to complete the drill successfully. Also, explain 2 things that the defense has to do to complete the drill successfully.

Period 6 Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, May 16th We are in the process of getting comfortable with our teams and making plays. We are trying to avoid the "just go out" situation that most P.E. football games deterioate into. How can we avoid this? Post you comments

Period 7 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, May 16th We are currently in our 5 on 5 unit. We have discussed playing zone vs. playing a man to man defense. Explain how your defensive strategy can help make your team successful during this unit. Also, include what type of defense your team should play against each other team in class based on your teams strengths and weaknesses. Make sure to include each team that you play in class.

Period 1 General PE

Due Date: Wednesday, April 25th

In touch football, like basketball, their are certain skills that lend themselves to certain postions on the field. The object of the game is to get the ball down the field to score. Assigning the right position to each player will make this job easier.

Quarterback - Good under pressure, can make quick decisions, nice throwing arm.
Wide Reciever - Fast person with an ability to catch.
Tight End- Good at catching short passes doesn't need to be superfast.
Center - Must be willing to touch the ball on every play. Doesn't need to be superfast but has good hands.
Runningback - Is agile. Has ability to cut back and forth and make people miss the tackle through dodging and finding the open lane.

Please assign positions to your team and yourself

Period 2 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, April 25th

ZONE DEFENSE

The Basic 2 – 1 – 2 Zone Defense (box with a man in the middle)

It is one of the most commonly used zone defenses – especially when a team has smallish forwards and one very large person – who covers the middle.

The reason this defense (or variations of it) is used is because it has several strengths. These strengths include:

• Strong in the rebounding triangle
• Excellent underneath in preventing low post moves
• The strong rebounding presence allows for one player to immediately break down the court for the fast break.

This basketball defense is a little vulnerable against baseline jumpers, and if the ball is shifted down low, this opens up the top of the key. Appropriately executed, this zone defense can cause your opponents a great deal of headaches.

1 and 2 man

If you have two tenacious defensive guards, this might be the defense for you. Working together, these two players are responsible for protecting the perimeter from long distance shots. If they are caught out too far without help from the 5 man, they can make the defense vulnerable to the center lane pass.

These basketball players need to be quick in order to cover the large area around half of the perimeter. They also need to be able to make the burst long distance for the fast break.

3 and 4 man

The 3 and 4 men in this defense differ from many of the other zone defenses. You need very strong rebounders at this position, and they also have to be able to move well around the floor. They too have a lot of area to cover, and they need to provide assistance to the 5 man when he or she is outnumbered.

Strong players at these positions are crucial to the success of this defense.

5 man

This is a position that requires the tallest player with the widest wingspan on the team. They are your primary defender and rebounder when the ball goes down low. The best way to describe the action of the 5 man is a circular motion that follows the direction of the pass.
This defense look like the number five on dice, with the 5 man in the middle. One of the first lessons that you can teach your players with this defense is that you need to help one another in order to be successful. Aside from calling out screens and players cutting through the key, your players should be collapsing in the driving lanes to create a mini trap for any player trying to drive the ball to the hoop.

Here are a few of the responsibilities of each player:

• The 1 and 2 man need to protect the perimeter. They are the first line of defense in this zone, and once they are beaten it leave the triangle of remaining players one their own. Tough, aggressive defense up top is crucial.
• The 3 and 4 man have to be ready to crash the boards hard. There are going to be a lot of medium to long-range shots resulting from this defense and the rebounds will be plenty.
• The 5 man needs to make sure nothing goes through the middle without being checked. If something gets by them, then it is usually an easy two points. This player needs to have his or her head on a swivel to keep on top of the action.
Here’s how this defense works:

• The 1 man pressures the ball carrier and follows them anywhere around the perimeter (on their half of the court). Once the ball has been passed they follow the pass until it goes down to the lower perimeter area. After that, the 1 man either retreats back close to the foul line, or waits to intercept a pass back around the perimeter.
• The 2 man covers the pass back to the top of the court, but then they follow the first pass, shadowing the one man. Once it goes down to the low perimeter, they drop back to the middle of the circle at the foul line.
• The 3 man (in this set up) simply protects the backside of the defense. They need to be very aware of cross-court passes that can leave the defense vulnerable.
• The 4 man meets the 1 man halfway up the key, but not too far to leave a low post person wide open underneath the hoop, or on the perimeter alone. They then shift down to the baseline to cover the shot or the drive, with help from the 5 man.
• The 5 man, as I mentioned earlier, looks like they float around in a circle. They will follow the ball and be the back up man should anyone try to cut across the middle. The need to be ready to pounce on rebounds and make outlet passes for the fast break.

The final thing this defense needs to be careful of is the cross-court pass. If a team goes from one side of the baseline to another, your defense could be stretched. Unless they can recover quickly, it could pose a problem.


Which position (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) do you you think you should play and who on your team should play the other positions? Please make sure you assign each player on your team a position. Do you think this will be an effective defense for your team? Why?

Period 3 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, April 25th

ZONE DEFENSE

The Basic 2 – 1 – 2 Zone Defense (box with a man in the middle)

It is one of the most commonly used zone defenses – especially when a team has smallish forwards and one very large person – who covers the middle.

The reason this defense (or variations of it) is used is because it has several strengths. These strengths include:

• Strong in the rebounding triangle
• Excellent underneath in preventing low post moves
• The strong rebounding presence allows for one player to immediately break down the court for the fast break.

This basketball defense is a little vulnerable against baseline jumpers, and if the ball is shifted down low, this opens up the top of the key. Appropriately executed, this zone defense can cause your opponents a great deal of headaches.

1 and 2 man

If you have two tenacious defensive guards, this might be the defense for you. Working together, these two players are responsible for protecting the perimeter from long distance shots. If they are caught out too far without help from the 5 man, they can make the defense vulnerable to the center lane pass.

These basketball players need to be quick in order to cover the large area around half of the perimeter. They also need to be able to make the burst long distance for the fast break.

3 and 4 man

The 3 and 4 men in this defense differ from many of the other zone defenses. You need very strong rebounders at this position, and they also have to be able to move well around the floor. They too have a lot of area to cover, and they need to provide assistance to the 5 man when he or she is outnumbered.

Strong players at these positions are crucial to the success of this defense.

5 man

This is a position that requires the tallest player with the widest wingspan on the team. They are your primary defender and rebounder when the ball goes down low. The best way to describe the action of the 5 man is a circular motion that follows the direction of the pass.
This defense look like the number five on dice, with the 5 man in the middle. One of the first lessons that you can teach your players with this defense is that you need to help one another in order to be successful. Aside from calling out screens and players cutting through the key, your players should be collapsing in the driving lanes to create a mini trap for any player trying to drive the ball to the hoop.

Here are a few of the responsibilities of each player:

• The 1 and 2 man need to protect the perimeter. They are the first line of defense in this zone, and once they are beaten it leave the triangle of remaining players one their own. Tough, aggressive defense up top is crucial.
• The 3 and 4 man have to be ready to crash the boards hard. There are going to be a lot of medium to long-range shots resulting from this defense and the rebounds will be plenty.
• The 5 man needs to make sure nothing goes through the middle without being checked. If something gets by them, then it is usually an easy two points. This player needs to have his or her head on a swivel to keep on top of the action.
Here’s how this defense works:

• The 1 man pressures the ball carrier and follows them anywhere around the perimeter (on their half of the court). Once the ball has been passed they follow the pass until it goes down to the lower perimeter area. After that, the 1 man either retreats back close to the foul line, or waits to intercept a pass back around the perimeter.
• The 2 man covers the pass back to the top of the court, but then they follow the first pass, shadowing the one man. Once it goes down to the low perimeter, they drop back to the middle of the circle at the foul line.
• The 3 man (in this set up) simply protects the backside of the defense. They need to be very aware of cross-court passes that can leave the defense vulnerable.
• The 4 man meets the 1 man halfway up the key, but not too far to leave a low post person wide open underneath the hoop, or on the perimeter alone. They then shift down to the baseline to cover the shot or the drive, with help from the 5 man.
• The 5 man, as I mentioned earlier, looks like they float around in a circle. They will follow the ball and be the back up man should anyone try to cut across the middle. The need to be ready to pounce on rebounds and make outlet passes for the fast break.

The final thing this defense needs to be careful of is the cross-court pass. If a team goes from one side of the baseline to another, your defense could be stretched. Unless they can recover quickly, it could pose a problem.


Which position (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) do you you think you should play and who on your team should play the other positions? Please make sure you assign each player on your team a position. Do you think this will be an effective defense for your team? Why?

Period 6 Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, April 25th

In touch football, like basketball, their are certain skills that lend themselves to certain postions on the field. The object of the game is to get the ball down the field to score. Assigning the right position to each player will make this job easier.

Quarterback - Good under pressure, can make quick decisions, nice throwing arm.
Wide Reciever - Fast person with an ability to catch.
Tight End- Good at catching short passes doesn't need to be superfast.
Center - Must be willing to touch the ball on every play. Doesn't need to be superfast but has good hands.
Runningback - Is agile. Has ability to cut back and forth and make people miss the tackle through dodging and finding the open lane.

Please assign positions to your team and yourself.

Period 7 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, April 25th

ZONE DEFENSE

The Basic 2 – 1 – 2 Zone Defense (box with a man in the middle)

It is one of the most commonly used zone defenses – especially when a team has smallish forwards and one very large person – who covers the middle.

The reason this defense (or variations of it) is used is because it has several strengths. These strengths include:

• Strong in the rebounding triangle
• Excellent underneath in preventing low post moves
• The strong rebounding presence allows for one player to immediately break down the court for the fast break.

This basketball defense is a little vulnerable against baseline jumpers, and if the ball is shifted down low, this opens up the top of the key. Appropriately executed, this zone defense can cause your opponents a great deal of headaches.

1 and 2 man

If you have two tenacious defensive guards, this might be the defense for you. Working together, these two players are responsible for protecting the perimeter from long distance shots. If they are caught out too far without help from the 5 man, they can make the defense vulnerable to the center lane pass.

These basketball players need to be quick in order to cover the large area around half of the perimeter. They also need to be able to make the burst long distance for the fast break.

3 and 4 man

The 3 and 4 men in this defense differ from many of the other zone defenses. You need very strong rebounders at this position, and they also have to be able to move well around the floor. They too have a lot of area to cover, and they need to provide assistance to the 5 man when he or she is outnumbered.

Strong players at these positions are crucial to the success of this defense.

5 man

This is a position that requires the tallest player with the widest wingspan on the team. They are your primary defender and rebounder when the ball goes down low. The best way to describe the action of the 5 man is a circular motion that follows the direction of the pass.
This defense look like the number five on dice, with the 5 man in the middle. One of the first lessons that you can teach your players with this defense is that you need to help one another in order to be successful. Aside from calling out screens and players cutting through the key, your players should be collapsing in the driving lanes to create a mini trap for any player trying to drive the ball to the hoop.

Here are a few of the responsibilities of each player:

• The 1 and 2 man need to protect the perimeter. They are the first line of defense in this zone, and once they are beaten it leave the triangle of remaining players one their own. Tough, aggressive defense up top is crucial.
• The 3 and 4 man have to be ready to crash the boards hard. There are going to be a lot of medium to long-range shots resulting from this defense and the rebounds will be plenty.
• The 5 man needs to make sure nothing goes through the middle without being checked. If something gets by them, then it is usually an easy two points. This player needs to have his or her head on a swivel to keep on top of the action.
Here’s how this defense works:

• The 1 man pressures the ball carrier and follows them anywhere around the perimeter (on their half of the court). Once the ball has been passed they follow the pass until it goes down to the lower perimeter area. After that, the 1 man either retreats back close to the foul line, or waits to intercept a pass back around the perimeter.
• The 2 man covers the pass back to the top of the court, but then they follow the first pass, shadowing the one man. Once it goes down to the low perimeter, they drop back to the middle of the circle at the foul line.
• The 3 man (in this set up) simply protects the backside of the defense. They need to be very aware of cross-court passes that can leave the defense vulnerable.
• The 4 man meets the 1 man halfway up the key, but not too far to leave a low post person wide open underneath the hoop, or on the perimeter alone. They then shift down to the baseline to cover the shot or the drive, with help from the 5 man.
• The 5 man, as I mentioned earlier, looks like they float around in a circle. They will follow the ball and be the back up man should anyone try to cut across the middle. The need to be ready to pounce on rebounds and make outlet passes for the fast break.

The final thing this defense needs to be careful of is the cross-court pass. If a team goes from one side of the baseline to another, your defense could be stretched. Unless they can recover quickly, it could pose a problem.


Which position (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) do you you think you should play and who on your team should play the other positions? Please make sure you assign each player on your team a position. Do you think this will be an effective defense for your team? Why?

Period 1 General PE

Due Date: Wednesday, April 11th

For this weeks post I want to get more philosophical. Read the essay below, it was written by a guy named Blair Morrison and touches on the question of; are you pushing yourself or just getting by? You can find more of his essays here.

For this weeks blog. First, tell me what the essay means to you. Do you agree or disagree? You can include where you think you fall in his 90% to 10% example and/or examples of what you do that place you in that category.

Fitness Is...

Potential.

Everybody has it. Few reach it.

It’s easy to assume that people despise mediocrity because the world is littered with evidence of humanity’s desire to excel—our obsession with talent, our reverence for heroes, even our love of money. It’s easy to assume that everyone wants to be his or her physical best because everywhere there are those wishing for a better body type or a better lifestyle. They fill our virgin ears with a symphony of sincerity and aspiration, but listen closer. They clamor with empty voices.

The truth is that 90% of people just want to get by. We pretend our ultimate goal is to be the best version of ourselves, reading the right literature, quoting the right sources, joining the right gyms; but the reality is far less compelling. If we are truly honest we will admit that the level to which we might possibly rise is rarely our chief concern. More important is reaching the level where we can merely survive or, at the very least, mock survival. Getting there is much easier. Getting there requires less time, less pain, and less effort. Getting there is too often there enough.

I was speaking with my father the other day about a friend of ours whose son wanted to be a college football player. He had good size and natural talent, but he was a little slow and lacked the explosive quality most big programs look for in an athlete. One evening while having dinner with this family my dad suggested that the kid hang a bell at the top of the hill abutting their property and ring it every morning before going to school. Not only would sprinting up the hill begin to build the explosive power needed for speed and acceleration but the sound of the bell would become a symbol of his dedication to the goal. I wish I could say the kid went out and rang that bell every day, or committed himself to some other program in its place, but this isn’t that kind of story. He, like many others like him, chose instead to remain a card-carrying member of that mediocre 90%.

Why? Because greatness is HARD. Our bodies don’t care about potential. They were built to survive, not to excel, and survival has gotten pretty easy as of late. Our bodies don’t know that by being stronger and faster and leaner the likelihood of illness, disease, and injury drop dramatically. Our bodies only know that it hurts like hell getting there. It takes supreme physical and mental fortitude and an unflinching, genuine ambition to overcome these hurdles. Most of us lack this and it shows.

In this story his ability wasn’t being measured against theirs or any others, only against his own potential as an individual. He claimed that he wanted to be the best that he could be, to give himself the best chance to be a college football player. But when faced with the reality of what it would take to reach that goal he balked, exposing his ambitions as half-hearted and insincere, and his athletic future to be one ridden along the tired road to the middle. This is an all too common tragedy.

After hearing this story, I sat for a minute and observed my father. He was visibly disappointed by the kid’s inability to commit himself to his goal. Yet I knew for a fact that my dad had wanted to lose weight for years and failed to commit himself to doing so in much the same way. This struck me as a prevailing irony, not just in this conversation but in our culture in general, so I decided to ask him when was the last time he “rang the bell.” He was lost for a second, then smiled wryly as he got my meaning. “Too long,” he replied.

Sadly, it seems that our praise of greatness and our distaste for mediocrity is an appreciation and expectation reserved for others. We expect Jordan or Tiger or Ronaldo to reach their potential every time they compete and we shake our heads when they fall short. But we shrug off our love handles and that occasional chocolate cake as acceptable losses. We cry for the children growing up without physical opportunities, yet lie on the couch and amicably waste ours away. We claim we’re too old, too fat, too injured, or too tired. The truth is we’re too obsessed with getting by.

The good news is that physical potential does not expire. It has no shelf life. Whatever state you’re in at whatever moment, you can always be better. SO BE BETTER. Too often people try to do this by setting a number to hit, a person to beat, or a mirror to impress, implicitly attaching a finite quality to the process. This focus is flawed. As you change and improve, so too should your potential grow and your ambition swell. Remember that fitness is a goal inadvertently attained through the systematic overestimation of yourself in all fields. It’s a byproduct of setting the bar too high, of striving for perfection and falling just short. It’s knowing that you’ll never get there but trying your damndest nonetheless. It’s constantly pushing your limits in every direction regardless of your skill. It’s finding a way to keep ringing the bell.

Period 2 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, April 11th

For this weeks post I want to get more philosophical. Read the essay below, it was written by a guy named Blair Morrison and touches on the question of; are you pushing yourself or just getting by? You can find more of his essays here.

For this weeks blog. First, tell me what the essay means to you. Do you agree or disagree? You can include where you think you fall in his 90% to 10% example and/or examples of what you do that place you in that category.

Fitness Is...

Potential.

Everybody has it. Few reach it.

It’s easy to assume that people despise mediocrity because the world is littered with evidence of humanity’s desire to excel—our obsession with talent, our reverence for heroes, even our love of money. It’s easy to assume that everyone wants to be his or her physical best because everywhere there are those wishing for a better body type or a better lifestyle. They fill our virgin ears with a symphony of sincerity and aspiration, but listen closer. They clamor with empty voices.

The truth is that 90% of people just want to get by. We pretend our ultimate goal is to be the best version of ourselves, reading the right literature, quoting the right sources, joining the right gyms; but the reality is far less compelling. If we are truly honest we will admit that the level to which we might possibly rise is rarely our chief concern. More important is reaching the level where we can merely survive or, at the very least, mock survival. Getting there is much easier. Getting there requires less time, less pain, and less effort. Getting there is too often there enough.

I was speaking with my father the other day about a friend of ours whose son wanted to be a college football player. He had good size and natural talent, but he was a little slow and lacked the explosive quality most big programs look for in an athlete. One evening while having dinner with this family my dad suggested that the kid hang a bell at the top of the hill abutting their property and ring it every morning before going to school. Not only would sprinting up the hill begin to build the explosive power needed for speed and acceleration but the sound of the bell would become a symbol of his dedication to the goal. I wish I could say the kid went out and rang that bell every day, or committed himself to some other program in its place, but this isn’t that kind of story. He, like many others like him, chose instead to remain a card-carrying member of that mediocre 90%.

Why? Because greatness is HARD. Our bodies don’t care about potential. They were built to survive, not to excel, and survival has gotten pretty easy as of late. Our bodies don’t know that by being stronger and faster and leaner the likelihood of illness, disease, and injury drop dramatically. Our bodies only know that it hurts like hell getting there. It takes supreme physical and mental fortitude and an unflinching, genuine ambition to overcome these hurdles. Most of us lack this and it shows.

In this story his ability wasn’t being measured against theirs or any others, only against his own potential as an individual. He claimed that he wanted to be the best that he could be, to give himself the best chance to be a college football player. But when faced with the reality of what it would take to reach that goal he balked, exposing his ambitions as half-hearted and insincere, and his athletic future to be one ridden along the tired road to the middle. This is an all too common tragedy.

After hearing this story, I sat for a minute and observed my father. He was visibly disappointed by the kid’s inability to commit himself to his goal. Yet I knew for a fact that my dad had wanted to lose weight for years and failed to commit himself to doing so in much the same way. This struck me as a prevailing irony, not just in this conversation but in our culture in general, so I decided to ask him when was the last time he “rang the bell.” He was lost for a second, then smiled wryly as he got my meaning. “Too long,” he replied.

Sadly, it seems that our praise of greatness and our distaste for mediocrity is an appreciation and expectation reserved for others. We expect Jordan or Tiger or Ronaldo to reach their potential every time they compete and we shake our heads when they fall short. But we shrug off our love handles and that occasional chocolate cake as acceptable losses. We cry for the children growing up without physical opportunities, yet lie on the couch and amicably waste ours away. We claim we’re too old, too fat, too injured, or too tired. The truth is we’re too obsessed with getting by.

The good news is that physical potential does not expire. It has no shelf life. Whatever state you’re in at whatever moment, you can always be better. SO BE BETTER. Too often people try to do this by setting a number to hit, a person to beat, or a mirror to impress, implicitly attaching a finite quality to the process. This focus is flawed. As you change and improve, so too should your potential grow and your ambition swell. Remember that fitness is a goal inadvertently attained through the systematic overestimation of yourself in all fields. It’s a byproduct of setting the bar too high, of striving for perfection and falling just short. It’s knowing that you’ll never get there but trying your damndest nonetheless. It’s constantly pushing your limits in every direction regardless of your skill. It’s finding a way to keep ringing the bell.

Period 3 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, April 11th

For this weeks post I want to get more philosophical. Read the essay below, it was written by a guy named Blair Morrison and touches on the question of; are you pushing yourself or just getting by? You can find more of his essays here.

For this weeks blog. First, tell me what the essay means to you. Do you agree or disagree? You can include where you think you fall in his 90% to 10% example and/or examples of what you do that place you in that category.

Fitness Is...

Potential.

Everybody has it. Few reach it.

It’s easy to assume that people despise mediocrity because the world is littered with evidence of humanity’s desire to excel—our obsession with talent, our reverence for heroes, even our love of money. It’s easy to assume that everyone wants to be his or her physical best because everywhere there are those wishing for a better body type or a better lifestyle. They fill our virgin ears with a symphony of sincerity and aspiration, but listen closer. They clamor with empty voices.

The truth is that 90% of people just want to get by. We pretend our ultimate goal is to be the best version of ourselves, reading the right literature, quoting the right sources, joining the right gyms; but the reality is far less compelling. If we are truly honest we will admit that the level to which we might possibly rise is rarely our chief concern. More important is reaching the level where we can merely survive or, at the very least, mock survival. Getting there is much easier. Getting there requires less time, less pain, and less effort. Getting there is too often there enough.

I was speaking with my father the other day about a friend of ours whose son wanted to be a college football player. He had good size and natural talent, but he was a little slow and lacked the explosive quality most big programs look for in an athlete. One evening while having dinner with this family my dad suggested that the kid hang a bell at the top of the hill abutting their property and ring it every morning before going to school. Not only would sprinting up the hill begin to build the explosive power needed for speed and acceleration but the sound of the bell would become a symbol of his dedication to the goal. I wish I could say the kid went out and rang that bell every day, or committed himself to some other program in its place, but this isn’t that kind of story. He, like many others like him, chose instead to remain a card-carrying member of that mediocre 90%.

Why? Because greatness is HARD. Our bodies don’t care about potential. They were built to survive, not to excel, and survival has gotten pretty easy as of late. Our bodies don’t know that by being stronger and faster and leaner the likelihood of illness, disease, and injury drop dramatically. Our bodies only know that it hurts like hell getting there. It takes supreme physical and mental fortitude and an unflinching, genuine ambition to overcome these hurdles. Most of us lack this and it shows.

In this story his ability wasn’t being measured against theirs or any others, only against his own potential as an individual. He claimed that he wanted to be the best that he could be, to give himself the best chance to be a college football player. But when faced with the reality of what it would take to reach that goal he balked, exposing his ambitions as half-hearted and insincere, and his athletic future to be one ridden along the tired road to the middle. This is an all too common tragedy.

After hearing this story, I sat for a minute and observed my father. He was visibly disappointed by the kid’s inability to commit himself to his goal. Yet I knew for a fact that my dad had wanted to lose weight for years and failed to commit himself to doing so in much the same way. This struck me as a prevailing irony, not just in this conversation but in our culture in general, so I decided to ask him when was the last time he “rang the bell.” He was lost for a second, then smiled wryly as he got my meaning. “Too long,” he replied.

Sadly, it seems that our praise of greatness and our distaste for mediocrity is an appreciation and expectation reserved for others. We expect Jordan or Tiger or Ronaldo to reach their potential every time they compete and we shake our heads when they fall short. But we shrug off our love handles and that occasional chocolate cake as acceptable losses. We cry for the children growing up without physical opportunities, yet lie on the couch and amicably waste ours away. We claim we’re too old, too fat, too injured, or too tired. The truth is we’re too obsessed with getting by.

The good news is that physical potential does not expire. It has no shelf life. Whatever state you’re in at whatever moment, you can always be better. SO BE BETTER. Too often people try to do this by setting a number to hit, a person to beat, or a mirror to impress, implicitly attaching a finite quality to the process. This focus is flawed. As you change and improve, so too should your potential grow and your ambition swell. Remember that fitness is a goal inadvertently attained through the systematic overestimation of yourself in all fields. It’s a byproduct of setting the bar too high, of striving for perfection and falling just short. It’s knowing that you’ll never get there but trying your damndest nonetheless. It’s constantly pushing your limits in every direction regardless of your skill. It’s finding a way to keep ringing the bell.

Period 6 Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, April 11th

For this weeks post I want to get more philosophical. Read the essay below, it was written by a guy named Blair Morrison and touches on the question of; are you pushing yourself or just getting by? You can find more of his essays here.

For this weeks blog. First, tell me what the essay means to you. Do you agree or disagree? You can include where you think you fall in his 90% to 10% example and/or examples of what you do that place you in that category.

Fitness Is...

Potential.

Everybody has it. Few reach it.

It’s easy to assume that people despise mediocrity because the world is littered with evidence of humanity’s desire to excel—our obsession with talent, our reverence for heroes, even our love of money. It’s easy to assume that everyone wants to be his or her physical best because everywhere there are those wishing for a better body type or a better lifestyle. They fill our virgin ears with a symphony of sincerity and aspiration, but listen closer. They clamor with empty voices.

The truth is that 90% of people just want to get by. We pretend our ultimate goal is to be the best version of ourselves, reading the right literature, quoting the right sources, joining the right gyms; but the reality is far less compelling. If we are truly honest we will admit that the level to which we might possibly rise is rarely our chief concern. More important is reaching the level where we can merely survive or, at the very least, mock survival. Getting there is much easier. Getting there requires less time, less pain, and less effort. Getting there is too often there enough.

I was speaking with my father the other day about a friend of ours whose son wanted to be a college football player. He had good size and natural talent, but he was a little slow and lacked the explosive quality most big programs look for in an athlete. One evening while having dinner with this family my dad suggested that the kid hang a bell at the top of the hill abutting their property and ring it every morning before going to school. Not only would sprinting up the hill begin to build the explosive power needed for speed and acceleration but the sound of the bell would become a symbol of his dedication to the goal. I wish I could say the kid went out and rang that bell every day, or committed himself to some other program in its place, but this isn’t that kind of story. He, like many others like him, chose instead to remain a card-carrying member of that mediocre 90%.

Why? Because greatness is HARD. Our bodies don’t care about potential. They were built to survive, not to excel, and survival has gotten pretty easy as of late. Our bodies don’t know that by being stronger and faster and leaner the likelihood of illness, disease, and injury drop dramatically. Our bodies only know that it hurts like hell getting there. It takes supreme physical and mental fortitude and an unflinching, genuine ambition to overcome these hurdles. Most of us lack this and it shows.

In this story his ability wasn’t being measured against theirs or any others, only against his own potential as an individual. He claimed that he wanted to be the best that he could be, to give himself the best chance to be a college football player. But when faced with the reality of what it would take to reach that goal he balked, exposing his ambitions as half-hearted and insincere, and his athletic future to be one ridden along the tired road to the middle. This is an all too common tragedy.

After hearing this story, I sat for a minute and observed my father. He was visibly disappointed by the kid’s inability to commit himself to his goal. Yet I knew for a fact that my dad had wanted to lose weight for years and failed to commit himself to doing so in much the same way. This struck me as a prevailing irony, not just in this conversation but in our culture in general, so I decided to ask him when was the last time he “rang the bell.” He was lost for a second, then smiled wryly as he got my meaning. “Too long,” he replied.

Sadly, it seems that our praise of greatness and our distaste for mediocrity is an appreciation and expectation reserved for others. We expect Jordan or Tiger or Ronaldo to reach their potential every time they compete and we shake our heads when they fall short. But we shrug off our love handles and that occasional chocolate cake as acceptable losses. We cry for the children growing up without physical opportunities, yet lie on the couch and amicably waste ours away. We claim we’re too old, too fat, too injured, or too tired. The truth is we’re too obsessed with getting by.

The good news is that physical potential does not expire. It has no shelf life. Whatever state you’re in at whatever moment, you can always be better. SO BE BETTER. Too often people try to do this by setting a number to hit, a person to beat, or a mirror to impress, implicitly attaching a finite quality to the process. This focus is flawed. As you change and improve, so too should your potential grow and your ambition swell. Remember that fitness is a goal inadvertently attained through the systematic overestimation of yourself in all fields. It’s a byproduct of setting the bar too high, of striving for perfection and falling just short. It’s knowing that you’ll never get there but trying your damndest nonetheless. It’s constantly pushing your limits in every direction regardless of your skill. It’s finding a way to keep ringing the bell.

Period 7 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, April 11th

For this weeks post I want to get more philosophical. Read the essay below, it was written by a guy named Blair Morrison and touches on the question of; are you pushing yourself or just getting by? You can find more of his essays here.

For this weeks blog. First, tell me what the essay means to you. Do you agree or disagree? You can include where you think you fall in his 90% to 10% example and/or examples of what you do that place you in that category.

Fitness Is...

Potential.

Everybody has it. Few reach it.

It’s easy to assume that people despise mediocrity because the world is littered with evidence of humanity’s desire to excel—our obsession with talent, our reverence for heroes, even our love of money. It’s easy to assume that everyone wants to be his or her physical best because everywhere there are those wishing for a better body type or a better lifestyle. They fill our virgin ears with a symphony of sincerity and aspiration, but listen closer. They clamor with empty voices.

The truth is that 90% of people just want to get by. We pretend our ultimate goal is to be the best version of ourselves, reading the right literature, quoting the right sources, joining the right gyms; but the reality is far less compelling. If we are truly honest we will admit that the level to which we might possibly rise is rarely our chief concern. More important is reaching the level where we can merely survive or, at the very least, mock survival. Getting there is much easier. Getting there requires less time, less pain, and less effort. Getting there is too often there enough.

I was speaking with my father the other day about a friend of ours whose son wanted to be a college football player. He had good size and natural talent, but he was a little slow and lacked the explosive quality most big programs look for in an athlete. One evening while having dinner with this family my dad suggested that the kid hang a bell at the top of the hill abutting their property and ring it every morning before going to school. Not only would sprinting up the hill begin to build the explosive power needed for speed and acceleration but the sound of the bell would become a symbol of his dedication to the goal. I wish I could say the kid went out and rang that bell every day, or committed himself to some other program in its place, but this isn’t that kind of story. He, like many others like him, chose instead to remain a card-carrying member of that mediocre 90%.

Why? Because greatness is HARD. Our bodies don’t care about potential. They were built to survive, not to excel, and survival has gotten pretty easy as of late. Our bodies don’t know that by being stronger and faster and leaner the likelihood of illness, disease, and injury drop dramatically. Our bodies only know that it hurts like hell getting there. It takes supreme physical and mental fortitude and an unflinching, genuine ambition to overcome these hurdles. Most of us lack this and it shows.

In this story his ability wasn’t being measured against theirs or any others, only against his own potential as an individual. He claimed that he wanted to be the best that he could be, to give himself the best chance to be a college football player. But when faced with the reality of what it would take to reach that goal he balked, exposing his ambitions as half-hearted and insincere, and his athletic future to be one ridden along the tired road to the middle. This is an all too common tragedy.

After hearing this story, I sat for a minute and observed my father. He was visibly disappointed by the kid’s inability to commit himself to his goal. Yet I knew for a fact that my dad had wanted to lose weight for years and failed to commit himself to doing so in much the same way. This struck me as a prevailing irony, not just in this conversation but in our culture in general, so I decided to ask him when was the last time he “rang the bell.” He was lost for a second, then smiled wryly as he got my meaning. “Too long,” he replied.

Sadly, it seems that our praise of greatness and our distaste for mediocrity is an appreciation and expectation reserved for others. We expect Jordan or Tiger or Ronaldo to reach their potential every time they compete and we shake our heads when they fall short. But we shrug off our love handles and that occasional chocolate cake as acceptable losses. We cry for the children growing up without physical opportunities, yet lie on the couch and amicably waste ours away. We claim we’re too old, too fat, too injured, or too tired. The truth is we’re too obsessed with getting by.

The good news is that physical potential does not expire. It has no shelf life. Whatever state you’re in at whatever moment, you can always be better. SO BE BETTER. Too often people try to do this by setting a number to hit, a person to beat, or a mirror to impress, implicitly attaching a finite quality to the process. This focus is flawed. As you change and improve, so too should your potential grow and your ambition swell. Remember that fitness is a goal inadvertently attained through the systematic overestimation of yourself in all fields. It’s a byproduct of setting the bar too high, of striving for perfection and falling just short. It’s knowing that you’ll never get there but trying your damndest nonetheless. It’s constantly pushing your limits in every direction regardless of your skill. It’s finding a way to keep ringing the bell.

Period 1 General PE

Due Date: Wednesday, March 14th


Please watch the video on the right hand side about Volleyball Rotation and list 3 rules for rotating in Volleyball.

Period 2 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, March 14th

So I am a huge college basketball fan and March Madness is just around the corner. I would like for you to get more familiar with college basketball and watch some games during this time. For this Blog, I need for you to tell me which team you think is going to win the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament. I need for you to indicate to me 2players on that team that you feel are the strongest players (I need first and last names) and explain why. Additionally, please tell me what you think has made this particular team so successful this year. If you don't have a favorite college team, google search the top ten and pick one you like.

Period 3 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, March 14th


So I am a huge college basketball fan and March Madness is just around the corner. I would like for you to get more familiar with college basketball and watch some games during this time. For this Blog, I need for you to tell me which team you think is going to win the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament. I need for you to indicate to me 2 players on that team that you feel are the strongest players (I need first and last names) and explain why. Additionally, please tell me what you think has made this particular team so successful this year. If you don't have a favorite college team, google search the top ten and pick one you like.

Period 6 Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, March 14th

We are currently in our basketball unit. Please tell me 2 strengths of your team. Also, tell me 2 weaknesses that you and your teammates need to work on to be successful.

Period 7- Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, March 14th

So I am a huge college basketball fan and March Madness is just around the corner. I would like for you to get more familiar with college basketball and watch some games during this time. For this Blog, I need for you to tell me which team you think is going to win the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament. I need for you to indicate to me 2 players on that team that you feel are the strongest players (I need first and last names) and explain why. Additionally, please tell me what you think has made this particular team so successful this year. If you don't have a favorite college team, google search the top ten and pick one you like.

Period 1 General PE

Due Date: Wednesday, February 29th

We are currently in our basketball unit. Please tell me 2 strengths of your team. Also, tell me 2 weaknesses that you and your teammates need to work on to be successful.

Period 2 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, February 29th


We are getting ready to start our 3 on 3 unit. Based on your own basketball experience, as well as your 2 on 2 experience, what are three strengths that your 3 on 3 team must possess to be successful? Why?

Period 3 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, February 29th

Due Date: Wednesday, February 29th

We are getting ready to start our 3 on 3 unit. Based on your own basketball experience, as well as your 2 on 2 experience, what are three strengths that your 3 on 3 team must possess to be successful? Why?

Period 6 Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, February 29th

We are currently in our floor hockey unit. Watch 10-15 minutes of an NHL Playoff Game. After watching the game write 5 complete sentences about what you saw. In your response include what game you watched and your reaction to the gameplay. Below is a link to the full schedule. If you have trouble with this link feel free to go youtube and watch there.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/schedulebymonth.htm#?navid=nav-sch-month

Period 7 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, February 29th

We are getting ready to start our 3 on 3 unit. Based on your own basketball experience, as well as your 2 on 2 experience, what are three strengths that your 3 on 3 team must possess to be successful? Why?

Period 1 General PE

Due Date: Wednesday, February 15th


Badminton Rules and Regulations

A badminton match is played to the best of three games. Rock-Paper-Scissors determines first serve or choice of side. The object of a badminton game is to hit the badminton shuttlecock over the badminton net and onto the ground within bounds on your opponent's side of the court. A rally can also be lost by hitting the shuttle into the badminton net, out of bounds, before it crosses the net to your side, or if it strikes your clothing or body rather than your badminton racket.
Badminton Scoring Formats
In class we will utilize rally play; 21 points are needed to win a badminton game.
In rally play, a point can be awarded to either team, and in most cases, a point is awarded along with resumption of service, except when a rally point is lost by the first member of a serving doubles team.
At the conclusion of each badminton game, players or teams must switch sides. If a third game is necessary during a match, sides are switched during that game when a player/team has reached eight points in doubles or men's singles, six points in women's singles, or 11 points in rally play.

Badminton Serving Rules
As in tennis, badminton service is always done diagonally, e.g. from the right service court to the opponent's left service court. The first serve is always taken from the right court, and subsequent serves are taken from alternating sides.
Line shots in badminton service or rallies are considered in, though court bounds are different for singles and doubles play. The back line is the same for both, but singles badminton is played with the narrower of the two sidelines.

For your blog for this week. Tell me 3 things you learned about badminton that you did not know before reading this blog

Period 2 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, February 15th


We are currently in our 2 on 2 basketball unit. Please tell me 2 strengths that your partner brings to your team. Also, tell me 2 weaknesses that you and your partner need to work on to be successful

Period 3 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, February 15th


We are currently in our 2 on 2 basketball unit. Please tell me 2 strengths that your partner brings to your team. Also, tell me 2 weaknesses that you and your partner need to work on to be successful

Period 6 Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday, February 15th


Badminton Rules and Regulations

A badminton match is played to the best of three games. Rock-Paper-Scissors determines first serve or choice of side. The object of a badminton game is to hit the badminton shuttlecock over the badminton net and onto the ground within bounds on your opponent's side of the court. A rally can also be lost by hitting the shuttle into the badminton net, out of bounds, before it crosses the net to your side, or if it strikes your clothing or body rather than your badminton racket.
Badminton Scoring Formats
In class we will utilize rally play; 21 points are needed to win a badminton game.
In rally play, a point can be awarded to either team, and in most cases, a point is awarded along with resumption of service, except when a rally point is lost by the first member of a serving doubles team.
At the conclusion of each badminton game, players or teams must switch sides. If a third game is necessary during a match, sides are switched during that game when a player/team has reached eight points in doubles or men's singles, six points in women's singles, or 11 points in rally play.

Badminton Serving Rules
As in tennis, badminton service is always done diagonally, e.g. from the right service court to the opponent's left service court. The first serve is always taken from the right court, and subsequent serves are taken from alternating sides.
Line shots in badminton service or rallies are considered in, though court bounds are different for singles and doubles play. The back line is the same for both, but singles badminton is played with the narrower of the two sidelines.

For your blog for this week. Tell me 3 things you learned about badminton that you did not know before reading this blog

Period 7 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday, February 15th

We are currently in our 2 on 2 basketball unit. Please tell me 2 strengths that your partner brings to your team. Also, tell me 2 weaknesses that you and your partner need to work on to be successful.

Period 1 General PE

Due Date: Wednesday,February 1st

Welcome Back!
Hope you had a great first semester and are looking forward to working hard to reach your health and fitness goals through your physical education class. I am looking forward to meeting those of you I have not met and reconnecting with those who have been in class before. We have continued to work hard to improve the general physical education classes and hope you will enjoy the semester.

For your first blog, I just want to be sure you know how to comment. Please leave me a comment with your name so that I know you are able to use the blog. The instructions are below.
1. Click on the word "Comment" below and a text box will appear
2. click in the text box and write your comment, in this case your name. Be sure to include your name in all comments
3. Under the text box is a place to decide how you want to comment. If you have a google account you can select that profile. If not select "anonymous" as your profile(remember to put your name in the comment or I will not know it is yours and will not give you credit)
4. Click "post comment" and you are done

Period 2 Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday,February 1st


Welcome Back!
Hope you had a great first semester and are looking forward to working hard to reach your health and fitness goals through your physical education class. I am looking forward to meeting those of you I have not met and reconnecting with those who have been in class before. We have continued to work hard to improve the basketball classes and hope you will enjoy the semester.

For your first blog, I just want to be sure you know how to comment. Please leave me a comment with your name so that I know you are able to use the blog. The instructions are below.
1. Click on the word "Comment" below and a text box will appear
2. click in the text box and write your comment, in this case your name. Be sure to include your name in all comments
3. Under the text box is a place to decide how you want to comment. If you have a google account you can select that profile. If not select "anonymous" as your profile(remember to put your name in the comment or I will not know it is yours and will not give you credit)
4. Click "post comment" and you are done

Period 3 Advanced Basketball

Due Date: Wednesday,February 1st

Welcome Back!
Hope you had a great first semester and are looking forward to working hard to reach your health and fitness goals through your physical education class. I am looking forward to meeting those of you I have not met and reconnecting with those who have been in class before. We have continued to work hard to improve the basketball classes and hope you will enjoy the semester.

For your first blog, I just want to be sure you know how to comment. Please leave me a comment with your name so that I know you are able to use the blog. The instructions are below.
1. Click on the word "Comment" below and a text box will appear
2. click in the text box and write your comment, in this case your name. Be sure to include your name in all comments
3. Under the text box is a place to decide how you want to comment. If you have a google account you can select that profile. If not select "anonymous" as your profile(remember to put your name in the comment or I will not know it is yours and will not give you credit)
4. Click "post comment" and you are done

Period 6 Team Games

Due Date: Wednesday,February 1st

Welcome Back!
Hope you had a great first semester and are looking forward to working hard to reach your health and fitness goals through your physical education class. I am looking forward to meeting those of you I have not met and reconnecting with those who have been in class before. We have continued to work hard to improve the team gamesclasses and hope you will enjoy the semester.

For your first blog, I just want to be sure you know how to comment. Please leave me a comment with your name so that I know you are able to use the blog. The instructions are below.
1. Click on the word "Comment" below and a text box will appear
2. click in the text box and write your comment, in this case your name. Be sure to include your name in all comments
3. Under the text box is a place to decide how you want to comment. If you have a google account you can select that profile. If not select "anonymous" as your profile(remember to put your name in the comment or I will not know it is yours and will not give you credit)
4. Click "post comment" and you are done