creative physical education games

• Grades 6-12
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46 Unique Phys Ed Games Your Students Will Love

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There’s nothing kids need more to break up a day spent sitting still and listening than a fun PE class to let off some steam. In the old days, going to gym class probably included playing kickball or dodgeball after running a few laps. Since then, there have been countless reinventions of and variations on old classics as well as completely new games. Although there is no shortage of options, we love that the supplies required remain relatively minimal. You can transport to another galaxy using just a pool noodle or two or create a life-size game of Connect 4 using just Hula-Hoops. You’ll want to make sure to have some staples on hand like balls, beanbags, and parachutes. There are even PE games for kindergartners based on beloved children’s TV shows and party games. Regardless of your students’ athletic abilities, there is something for everyone on our list of elementary PE games!

1. Tic-Tac-Toe Relay

Elementary PE games that not only get students moving but also get them thinking are our favorites. Grab some Hula-Hoops and a few scarves or beanbags and get ready to watch the fun!

Learn more: Tic-Tac-Toe Relay at S&S Blog

2. Blob Tag

Pick two students to start as the Blob, then as they tag other kids, they will become part of the Blob. Be sure to demonstrate safe tagging, stressing the importance of soft touches.

Learn more: Blob Tag at Playworks

3. Cross the River

This fun game has multiple levels that students have to work through, including “get to the island,” “cross the river,” and “you lost a rock.”

Learn more: Cross the River at The PE Specialist

4. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cones

Line up cones, then have students pair up and stand on either side of a cone. Finally, call out head, shoulders, knees, or cones. If cones is called, students have to race to be the first to pick up their cone before their opponent.

Learn more: Head, Shoulders, Knees & Cones at S&S Blog

5. Spider Ball

Elementary PE games are often variations of dodgeball like this one. One or two players start with the ball and attempt to hit all of the runners as they run across the gym or field. If a player is hit, they can then join in and become a spider themselves. ADVERTISEMENT

Learn more: Spider Ball Game at Kid Activities

6. Crab Soccer

We love elementary PE games that require students to act like animals (and we think they will too). Similar to regular soccer, but students will need to play on all fours while maintaining a crab-like position.

Learn more: Crab Soccer at Playworks

7. Halloween Tag

This is the perfect PE game to play in October. It’s similar to tag, but there are witches, wizards, and blobs with no bones!

Learn more: Halloween Tag at The Physical Educator

8. Crazy Caterpillars

We love that this game is not only fun but also works on students’ hand-eye coordination. Students will have fun pushing their balls around the gym with pool noodles while building their caterpillars.

9. Monster Ball

You’ll need a large exercise ball or something similar to act as the monster ball in the middle. Make a square around the monster ball, divide the class into teams on either side of the square, then task the teams with throwing small balls at the monster ball to move it into the other team’s area.

Learn more: Monster Ball at The PE Specialist

10. Striker Ball

Striker ball is an enjoyable game that will keep your students entertained while working on reaction time and strategic planning. We love that there is limited setup required before playing.

Learn more: Striker Ball at S&S Blog

11. Parachute Tug-of-War

What list of elementary PE games would be complete without some parachute fun? So simple yet so fun, all you will need is a large parachute and enough students to create two teams. Have students stand on opposite sides of the parachute, then let them compete to see which side comes out on top.

Learn more: Parachute Tug-of-War at Mom Junction

12. Fleas Off the Parachute

Another fun parachute game where one team needs to try to keep the balls (fleas) on the parachute and the other tries to get them off.

Learn more: Fleas Off the Parachute at Mom Junction

13. Crazy Ball

The setup for this fun game is similar to kickball, with three bases and a home base. Crazy ball really is so crazy as it combines elements of football, Frisbee, and kickball!

Learn more: Crazy Ball at Health Beet

14. Bridge Tag

This game starts as simple tag but evolves into something more fun once the tagging begins. Once tagged, kids must form a bridge with their body and they can’t be freed until someone crawls through.

Learn more: Bridge Tag at Great Camp Games

15. Star Wars Tag

Elementary PE games that allow you to be your favorite movie character are just way too much fun! You will need two different-colored pool noodles to stand in for lightsabers. The tagger will have one color pool noodle that they use to tag students while the healer will have the other color that they will use to free their friends.

Learn more: Star Wars Tag at Great Camp Games

16. Rob the Nest

Create an obstacle course that leads to a nest of eggs (balls) and then divide the students into teams. They will have to race relay-style through the obstacles to retrieve eggs and bring them back to their team.

17. Four Corners

We love this classic game since it engages students physically while also working on color recognition for younger students. Have your students stand on a corner, then close their eyes and call out a color. Students standing on that color earn a point.

Learn more: Four Corners at The Many Little Joys

18. Movement Dice

This is a perfect warm-up that requires only a die and a sheet with corresponding exercises.

Learn more: Roll the Dice Movement Break at Teaching Littles

19. Rock, Paper, Scissors Tag

A fun spin on tag, children will tag one another and then play a quick game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine who has to sit and who gets to continue playing.

Learn more: Rock, Paper, Scissors Tag at Grade Onederful

20. Cornhole Cardio

This one is so fun but can be a little bit confusing, so be sure to leave plenty of time for instruction. Kids will be divided into teams before proceeding through a fun house that includes cornhole, running laps, and stacking cups.

Learn more: Cardio Cornhole at S&S Blog

21. Connect 4 Relay

This relay takes the game Connect 4 to a whole new level. Players must connect four dots either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

22. Zookeepers

Students will love imitating their favorite animals while playing this fun variation of Four Corners where the taggers are the zookeepers.

23. Racket Whack-It

Students stand with rackets in hand while balls are thrown at them—they must either dodge the balls or swat them away.

Learn more: Racket Whack-It via PEgames.org

24. Crazy Moves

Set mats out around the gym, then yell out a number. Students must race to the mat before it is already filled with the correct number of bodies.

Learn more: Crazy Moves at PEgames.org

25. Wheelbarrow Race

Sometimes the best elementary PE games are the simplest. An oldie but a goodie, wheelbarrow races require no equipment and are guaranteed to be a hit with your students.

Learn more: Wheelbarrow Race at wikiHow

26. Live-Action Pac-Man

Fans of retro video games like Pac-Man will get a kick out of this live-action version where students get to act out the characters.

27. Spaceship Tag

Give each of your students a Hula-Hoop (spaceship), then have them run around trying not to bump into anyone else’s spaceship or get tagged by the teacher (alien). Once your students get really good at it, you can add different levels of complexity.

28. Rock, Paper, Scissors Beanbag Balance

We love this spin on Rock, Paper, Scissors because it works on balance and coordination. Students walk around the gym until they find an opponent, then the winner collects a beanbag, which they must balance on their head!

Learn more: Rock, Paper, Scissors Beanbag Balance at PE Universe

29. Throwing, Catching, and Rolling

This is a fun activity but it will require a lot of preparation, including asking the school maintenance staff to collect industrial-sized paper towel rolls. We love this activity because it reminds us of the old-school arcade game Skee-Ball!

Learn more: Winter Activity at S&S Blog

30. Jenga Fitness

Although Jenga is fun enough on its own, combining it with fun physical challenges is sure to be a winner with young students.

Learn more: Jenga Fitness at S&S Blog

31. Volcanoes and Ice Cream Cones

Divide the class into two teams, then assign one team as volcanoes and the other as ice cream cones. Next, spread cones around the gym, half upside down and half right side up. Finally, have the teams race to flip as many cones as possible to either volcanoes or ice cream cones.

Learn more: Warm-Up Games at Prime Coaching Sport

This fun variation on dodgeball will have your students getting exercise while having a ton of fun! Begin with three balls on a basketball court. If you are hit by a ball, you are out. If you take a step while holding a ball, you are out. There are other rules surrounding getting out and also how to get back in, which can be found in this video.

33. Musical Hula-Hoops

PE games for kindergartners that are similar to party games are some of our favorites! Think musical chairs but with Hula-Hoops! Lay enough Hula-Hoops around the edge of the gym minus five students since they will be in the muscle pot. Once the music starts, students walk around the gym. When the music stops, whoever doesn’t find a Hula-Hoop becomes the new muscle pot!

34. 10-Second Tag

This game is perfect to play at the beginning of the year since it helps with learning names and allows the teacher to get to know the first student in line.

35. The Border

This game is so fun and requires no equipment whatsoever. Divide the gym into two sides. One side can move freely while the other side must avoid letting their feet touch the floor by rolling around, crawling, etc.

36. Freedom Catch

This is a simple throwing, catching, and tag game that will certainly be a hit with your PE class. Captors attempt to tag players so they can send them to jail. You can be freed if someone on your team runs to a freedom cone while throwing a ball to the jailed person. If the ball is caught by the jailed person, they can rejoin the game.

37. Oscar’s Trashcan

As far as PE games for kindergartners goes, this one is a guaranteed winner since it is based on the show Sesame Street . You’ll need two large areas that can be sectioned off to use as trash cans and also a lot of medium-size balls. There are two teams who must compete to fill their opponent’s trash can while emptying their own. Once over, the trash will be counted and the team with the least amount of trash in their trash can wins!

38. 4-Way Frisbee

Divide your class into four separate teams, who will compete for points by catching a Frisbee inside one of the designated goal areas. Defenders are also able to go into the goal areas. There are a number of other rules that can be applied so you can modify the game in a way that’s best for your class.

39. Badminton King’s/Queen’s Court

This one is simple but fun since it is played rapid-fire with kids waiting their turn to take on the King or Queen of the court. Two players start and as soon as a point is earned, the loser swaps places with another player. The goal is to be the player that stays on the court the longest, consistently knocking out new opponents.

40. Jumping and Landing Stations

Kids love stations and they definitely love jumping, so why not combine those things into one super-fun gym class? They’ll have a blast challenging themselves with all the different obstacles presented in this video.

41. Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course

Regardless of whether you’ve ever seen an episode of American Ninja Warrior , you are probably familiar with the concept and so are your students. Plus, you’ll probably have just as much fun as your students setting up the obstacles and testing them out!

42. Balloon Tennis

Since kids love playing keepy-uppy with a balloon, they will love taking it a step further with balloon tag!

43. Indoor Putting Green

If your school can afford to invest in these unique putting green sets, you can introduce the game of golf to kids as young as kindergarten. Who knows, you might just have a future Masters winner in your class!

44. Scooter Activities

Let’s be honest, we all have fond memories of using scooters in gym class. Regardless of whether you do a scooter sleigh or scooter hockey, we think there is something for everyone in this fun video.

45. Pick It Up

This is the perfect PE game to play if you are stuck in a small space with a good-size group. Teams win by making all of their beanbag shots and then collecting all of their dots and stacking them into a nice neat pile.

46. Dodgeball Variations

Since not all kids love having balls thrown at them, why not try a dodgeball alternative that uses gym equipment as targets rather than fellow students? For example, have each student stand in front of a Hula-Hoop with a bowling ball inside of it. Students need to protect their hoop while attempting to knock over their opponents’ pins.

What are your favorite elementary PE games to play with your class? Come and share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group  on Facebook.

Plus, check out  our favorite recess games for the classroom ..

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50 Fun PE Games Your Students Will Love

by Sara Ipatenco

Kids naturally love PE because it’s a time to be active and play fun games. An essential part of the school day, PE teaches kids the life skill of getting regular exercise. While playing the same old games over and over again can get a bit boring, incorporating a wide variety of games into your lesson plans helps keep PE fun and engaging. With a few PE staples, such as foam balls, hula hoops, and bean bags, your students will be having fun in no time! Here are 50 PE games to get you started.

1. Blob tag

Choose one child to be “it.” As that child tags other children, they link arms or hold hands to create a “blob.” The game continues until the blob has tagged everyone in the game.

2. Chain tag

This is kind of like blob tag, but instead of forming a blob, students must link arms to form a chain.

3. Bean bag balance

Give each student a bean bag. Ask the students to balance their bean bags on various parts of their body, such as their foot or knee. See how long the students can balance before they move off their bean bag falls. Give increasingly hard challenges as you go, such as on the shoulder or the thumb.

4. Clap and catch

Arrange your class into a large circle. Give one player the ball and have them get ready to toss it. Players must clap before they catch the ball. If a student doesn’t clap or drop the ball, they are out.

5. Animal races

Line your PE class up at one end of the gym or playing field for this game. Call out an animal, such as a cheetah or a frog, and students have to race to the other end, running like that animal.

This is another racing game that starts with lining your students up on one end of the playing field. Every time you yell, “jump,” students jump as far as they can. Repeat until the winning player reaches the end of the field or until the whole class finishes.

7. Bridge tag

This game starts as regular tag, but each time a student is tagged he must kneel and form a bridge. Players can rejoin the game when another player crawls under their bridge, which frees them.

8. Crab soccer

This game follows the rules of traditional soccer, but players crab walk instead of regular running.

9. Step back

Put your class into teams of two. Have them stand about three feet apart and roll a hula hoop to each other. Once the other person catches the hula hoop, they must take a large step backward and continue playing. As they get further apart, the game gets more challenging.

10. Freeze tag

This is another tag game that starts out like traditional tag. However, once a student is tagged, they are “frozen” until another player tags them. They can then rejoin the game. The last player to be frozen gets to be “it” on the next round.

11. Parachute change

Arrange your students around a large parachute. Call out things like colors the students are wearing or birthday months. Any player who fits the category you call out has to run under the parachute and switch places with someone else.

12. Parachute volleyball

Have your students arrange themselves around a parachute. One half of the parachute is team A while the other half is team B. Put a beach ball in the middle of the parachute. The objective is to launch the ball off the parachute and over the heads of the opposing team, which scores one point.

13. Banana tag

Spread your students around the play area and choose two kids to be “it.” They are the monkeys. When they tag another student, he turns into a banana and must put both arms straight up above his head. Other players can free the “bananas” by peeling them, which means they pull down one arm and then the other arm.

14. Teacher island

This PE game includes the teacher! Stand on a stool and have a bunch of cones or balls handy. Start throwing them toward the students, who are spread out around you. If a student fails to make a catch, he is out. Play continues until only one student is left.

15. Throw archery

Set up five jump ropes at various distances from where your students will stand. Give them bean bags and have them try to get them past the different jump ropes. The further away the jump rope, the more points the student gets. For example, getting the bean bag past the first jump rope is worth ten points while getting it past the last jump rope is worth fifty points.

16. Crazy moves

Set out several mats around the play area. Start calling out numbers and that number of kids need to find a mat and stand on it together as fast as they can. Any student who doesn’t find a mat is out.

17. Rob the nest

Set up the game by putting a hula hoop (nest) in each corner of the play area and ten or more basketballs in the middle of the play area. Divide the class into 4 teams, one at each hula hoop. Students take turns getting a basketball and dribbling it to their hoop. Any time you blow the whistle, students can steal basketballs from other nests. The winner of each round is the one with the most basketballs when you blow the whistle a second time.

18. Tic-Tac-Throw

Set up nine hula hoops in a 3×3 grid, like a tic-tac-toe board. Make enough grids so you can divide your class into teams of two. Give the teams two different colors of bean bags. The students will throw the bean bags into the hula hoops trying to get three in a row.

19. Bounce into buckets

Set up enough buckets in the middle of the play area that there is one for each group of two kids. At each bucket, have one student on each side. The kids take turns trying to bounce balls into the buckets. Make it more challenging by having the students back up further from the bucket as they go.

20. Backward soccer

Play this game just like you would regular soccer but turn the soccer goals around backward.

21. Speed ball

This PE game combines basketball and soccer. Divide your students into two teams and give them a rubber ball to play with. Play starts with students passing the ball to other players on their team. There is no bounce passing in this game. If the ball hits the floor, the game switches to soccer.

22. Pool noodle archery

Have one student hold up a hula hoop while another child tries to launch pool noodles through the hoop. Once a student gets a noodle through, the players switch places.

23. Kangaroos and Crocs

Divide your class into two teams – one team will be kangaroos and the other team will be crocs. Have the teams line up back-to-back in the middle of the play area. Call out one of the animals. That team will try to make it to the end of the play area without getting tagged by the other team. Anyone tagged sits down and is out. Play continues with additional rounds.

24. Noodle hockey

Play a traditional PE game of court hockey but use pool noodles and a small plastic ball instead of hockey sticks and a puck.

25. Continuity ball

Have your students spread out in the play area. Give them one beach ball and challenge them to keep it from hitting the ground. Gradually add more beach balls until you have several going at the same time.

26. Birds on a branch

Set up two balance beams and split the class into two teams. Have the teams line up on the balance beams and call out directions, such as “stand on one foot” or “put your arms above your head.” If a student falls off the beam, he is out. The winning team is the one who keeps the most “birds” on their branch.

27. Shark zone

Set up mats, hula hoops, and other PE equipment around the gym. Use items that students can stand on or inside of. These are shark-free zones. Identify one or two students as sharks. When you say go, players will run around the gym standing on mats or inside hula hoops to stay away from the sharks. If a student fails to get to a safe area before being tagged, they are out.

28. Cats and mice

Give each student a scarf – one color for cats and one color for mice. Have them tuck the scarves into their back pockets or waistband as tails. Cats will chase mice and mice will chase cats. If the opposite team catches a tail, they keep it. The winning team is the one who steals all the tails first.

29. Tunnels and trains

Choose two students to start out as trains. The rest of the students put their hands and feet on the floor creating a tunnel with their bodies. The trains must crawl through the tunnels. When a train goes through the tunnel, that student joins the tunnel at the front and the next student at the back of the tunnel turns into a train. Play continues until all students have become trains.

30. Noisy running

Explain to students that you will be playing music and the louder the music gets the faster they need to run around the play area. As you turn down the volume, they will slow their running.

31. Freeze dance

Play some upbeat dance music and encourage students to free dance. When you stop the music, they must freeze. Any student who doesn’t freeze is out.

32. Eight dance

Choose one student to start the game. Turn on some upbeat music and have the student demonstrate any move they want, such as jumping or spinning in circles. The rest of the students must copy the move eight times. Let all the children have a turn to be the instructor.

33. British bulldogs

Choose one student to be the bulldog. He stands in the middle of the play area. The rest of the players try to get past the bulldog without getting tagged.

34. Body part tag

This game is played like traditional tag except that whatever body part gets tagged cannot be used anymore. If a student gets tagged on the arm, they cannot use their arm anymore. If he gets tagged on the leg, he has to hop on the other leg.

35. Crab Kickball

This game is played just like traditional kickball except that students must walk and play in the crab walk position.

36. Broom hockey

This is a PE game played like regular hockey except students use brooms instead of hockey sticks.

37. Hop in a hoop

Lay out several hula hoops in the play area. Have students run around the hoops while you play music. When you stop the music, students must hop into a hula hoop – one student per hoop. Students who don’t have a hoop are out.

38. Hot potato

Arrange your students in a circle and give them a small ball. They will pass the ball around the circle until you blow the whistle. The student holding the ball when the whistle blows is out.

39. Scooter tag

This PE game is played just like traditional tag except students must play by sitting on and moving around on scooters.

40. Bucketball

This game is played just like regular basketball except students use a bucket instead of the usual basketball hoop.

Break your class into small teams of 5 or 6 players. Give one student from each group a jump rope. That student will spin the jump rope on the ground while the other members of the group jump over it. If the “snake” touches a student, they are out.

42. Shipwreck or Captain Says

This is a game that puts a twist on the traditional “Simon Says.” Line your students up and start calling out commands that have to do with ships and pirates, such as “swab the deck” or “walk the plank.” Instead of saying “Simon says,” you’ll say, “Captain says.”

43. Hula hoop tag

This is another version of traditional tag. Students follow the same rules as regular tag, but they must spin a hula hoop while they run around.

44. Museum guard

This game is like freeze tag. Students will tiptoe silently around the play area pretending to sneak around a museum. When you call out “museum guard” they must freeze. Students who don’t freeze are out.

45. Mirror, Mirror

Divide your class into teams of two. Have them stand facing each other. One person does a move, and the other students must copy the move. Continue playing, encouraging students to make the movements harder and more complicated.

46. Backward tag

Play this game just like regular tag except students can only walk or run backward during play.

47. Alligators in the swamp

Choose several students to be alligators and have them lay on their stomachs in the middle of the play area. Spread them out so there are several feet between each alligator. The rest of the class starts on one end of the play area and has to try to get past the alligators. If an alligator tags them, they are out.

48. Sleeping baby

Students run around the play area until they hear the teacher yell, “sleeping baby.” At this point, all the kids drop to the floor and pretend to be sleeping. The last student to “fall asleep” is out.

49. Garbage tag

Wad up a bunch of pieces of paper to be the garbage. Choose one student to be “it.” That person starts to throw the garbage at the other players. Any player hit with a piece of garbage is out.

50. Lighthouse and ships

Place several obstacles around the gym, such as cones or mats. Students will close their eyes and pretend to be ships trying to get to the lighthouse. If they run into one of the obstacles, their ship is sunk and they are out.

PE class is about to get so much more fun for your students! Any of these games are sure to make PE their favorite class of the day.

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28 Best PE Games With Absolutely No Equipment

P.E. lessons can be a bit daunting at times. All that equipment to organize and worry about. Yuck!

Then there are the safety aspects to consider. Eek!

The good news is, there are plenty of simple P.E. games that you can use with no equipment!

The Ultimate List of PE Games With No Equipment

Whether you need ideas for Kindergarten PE games, or PE games for preschool this list will spark the creativity you need for gym class or at home!

I’ve been teaching in early education for the best part of 20 years now, and in that time I’ve come up with a full armory of the very best PE games WITH NO EQUIPMENT! Woop!

Table of Contents

That’s right! Just a group of children are enough to create many games and have plenty of fun.

All you need are a good space and plenty of energy, so let’s go!

1. Stop And Go Bubbles

Practice drawing a great big pretend bubble with your finger in the air.

Reach up as high as you can and reach down as low as you can. Really reach all the way around you.

If you can reach and touch anyone else with our moving your feet you are too close to move away and make sure you are in your own space.

Stretch out in your bubble to make sure you can’t touch anyone else’s just in case you should burst their bubble.

Ask the children to move like a bubble and float around the space. How freeing and mindful this bit is!

When you tell them to stop, make sure their bubble is in a good space so that no one can burst it.

2.Extra Sensory Perception (ESP)

This is a brilliant pairs game, that is good as a warm-up or as a fun game on it’s own!.

What you do is invent three movements and demonstrate them to the group.

Once you’ve played it a couple of times, the kids can come up with their own ideas.

Three examples of moves could be:

• Doing star jumps
• Doing Jazz hands
• Jumping a 360 spin on the spot

Then everyone gets a partner.

The true challenge now is to activate your ESP, which (as pretty much all kids seem to know), is your Extra-Sensory Perception. Simply put, this is the ability to read your partner’s mind (which is very exciting).

Everyone displays one of the three moves at the same time. You want to do the move that you think your partner will do.

Do the same move? Woo woo! You activated your ESP.

Different move? Just try again.

Keep going for a few goes, before changing partners to see if your ESP works better or worse on other people.

As well as being a great PE activity, I often use this as a circle time game in class. This is one of the favorite games from my book 101 Circle Time Games…That Actually Work!

This book contains all the very best mindfulness circle games, active circle games, math games, literacy circle games, and so much more! You can check out the book here.

3. Foxes And Hares

Once the children have got a good understanding of space, and they can stop and start on your command, there are lots of fun PE games you can introduce.

Foxes and hares is a classic chase game .

Aim of the game: To catch all the hares of course!

About a fifth of the children should be foxes. So if you are playing with 10 children, 2 children can be foxes. 

The hares move around the space by hopping. To hop, they should move both feet together and then put two hands together on the floor, just like a rabbit or a hare moves in bunny hops.

The foxes also move on four legs (hands and feet) but they should be quicker as they are less restricted.

To catch a hare, simply touch them (gently, please! No fox attacks).

When all the Hares are caught by the foxes, the game is over and you start a new game with a new group of foxes.

4. Trains and Tunnels

This is a similar version to the game above. There are always loads of train enthusiasts among pretty much any age of children, so this game is always a winner.

Choose a few children to be the trains. 

Explain that the rest of the children are tunnels. They should make a tunnel by putting both their hands and feet on the floor and arching their back as high as they can to make a high tunnel with their body. 

The trains should run around the space until you shout Whoo Whoo.

At the sound of the train whistle, they should crawl through as many of the tunnels as they can. 

When a train has been through a tunnel, the tunnel is released and becomes a train. 

Keep playing until all the tunnels are trains. 

This is a fun game for pairs.

One child is the leader, the other is their shadow.

Explain how your shadow does exactly what you do. It follows you everywhere, and your movements are identical.

As the leaders move around the space, the shadow follows and copies exactly what they do.

Encourage the children to use different levels of movement.

• Roll on the floor
• Move on your hands and knees
• Move on one or two feet

Encourage them to use different speeds of movement

• Move slowly and gracefully
• Move quickly and craftily

Encourage them to use different balances

• Balance on one foot
• Balance on all fours
• Balance on two feet and one hand

Remember to swap over so that both children have a chance to be the leader. 

6. Good Toes Naughty Toes

This is another simple listening game requiring no equipment and it can be played as an indoor and outdoor game.

There are two instructions that the children are going to listen out for. Those are:

Good toes – They should stand completely still with their feet together

Naughty toes – They should dance around wildly using the space and not bumping into anyone else. (Music can be used if you want to)

This game is all about freedom and expression!

7. Noisy Running!

This is possibly my all-time favorite mindful PE game.

This is best done outside in a large space.

The idea is that the children are going to move and make noises at the same time. The volume of the sound they make will be directly linked to how fast they move.

Start by all humming very faintly, and walking really slowly.

Then try a fast walk, and raise the volume of the sound coming out of everyone’s mouth.

Then try light jogging, with a medium noise – aaaaahh – coming from everyone’s mouth, about the volume of talking.

Keep getting faster and increasing the volume! When you are running at full pelt, you will also be yelling as loud as possible – AHHHHH!

I like to do this activity in a structured way to introduce it and mix up the speeds/volumes for a while.

But then, for a couple of minutes, let the children ‘freestyle’. They choose their speeds and volumes and race around.

This activity is all about mindfulness , and experiencing a sense of freedom and liberation from inhibitions!

8. Floating!

Another mindful PE activity here.

Get the children to stand in a space and close their eyes. Then you are going to help them to visualize that they are transforming into something that floats or flies!

It could be:

Let’s imagine we start with the balloon.

Tell the children to visualize they are slowly changing into a balloon. Their skin is becoming colored rubber. And now someone is blowing them up, and they are getting lighter and lighter, and larger and larger.

Then, tell them they are fully inflated.

The children open their eyes, and now they are going to imagine they are floating like balloons around the space!

Off they go – billowing and wafting in the breeze.

After a couple of minutes, you can try transforming into feathers or eagles.

9.  Be The Teacher

This is a good way for children to start to think about the quality of their movements in PE class.

Work in pairs again. One child should be the teacher. 

Explain that as the teacher, they have to help their pupil make the best quality moves and shapes that they possibly can.

It depends on what kind of moves you are working on, but I like to do this with gym moves.

Try moves like:

• Forward roll
• 360 jump rotation

Ask one child to demonstrate the move, and the other child should help them to make it perfect.

Encourage the children to be kind and helpful. For example, they might say things like:

Tuck your head in a bit more.

Can you straighten your legs even more?

Can you reach up taller?

Ask them to use lots of praise if they spot some good quality movements and make sure they tell their partner what they are doing well.

Don’t forget to swap so that everyone has a go at being the teacher.

10. Make A Shape

Put the children in groups of 4 or 5 and give them the challenge of working as a team to make a shape.

Explain that they can work on the floor, lying down or standing up, as long as the shape is clear.

Begin with the basic shapes of:

circle, triangle, square rectangle

Build up to more difficult shapes like:

stars, hexagons, ovals, rhombus, or octagon

11. Body Letters And Numbers

You can extend this from shapes to letters of the alphabet or numbers.

Simply ask the children to make a letter by working together to get into the shape. This is a good activity for team building as they will have to work together and everybody is needed. 

12. Dance Like No-One’s Watching

Dancing is good for you for so many reasons. It’s a workout for the whole body, it encourages you to keep a beat and keep in time with music, and most of all, it’s fun.

It’s good for the soul, so put some happy upbeat music on and encourage some free dancing.

Clap your hands, wiggle your hips, wave your arms. Have fun!!

13.  Heart Monitors

It’s important for children to know that exercising makes changes to our bodies so that they aren’t frightened by the changes and they understand what is happening to them. 

This is a nice activity to explain those changes so that the children understand that it is perfectly normal.

Count down one minute of any kind of high-intensity exercise, for example:

• Fast running on the spot with high knees 
• Tuck jumps with both feet together
• Pretending to skip on the spot as fast as you can
• Burpees (lay down then jump up)

Really encourage the children to put lots of effort in here.

When the minute is up, encourage the children to put their hands on their hearts and feel it beating.

If they’ve put enough effort in, it should be pounding. Ask them to feel their forehead – it should be at least warm, if not hot and sweaty. 

Notice how fast their breathing is when they stop. They should be out of puff.

With older children, you could ask them to take their own pulse before and after exercising and see how much their pulse rate has increased. 

14. Eight Dance!

This is a great dancing game for kids of all ages.

Put some pumping music on to get everyone going!

Then pick some kind of action or dance move, and everyone does it eight times to the music while also counting at the same time – ‘1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8!’

So, you might do eight star-jumps while counting. Or eight big marches on the spot.

Then shout out a new action, and start that, keeping the counting going throughout.

Some other good dances/actions could be:

• Arms up arms down
• Punch the air with one arm, then the other
• Arms wide, arms across your body
• Walking in place

For the older ones, the emphasis is on the movement. But for younger kids, this is also a great rote counting activity.

15. Animal Copy Cat

One child will be the leader in this game. This is the ‘cat’ that the others will try to copy.

The leader is going to pretend to move like an animal. Everyone else will copy!

For example, they might move like a monkey. They will stoop low, and swing their arms like a monkey. Everyone copies!

After a while, the leader will change the animal. They might pretend to be an elephant!

The trick is for everyone to watch for the transition and try to copy.

The leader can mix things up as quickly or slowly as they like.

16. Animal Freeze!

This is a variation of the animal copycat game above with a bit of music added.

Once again, have a leader that is going to pretend to be different animals that the others copy.

Put on some music, and the kids move around like the animal that the leader is demonstrating.

The adult will pause the music at any given moment. The children must then freeze in their best animal pose! It’s a bit like musical statues at this point. Anyone that moves could be out! (Or you can just play the non-competitive version where everyone gets to carry on each time).

17. Transformers

Wow – transformers are one of the most exciting things on the planet for many kids.

And this game really taps into this enthusiasm.

The kids are all now shape-shifting transformers. They can transform in the blink of an eye into many different types of vehicles, and move around the space like them.

Some good vehicles to try include:

• Train – with ‘chugging’ arms and lots of tooting!
• Helicopter – arms as rotas spinning over your head
• Racing cars – running around as fast as possible!
• Plane – Lots of swooping and soaring
• Monster trucks – Be as big and wide as you can

18. Mr Men/Little Miss Game

The idea of this is that the kids pretend to be some of the characters out of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books.

Some good ones to try include:

Mr. Grumpy – stamp around the room with your angriest face

Mr. Tall – Stretch up and walk as tall as you can

Mr. Bump – Go round bumping into walls and imaginary objects (though not other people)

Little Miss Tiny – Curl up like a tiny weeny ball

Lots of modeling of movements work well for this game – both from the adult and skillful children.

19. Child-Friendly Yoga

I find yoga is most effective with children when they can readily understand that the pose they are doing is mimicking something.

Some great poses that mimic things that children know are:

Household Yoga

In this, the kids mimic everyday actions in the house. It could be sweeping the floor, or washing the pots.

Lie on your front, with your hands flat on the floor next to your face.

Push upwards until your arms are straight, your chest is off the floor, and your back is arched.

This stretches the back and abdomen.

Giraffe Pose

Stand with one foot in front of the other.

Reach up high with both hands (this being the giraffe’s neck.) Then slowly bend down, and touch your leading foot with both hands.

Then slowly return to the original position.

Turtle Pose

Lie on your back. Pull your knees into your chest so that you form a ball shape. Slowly rock backward and forwards.

Your curved back forms the turtle’s ‘shell’.

20. Bean Game

This is one of those all-time classics that I thought I should include on this list.

The children pretend to be types of beans, each of which has its own separate movement.

Model two or three bean movements to start off with, have a practice, and then all play the game. Add more bean movements when the children get more confident.

The adult simply calls out a bean name, and the children move in that way.

The beans and associate movements are:

Sprouting bean  – Walk around on your tip-toes, with your arms stretched as high above you as possible

Baked bean  – Sit down on the floor

Broad bean  – Try to be as wide as possible! Walk around like this

Beans on toast  – Lie down on the floor

Chilli bean  – Shiver! This is a ‘pun’ on the word ‘chilli/chilly’ (obviously!)

Jelly bean  – Wibble and wobble!

Runner bean  – Run around like crazy

French bean  – Say, ‘Bonjour!

When you’ve played a few times, a child could potentially become the leader of this game.

21. Action Stories

This is a really good way of combining storytelling, listening, and action!

The adult makes up a story, and the children act it out.

After you’ve done it a few times, a confident child might well be able to lead this.

You want to have lots of active characters in the story, such as stamping giants, witches on broomsticks, unicorns galloping, and all that kind of thing.

As well as that, it’s good to have lots of action, such as terrible storms blowing, landslides, sinking sand, and all the rest of it.

The kids act all of these things out.

A sample start of a story might go:

‘One day the giant went stamping off through the forest. A terrible wind began to blow. The trees were swaying from side to side. Suddenly a unicorn came galloping into the forest to save the giant…’

I’m sure you get the picture!

22. Traffic Lights

Here’s another absolute classic of the repertoire!

In this, the children will pretend to be cars, and the adult gives different verbal instructions that the cars respond to.

The easiest way to play the game is to have three simple instructions that correspond to the colors of a traffic light:

Green  – Go! Jog around the space

Red  – Stop still

Yellow  – Walk on the spot, ready to go

Start easy, but you can always add more elements to the game when they are ready. Some other verbal cues include:

Honk the horn  – A noisy one, this! Go round tooting!

Roundabout  – Jog around in a narrow circle

Parking Lot (or car-park)  – Lie down on the floor

Freeway  – Run as fast as you can

23. Fox and Chickens

This is a variation of a basic tag game .

The idea is to mix up the game by incorporating a theme that the children are interested in.

So, you could have a fox catching chicken by tagging them. Or one of the following:

• A shark catching fishes
• A bird catching worms
• Or a witch catching children

Anything you think the children will respond to is fine.

24. HIIT Session

Here is a simple idea, that is great for fitness for all ages.

You have a structured sequence of activities that you perform together. Spend about thirty seconds on each movement, with a fifteen-second break.

Some simple moves include:

• Reach up, reach down
• Jumping like a frog
• Jumping in place
• Reach to one side, reach to other

For older or more skillful children, you can try some of these:

You can do one round of the activities or even two or three reps!

25. Simon Says Active Version

Of course, you all know the basic idea of Simon Says .

But it works really well in PE sessions if you make the moves super-active!

So, rather than ‘Simon says touch your nose’ kind of instructions, you want to think more along the lines of ‘Simon says crawl like snakes across the floor!’

Some other good examples might be:

‘Simon says wade through the muddy swamp.’

‘Simon says climb the rope ladder.’

‘Simon says run like a cheetah on all fours!’

26. Captain’s Coming

This is another game that is donkey’s old, but children love it generation after generation.

All the kids pretend to be on a boat. The adult gives orders to the ‘crew’.

These include:

Scrub the deck  – Get on hands and knees and start scrubbing the floor!

Swim to shore  – Use a powerful front crawl to move around the space

Into the hammock  – Lie down on the floor

Lift the cannonballs  – Lift up those super heavy cannonballs, and load them into the cannon!

Row the boat  – Row!

Captain’s coming  – Salute!

27.Melting Moments

This is a visualization and mindfulness game that is great as a warm-down.

The children are going to be imagining that they are something that melts. For example, they could be:

-A chocolate bar

-An ice-cube

Let’s imagine we go for ‘snowman’. Tell the children to stand in a space and then close their eyes.

Tell them to imagine that they are transforming into a snowman. They can feel their freezing cold body, their carrot nose, and coal for their eyes.

But now the hot sun has come out. You can feel the warmth on your face!

Feel how the snow is melting your body. Water is starting to drip down the snowman.

Imagine you are shrinking! You are getting lower to the ground! And finally, you are a steaming puddle lying on the floor.

(Ask the children to lie down and imagine this!)

28. Figures Of Eight

This is a good game to use as a warm-down.

The basic idea is that the kids stand in a space, and they are going to form a large figure 8 in the air with different parts of their bodies.

Start with their finger, but then move on to using their:

Warming Up And Cooling Down

To warm-up before PE Class or a fun activity at home, I like to play some music with a good steady beat and perform some repetitive actions for the children to copy. I make sure I warm up my arms, shoulders, feet, legs, hips, and neck. 

To cool down after PE games, try some nice long stretches for all the different body parts. I always like to finish a cool-down with some big deep breaths. Scoop up some air, stretch up and hold it above your head and then blow it away as you release your arms back down to your sides. 

Not Just Good For Physical Learning

One of the biggest benefits of daily physical activity is that children’s behavior improves as well as their overall confidence and independence. Check out this study on tracking of physical activity into into adulhood for more information on the benefits of PE Games .

Now that’s something worth trying for.

Good luck if you try out any of these fun PE games!

PHYSEDGAMES

…click a category above for great p.e. games, the pe games you will find on this site are used by professional physical education teachers as part of successful programs in school gyms – here you’ll find amazing ideas for p.e. – tried, tested, and proven by physed teachers and coaches , direct link to youtube channel: physedgames youtube, browse the categories at the top to enjoy quick and easy video descriptions to learn a new game for your class or visit our youtube to find the most popular games and get the latest game ideas sent directly to your video feed by subscribing. , game of the month.

Looking for some classic physical education ideas? Looking for something new and unique? There are all types of games & activities ranging from sport-specific (soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, lead-ups, etc) to LOG’s, tag, warm-up, fitness, team-building, dodgeball, literacy, numeracy, etc. Children need at least 90 minutes of exercise a day for healthy development – these games will motivate to get students moving and enjoying learning skills in the gym! So hopefully you will find lots here to help supplement your own program.

** Grade level specific categories are searchable: Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8 – browse through games that are appropriate for your grade level. HIGHSCHOOLS please note that most of the Grade 8 category games can be used and/or adapted for use at the highschool level – take a look and see what works! **

If you have a favorite PE activity or game idea that you use in your own program and you’d like to share, please send a detailed email to us at [email protected] and we will do our best to create a video to add to the list.

PhysedGames is frequently updated with new ideas to try out. We also offer a couple book options (hardcopy and electronic) to add to your physical education library. These book options convert many of the best game videos into more portable text-based and electronic forms. PLEASE NOTE that all games are firstly and always available for FREE in the video viewing format. For those interested, take a look at the popular PHYSEDGAMES TOP 99 PHYSEDGAMES TOP 99 (affiliate link) hardcopy book from Amazon or get top-rated Digital File Downloads (PDFs) on Teachers Pay Teachers. A big THANK-YOU goes out to those who support PHYSEDGAMES!

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27 Exciting PE Games For Middle School

• Gamification

Introduction:

Physical Education plays an essential role in the development of middle school students. Engaging PE games not only keep students active but also improve their physical, mental, and social skills. Here are 27 exciting PE games that can ensure middle school students have a fantastic time while learning and staying healthy.

1. Ultimate Frisbee – A highly competitive sport combining football and frisbee elements.

2. Dodgeball – A classic game that promotes coordination, teamwork, and communication.

3. Capture the Flag – A strategy-based game that teaches cooperation and teamwork.

4. Basketball Knockout – A fast-paced, individual basketball shooting game to test accuracy and speed.

5. Tag Variations (Freeze Tag, Octopus Tag) – Fun variations of the classic playground game.

6. Indoor Soccer – Promotes teamwork, agility, and athletic skills in a smaller setting.

7. Four Square – A simple game for practicing hand-eye coordination and social interaction.

8. Jump-Rope Relay – Promotes cardiovascular fitness and builds camaraderie among team members.

9. Fitness Bingo – A fun twist on traditional bingo that incorporates exercise activities.

10. Balloon Volleyball – An easy-to-set-up game that helps develop hand-eye coordination and teamwork.

11. Hula Hoop Contest – Challenges students’ stamina and core strength.

12. Parachute Games (Popcorn, Merry-Go-Round) – Enhance cooperation skills and create a sense of unity.

13. Obstacle Courses – Test both physical and mental acuity while building self-confidence.

14. Tchoukball – A non-contact sport focused on teamwork, throwing accuracy, and defense strategy.

15. Flag Football – Emphasizes sportsmanship, communication, and strategic thinking on the field.

16. Speedball – A combination of soccer, football, basketball promoting cardiovascular fitness & coordination.

17. Red-Light, Green-Light – A classic game that improves listening skills and reaction time.

18. Crab Soccer – Develops core strength, motor skills, and fosters teamwork.

19. Crossfit Kids – Adapts traditional CrossFit exercises for younger athletes, focusing on strength and endurance.

20. Guard the Noodle – A tag-based game that encourages movement and coordination.

21. Steal the Bacon – A high-energy game to improve reaction time, teamwork, and strategy.

22. Hantis– A handball-tennis hybrid game that promotes agility and teamwork.

23. Pac-Man Tag – A running game that requires quick thinking and strategizing moves.

24. Relay Races (Egg/Spoon, Wheelbarrow) – Builds teamwork, communication, and motor skills.

25. Badminton – Focuses on agility, coordination while combining elements of tennis and volleyball.

26. Gauntlet-Tag – Enhances students’ running and dodging prowess in a fun, competitive environment.

27. Kickball – An excellent substitute for baseball that develops athletic skills in a more inclusive setting.

Conclusion:

Including a variety of exciting PE games will keep middle schoolers engaged and motivated to participate in physical activities regularly. These games foster essential skills such as teamwork, communication, strategizing, while continuously nurturing their physical development. So, schedule these 27 exhilarating PE games in your middle school’s curriculum today!

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31 Indoor PE Activities – One for Everyday of the Month

• By Kerry Cordy
• January 4, 2024

We know that keeping kids active and excited about physical education can be a challenge, especially in the winter. That’s why we’ve compiled a month’s worth of fun, energetic indoor PE activities. These PE activities are not just exercises – they’re adventures that will make every day a celebration of movement and joy. From creative games to fitness challenges, we’re here to help you transform your learning space into a hub of enthusiasm and physical exploration. These activities provide a variety of ways for kids to stay active indoors while having a blast. Adjust the difficulty level based on the age and fitness levels of the children participating.

Badges you may wish to earn while staying active may include badges like the Health and Fitness Badge , Obstacle Course Badge , Stretching Badge , Story Movement Badge or Yoga Badge .

31 Ideas for Indoor Active Play

• Balloon Bop: Keep balloons in the air using only your knees, feet, elbows or any other body part besides your hands.
• Animal Yoga: Pretend to be different animals while doing yoga poses. Examples include downward dog, cobra, and butterfly.
• Balloon Volleyball: Pull a string across the room to act as a net and use a balloon for a volleyball.
• Simon Says Fitness : Play a fitness-themed version of Simon Says, incorporating exercises like jumping jacks, squats, and lunges.
• Indoor Bowling : Set up a bowling alley using soft balls or rolled up socks and empty plastic water bottles for pins.
• Musical Statues: Dance when the music plays and freeze when it stops.
• Hula Hoop Contest: See who can hula hoop the longest or learn fun tricks with the hoop.
• Pillow Jumping : Place pillows on the floor and challenge kids to jump from one to another creating pathways through the house.
• Obstacle Course: Create an indoor obstacle course using household items like cushions, chairs, and blankets.
• Play Twister: If you don’t own this classic board game, make one of your own using colored paper
• Indoor Hopscotch: Use tape or colored paper to create a hopscotch grid on the floor.
• Fitness Bingo: Create bingo cards with different exercises. Call out exercises, and kids mark off the ones they complete.
• Balloon Tennis: Play tennis using balloons and fly swatters as rackets.
• Scavenger Hunt: Hide cards with fitness activities around the house. As the cards are found, the kids must do each activity such as 10 jumping jacks, 5 push ups, spin in circles, a forward roll, etc.
• The Floor is Lava: Pretend the floor is hot lava and cannot be touched. Then give a simple task such as “Go get your bedroom pillow” and see how creative the kids can be in getting it without touching the ground.
• Play Red Light Green Light: Make a starting line and finish line with masking tape. Have the caller stand just over the finish line with their back to the players. When “Green Light” is called, everyone can move from the starting line toward the finish line. On “Red Light” everyone must freeze and the caller turns around. If they see anyone moving, that person must go back to the starting line. The caller then puts their back to everyone again and continues calling. You can make it more interesting by requiring specific movements to get from one line to the next like a crab crawl or jumping jacks.
• Mini Golf: Use items found around the house to create a mini golf course. A wrapping paper tube can be used as a golf club and a pingpong ball can make a good golf ball.
• Fitness Dice: Create dice with different exercises on each side. Roll the dice and perform the exercise shown.
• Indoor Soccer: Use soft balls to play a modified version of soccer indoors.
• Indoor Basketball Shootout: Set up a small hoop and challenge kids to shoot soft balls into it or use a small waste basket and rolled up socks.
• Bubble Wrap Stomp: Tape bubble wrap to the floor and have kids stomp on it.
• Play Body Part Twister: Whatever body parts that are called out are the only body parts allowed to touch the floor. For example you might call out “Right Foot, Left Hand” and kids must stand on their right foot with their left hand touching the floor. Call out “Bum” and have them balance solely on their buttocks or get creative and make calls like “Left Knee, Rigth Elbow.”
• Balancing Act: Set up a balance beam using a straight line on the floor, and challenge kids to walk across it in different ways.
• Fitness ABCs: Assign an exercise to each letter of the alphabet and spell out words or names with exercises.
• Animal Movement Relay: Act out different animal movements in a relay race, like hopping like a bunny or crawling like a crab.
• DIY Olympics Day : Create fun competitions and award medals for things like the most jumping jacks, or the longest held plank.
• Play Limbo: Grab a broomstick and see how low you can go!
• Math Jump: Place cards with numbers on the floor. Call out math problems and have kids jump to the correct answer.
• Marching Band: March around the room with homemade instruments, incorporating movements and exercises.
• Story Movement: Act out a story through movement.
• Not in My Backyard: Divide a room with a strip of masking tape. Put 20 balled up pieces of paper on each side. On “go!” each side tries to get rid of all their paper by throwing it to the other side. The first side with no paper wins.

As we wrap up our month-long excursion of indoor PE activities we hope your homeschool or classroom has been transformed into a dynamic hub of energy, laughter, and learning. These activities aren’t just about physical fitness; they’re about fostering a lifelong love for movement, creativity, and staying active. We encourage you to carry this enthusiasm forward, exploring new ways to keep kids engaged and excited about physical education. Whether it’s rainy days or sunny afternoons, let the spirit of active play continue to thrive.

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7 Creative Net Games for Physical Education

1. Team Two Square

Objective: Score a point so that one team does not return a bounced ball.

Scroll to next tag game (Ace Chase Two Square)

Cooperative Instructions

Fundamental Movement Skills: Manipulative Send (Strike), Manipulative Receive​ (Strike)

Equipment List: One bouncy foam ball

Setting Up:

• Like a badminton court and the space between the short service lines is the bounce area.​
• Like a volleyball court and the space between the attack lines is the bounce area.​
• Six players line up in volleyball positions behind the short service line or attack line.​
• One player in the front row holds a bouncy foam ball and strikes it in the bounce area so that it lands in the court.​

Instructions:

• All balls must be hit up.
• The player with the ball bounces the ball off the floor and hits the ball up into their opponents’ square.
• The receiving team hits the ball up into their opponents’ square….
• A point is scored when an opponent cannot return the ball into their opponents’ square.
• Team that scored a point serves–rotating servers throughout the game.
• Play till 21 and then play again or play a different team…

Questions for understanding:

• What offensive tactics make scoring easier?​
• What defensive tactics make preventing the other team from scoring easier?

Competitive Instructions

2. Ace Chase Two Square

Objective: Be the first team to score 11 points

Scroll to next tag game (Nitro Ball)

Fundamental Movement Skills : Manipulative Send (Strike), ​Manipulative Receive​ (Block​)

Equipment List:

• 4 plastic or foam paddles
• 2 high-bounce foam balls (3.5″ dia)
• 6 spots (9″ dia)
• Using floor tape create a two-square—the cross pieces are about 8-9 steps long.
• Place a poly spot near the back and in the middle of each square.
• The two players each stand in a square, each holding a paddle.
• One player also holds a ball
• The player with the ball bounces the ball off the floor and hits the ball up into one of the opposing squares.
• The ball must bounce in a square before the player, whose square it is, returns it an upward motion to one of the other squares.
• If a player hits another player’s poly spot, play stops, and the player whose poly spot was hit goes to the number 4 square and other players move forward if there is an open square.

Questions & Notes:

• Offensively, what are the best tactics to make it difficult for another player to return the ball?
• Defensively, what are the best tactics to be able to receive the ball most effectively?

3. Nitro Ball

Objective: To score points by having the ball hit the floor in the other team’s court

Scroll to next tag game (Mission Target Over Net)

Fundamental Movement Skills: Manipulative Send (Strike)

• 1 Nitro Ball (could use a regular volleyball as well)
• 1 tennis or volleyball net
• Use a tennis court outside or a volleyball court inside.
• Four players position themselves in two rows on either side of the net.
• One player stands half ways between the back of the court and the net, holding the nitro ball.
• On the leader’s signal to begin, the server underhand serves the ball over the net into the other team’s court. All serves must be underhand.
• The serving team must let the ball land in their court before striking the ball (with one or two hands)–every hit can only be made after the ball bounces off the floor–the only exception is the serve.
• Each team can hit the ball a maximum of three times per side before the ball must go over the net–blocking is not permitted because the ball must bounce off the floor before being hit.
• Points are scored when:
• Requires more than three hits to get the ball over the net.
• The ball lands on the floor two times in a row.
• The ball hits on a team’s own side and goes over the net.
• The team that scores a point gets to serve next.
• Team’s rotate one player clockwise if the other team served last.
• First team to score 21 points is the winner.
• Catch and Hit: For younger or less experienced players have each player catch the ball and then hit it.
• 6-8 Players: More players makes the game easier and should be used for younger players.
• Two hand: All hits must be made with two hands. This slows the game down.
• All touch: All four players must hit the ball before it is sent over the net.
• Offensively what are helpful strategies to score points?
• Defensively what are helpful strategies to reduce points being scored against you?

4. Mission Target Over Net

Objective: Be the first team to knock down the opponent’s pins.

Scroll to next tag game (ACTIVE! FiToss)

Fundamental Movement Skills: Manipulative Send (Throw)

• ACTION! HiddenMission Set
• On a volleyball court each team sets up their 10 pins in a scattered position behind the attack line and at least one step in front of the back line.
• Each team holds six foam balls.
• On the signal to begin, players toss the balls over the net in an attempt to knock down their opponent’s pins. The first team to succeed is the winner.
• Players may enter the play space to retrieve a ball but may not attempt to block an opponent’s ball from striking a pin.

Questions for Understanding:

• Defensively what is the best way to position the pins; what is the worst way? Why?​ How might those reasons impact a game like volleyball?
• What are the best mechanics for tossing the ball accurately?

5. ACTIVE! FiToss

Objective: To score points by having the ball hit the floor in the other team’s court.

Scroll to next tag game (Floating Volleyball)

Fundamental Movement Skills: Manipulative Send (Throw), Manipulative Send (Catch)

Equipment List :

• 1 ACTIVE! FiToss Set
• 1 volleyball net
• Six players position themselves in two rows on either side of the net.
• One player stands behind the back-service line holding the FiToss ball.
• On the leader’s signal to begin the server tosses the ball in the air to a teammate..
• The serving team can catch and toss the ball a maximum of two more times before the ball must go over the net.
• Players may not walk while carrying the ball.
• The receiving team can catch and toss the ball a maximum of three times on their side before the ball must go over the net.
• The ball lands out of bounds.
• Requires more than three throws to get the ball over the net.
• The ball lands on the floor in the court.
• First team to score 25 points is the winner.
• All touch: All six players must catch and toss the ball before it is sent over the net.

6. Floating Volleyball

Objective: Be the first team to score 25 points

Scroll to next tag game (ACTION! Volleybound)

• One D-Lite Volleyball
• One Volleyball net
• Two teams of six players line up on either side of a volleyball net on a volleyball court.
• Players position themselves in the six spots–as in volleyball.
• One player in the back middle of the court holds the D-Lite ball.
• The player with the ball (move the player back if too easy to hit over the net or move this player forward if it is too difficult for this player to hit the ball over the net) hits the ball over the net.
• Each side can contact the ball a maximum of three times per side before the ball must go over the net.
• No player may strike the ball two times in a row.
• If the ball hits the floor the other team scores a point and gets the service.
• If the ball lands outside the court that side scores a point and gets the service.
• Use two balls at a time
• Offensively, what are the best tactics to make it difficult for the defense to return the ball?

7. ACTION! Volleybound

Fundamental Movement Skills: Manipulative Send (Propel), Manipulative Receive​ (Block​)

• 1 Oversized Ball
• 12 Rebounders
• Each player holds a rebounder.
• One player stands behind the back-service line holding a rebounder and the oversized ball.
• On the leader’s signal to begin the server tosses the ball in the air and rebounds the ball into the server’s team court.
• The serving team can rebound the ball a maximum of two more times before the ball must go over the net.
• The receiving team can rebound the ball a maximum of three times on their side before the ball must go over the net.
• Requires more than three rebounds to get the ball over the net.
• All touch: All six players must rebound the ball before it is sent over the net.
• Unlimited: Any number of hits can be used (same player can rebound the ball two or three times in a row) before rebounding the ball over the net.

About the Author:

Dr. John Byl

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The PE Specialist

Awesome Resources for Physical Education Teachers

PE Games: Boom City | A Fun Throwing Activity |

What’s up Phys Ed Family!

One of my all time favorite content areas to teach is Throwing and Catching.  I’ve blogged previously about some of my favorite games like Hula Hut Throwdown or Monster Ball .  I love throwing and catching because there are just so many different games and activities you can play around those 2 skills.

This week I wanted to give you another one of my favorite throwing games for my 3rd graders and up, it’s called Boom City.

Normally when I teach this game, I give my students a quick Instant Activity and then have them go to Home Base Spots so I can take attendance.

For an example of a fun instant activity you could try out check out the video below ( if that seems too complicated, here’s a more simplified one you could try ):

After the instant activity and stretch we get right into the game.

Check out the video below for a basic overview: 

Note: In the video above, I didn’t go into any additional levels or variations of the game, but if you download the Free Lesson Plan at the bottom of this post you’ll find more details and examples of how I gamify this activity for my students to increase complexity and motivation (especially the older students).

Here’s an overview of the game

Equipment needed: .

• Benches (or folded up mats)
• Lots of soft balls for throwing
• 2 Buckets of Rings (or anything else to track points – popsicle sticks, noodle slices etc)
• Wristbands or jerseys to designate teams
• 4-6 pool noodles

Game Objective:

To try and get the most rings in your team’s bucket before the time runs out.

The team with the highest number of rings in their bucket at the end of the round is the winner and will receive one point.   

Discuss strategies, offer refinements, reset the rings and play again. 

Add additional  levels when appropriate before starting the next round

The team with the most points at the end of the class time will be declared the “Boom City Champions”

3 Jobs in the game:

• Throwers – throw a ball from behind the midline to a catcher on your team
• Catcher – go stand on the opposite side on the bench, try to catch a ball in order to steal a ring
• Blocker – stand in from of the black square and attempt to block the thrown balls from the other team

• To count as a successful catch – the catcher must have 2 feet on the bench and catch the ball in the air
• 1.) SPIKE THE BALL
• 2.) YELL BOOM CITY
• 3.) STEAL A RING – go steal a ring from the opposing teams bucket (behind the bench) and run across the gym to place the items in their own teams bucket *Have students say “SPIKE THE BALL… BOOM CITY… STEAL A RING”
• You may only carry one ring at a time
• Throwing a ball past the midline
• Blocking a ball while in the middle square (no blocking in the catching zone)
• Taking more than one ring
• You can go ANYWHERE to get a ball, BUT you must come to your side of the gym to throw it

After explaining the rules to the students and demonstrating each job  – allow each team to have 1 minute to discuss their strategies for success and then start the music to begin the gameplay.  After each round, have the students all meet back in the middle and declare the round winner and discuss strategies.  Then reset the rings/points in the correct bucket and begin the next round.  Play as many rounds as you can in the time you have.

*Note Explain additional levels if you want after each round

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Ben Landers (@thepespecialist)

Level Examples (Game Extensions)

Level 2: Add nerf footballs.  Same rules, except now you can get 2 points for a one handed catch.  One handed catch means no other part of your body touches the ball except for your hand (not one hand + head, not one hand + belly).  If a catcher catches a football with 2 hands they still get one ring.

Level 3: Give each team 2-3 noodles for the blockers to use to try and block the thrown balls

Level 4: Add foam frisbees.  Foam frisbees are also worth 2 rings when caught

Game Variations and Modifications

• Use different equipment for throwing (Frisbees, soft volleyballs, yarn balls,  larger or smaller balls, soft footballs, launch the items out of an elastic band launcher)
• If you don’t have enough benches you can use the area behind the end line as the “in-zone”, however I like having the catchers stand on something, because it increases their catches, which increases physical activity and boosts self confidence.  You could also use folded gymnastics mats, chairs or aerobic steps.
• Have students punt the ball, strike with a paddle, or volleyball serve it instead of throwing to work on different skills
• Ideas for more Levels from Jason Gray
• Cool idea for a tag variation from GlenGrovePE

Strategies to discuss with students

• Communicate – call their name or make eye contact before you throw it to someone on the bench
• Even numbers of throwers and catchers to keep the flow moving (or more catchers bc it takes longer to catch/spike/steal a point than it does to throw a ball.  If your team has a  really good thrower, they could keep a lot of people busy catching and running the rings.
• While you are blocking – catch a ball and throw it to your team members (2 jobs at once)
• Taller people might be better at blocking/catching (know your team’s strengths)
• If you are able to throw a Frisbee or football accurately it’s worth more points, but if you can’t it’s probably not worth it (know your strengths)
• Run fast & gather multiple items at a time not just one
• Throw a rainbow – this is good because it will go over the blockers and also it gives the catcher more time to get ready because the ball is in the air for a longer amount of time
• Get close to the middle line so you don’t have as far to throw the ball
• Eg.) if there are a bunch of catchers and no throwers – step off the bench and become a catcher

That’s it friends!

Hope you enjoy teaching and playing this game with your students.

If you want a detailed lesson plan, you can download it for free below: 

Have Fun and Teach On

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Reader Interactions

August 30, 2023 at 12:48 pm

Hello. Have you yourself ever tried this game using chairs? I don’t have benches and I’m really tempted to try it with chairs.

August 30, 2023 at 3:31 pm

As long as students are safe…chairs should work.

May have to modify the rules but it should be a fun adaptation!

September 8, 2022 at 6:14 pm

Where do you get your softie balls that you use for this game? I have been looking for something other than gatorskin balls as they are expensive. TY

September 9, 2022 at 3:20 pm

You can find all Ben’s recommended equipment and technology tools at the link below:

http://thepespecialist.com/amazon

The balls you are referring to are the Koogle Balls. A link to those is below:

https://amzn.to/2YFywFw

Hope this helps!

October 15, 2019 at 11:53 am

Love this game I think it will be so fun.. I also like your group.. I get some great ideas from it.

October 16, 2019 at 4:53 pm

Awesome to hear that!

March 11, 2019 at 2:26 pm

I haven’t tried this yet but love everything about the concept(s). I’m in my last year of teaching and looking for something I don’t already do, to strengthen throwing and catching skills. Boom City sounds like exactly what I’m searching for to keep things new and fresh with my intermediate students. Thank you!

March 12, 2019 at 3:02 pm

Awesome, hope it works for you!

January 4, 2018 at 1:50 pm

Do you have a video of your students playing this? I tried it today and I feel like I missed something. The kids seemed confused.

January 5, 2018 at 8:49 am

When we played, I broke it down into levels. So we first worked on just throwing across the midline the the designated area (benches/mats) Then we added in the catchers-focused on throwing TO your target, not past. If the Catcher caught the ball/frisbee, then they would practice the “spike, shout” Then we added in the taking the ring and running back to your home side, and back to the opposing side.

What helped one fifth grade class was having the catchers stand by me once they selected who the catchers were and the WHOLE class saw that they were switching sides.

Some classes were smaller so we used catchers & throwers/blockers shared the same role! Hopefully this helped

January 5, 2018 at 8:52 am

I actually braved it this week and played with 2nd grade! I shortened the throwing distance and we used mats stacked on top of one another. It really worked out well. I broke this down into smaller sections as well. Their instant activity was a overhand throwing activity with a partner of their choice for 3-4 minutes and then we divided the teams that way…partner who ended with the ball when the time went off, was on one time…other partner on opposite.

January 8, 2018 at 6:02 pm

Nice! Glad it went well.

I love splitting teams like that – kids are usually pretty bummed to not be with their BFF, but it usually makes for really even teams

January 5, 2018 at 1:25 pm

Do you switch up the catchers after a certain time limit? I do have to say I tried it with the most difficult 4th grade class on the first day back from break, that may have been my downfall. We could all see the potential of it being a great game, they just were not into it? I will try it again though, but I would love to see a video of students playing it.

January 8, 2018 at 6:01 pm

I don’t assign the roles. I let the kids choose which role they think their team needs them to be in. They can change roles anytime they want throughout the game. It’s more strategic and fun that way and also allow students to analyze their strengths

January 8, 2018 at 6:05 pm

Nope, sorry. It does really help to do an entire demo before starting so kids can see which side they will be throwing to and catching from. Like I did in the video demo, have a student stand on the bench and go through each role… or you can break it up into levels slowly adding each part of the game like Callen suggested

December 18, 2017 at 12:18 pm

What grade levels have you played this game with?

December 29, 2017 at 3:23 pm

I normally play with my 3rd – 5th grades

November 12, 2017 at 5:50 pm

What specific lines do you use in the gym for the blockers to stand behind? Do you make one or use a line that is already there?!? Thanks love the idea!

November 13, 2017 at 3:37 pm

We have 4 square courts, so I just put the benches in the middle of the 4 square court and tell the blockers they must stand outside of the 4 square court.

November 7, 2017 at 12:24 pm

Thank you very much for sharing so many resources and ideas! I really appreciate your willingness to share and all of the time and energy you have put into all of this! I am doing a throwing and catching unit now so will definitely try “Boom City”! Thanks Again!

November 7, 2017 at 7:17 pm

For Sure! Glad you’re finding it helpful, hope it goes well

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Best Indoor PE Games

By MK Editor, May 23, 2021

This post is brought to you by  CROSSNET , a four-way volleyball net that was designed with the physical education teacher in mind. With just a click of a button and detachment of poles you can easily set up your net to be a variety of heights. This provides gym teachers and volleyball coaches with easy flexibility allowing them to use CROSSNET with both their younger and older students.

Looking for some great indoor PE games for getting your PE students moving when it’s wet, blazing hot, or freezing cold outside? When the weather isn’t favorable for outdoor physical activities, PE teachers and coaches have to be creative about getting kids moving indoors with potentially small space gym games, where it’s dry and climate-controlled. And while Duck, Duck, Goose is a classic for a reason—everyone loves it!—there are plenty of other great ways to get kids moving and hit their PE curriculum goals inside. Remember, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise equals one mile!

1. Pickleball

A bit like tennis played with a Wiffle Ball and large, wooden, ping-pong-style paddles, Pickleball has been around for decades, but lately it’s been enjoying a bit of a renaissance in PE classes across the country. This game is perfect for indoor PE play, especially if you have either a smaller class or plenty of space for multiple games to be played at once. Pickleball encourages teamwork and as well as developing students’ hand-eye coordination and strategy skills, and there are numerous variations on the game that can be implemented to fit your particular PE class and indoor gym space.

2. Shark Zone

Lay out mats throughout the gym—blue if possible!—and then set up a series of items on top of the mats that students can stand on and move from one to the next without touching the mats. These items might include balance beams, benches, chairs, pieces of plywood and so on. Tell the students that the mats are the shark-infested waters, and the items on top are the safe zone. Then divide them into teams, and have them work and strategize together on how to move safely from one safe zone to the next without ever falling to the mats. Shark Zone is a fun team building game for kids, helps develop balance and coordination, and it’s just good, silly fun on a rainy indoor-PE day.

3. Fitness Bingo

Make up Bingo-style sheets for your students with exercises listed in the squares, along with the number of repetitions or length of time for each exercise. These might include 10 pushups, burpees or jumping-jacks; 20 seconds of mountain-climbers, jumping rope or running in place; and so on. Give each student a Fitness Bingo sheet and a marker to mark off which activities they complete as the teacher calls them out. The first person to call out “Fitness Bingo!” when they’ve marked off all their squares gets to be the leader who calls out the next round. PE teachers love to use this game as a warm up activity for their students!

4. Musical Chairs

This classic game might seem like it’s only for young children, but the truth is that students of any age can enjoy the silliness and fun that Musical Chairs provides. Best of all, this game gets kids moving while also honing their listening skills. The basic, classic format of the game involves setting up chairs in a circle with their backs to the inside of the circle, starting with one fewer chair than the total number of students playing the game. Students form an outer ring around the chairs and walk, skip, run or jump around the chairs to music. When the teacher hits Pause at random moments, everyone must scramble to find a seat. Whoever doesn’t find a seat is “out”; set one chair to the side and continue the game in rounds until there’s only one final student standing (or sitting, as the case may be)!

Depending on the age of your PE students, you can add fun twists to the game to switch things up and help your students work toward different fitness goals. For example:

Students who are “out” must do jumping-jacks, high-knees or pushups while the other students are busy moving to the music.

Walking, running, skipping and hopping are all fun ways to move around the circle as the music plays, but students can also do other fitness-building movements around the chairs, such as lunges, dancing, high-knees, running backward or somersaults (if the game can be played on mats or another soft surface).

Don’t have chairs in your gym or other workout space? No problem — Musical Chairs can be played without chairs as a move-and-freeze game, in which the last student to freeze when the music pauses is “out.”

Add extra movement requirements for students to perform as quickly as possible when the music stops: Have them do five jumping-jacks or touch their heads, shoulders, knees and toes before finding a chair.

5. CROSSNET

This four-square version of volleyball is a super-fun take on the traditional game. Incredibly easy to set up, with adjustable height levels for any age group, it’s a blast for kids from elementary up through high school. CROSSNET targets throwing and catching skills and helps kids develop their hand-eye coordination, while tapping into their competitive natures. It doesn’t take up a lot of room, making it a perfect indoor PE game for smaller spaces or for interval stations set up throughout the gym.

6. Red Light, Green Light

This is another simple movement game that seems childish but can be lots of silly fun for all ages, and which can be used to build cardio endurance, strength or flexibility as well as skills related to listening, observing and following instructions.

In Red Light, Green Light, students line up on the starting line; when the teacher or leader calls out “Green light,” everyone advances toward the finish line until the teacher/leader calls out “Red light,” at which point everyone must freeze as quickly as possible. The game is played until everyone has crossed the finish line. The movements students use in moving toward the finish line are up to them and the teacher to decide; they can run, skip, dance, or do jumping-jacks, high-knees, lunges or even burpees. The possibilities are nearly endless!

The teacher can also add in a “yellow light” twist: When they call out “Yellow light,” students must slow down in whatever movement they are performing. Then, when the teacher calls out “Red light,” students must freeze in place and hold their form or position until “Green light” is called out once again. The slow movements followed by holding a particular position can help students build both muscle and endurance.

7. Indoor Free-Play Stations

Many kids love having some free choice and autonomy built into their school day, and indoor PE days are perfect for blending free choice and autonomy with movement and fun. Set up stations around the gym (or wherever you’re meeting with students) and have children cycle through activities of their choice. These can include activities that develop their persistence as well as their spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination, such as hula-hooping or underhand throwing with bean bags; plyometrics activities, such as jumping rope, jumping-jacks or long jumps; strength-training activities, such as pushups or planks; or cardio endurance builders, such as burpees, high-knees or running in place.

8. Yoga and Mindfulness

A chilly, rainy day can be perfect for helping students develop mindfulness with an indoor yoga and stretching session. Yoga is great since it can be modified to work for almost any age and ability level, and the benefits for students extend well beyond the gym. When students have a few minutes during the school day to calm down and focus on their breathing or how certain stretches or poses make their bodies feel, they can develop mindfulness over time. This can help improve their test scores and focus in class as well as their mood and confidence levels.

9. Cat and Mouse

This game is like Flag Tag, except the flags are pieces of cloth or string tucked into students’ waistbands to represent tails. One or two students can be the cats that chase the mice; mice are “out” when the cats pull out their tails.

10. Hula Hoop Tic-Tac-Toe

This game requires nine hula hoops and ten beanbags—five of one color and five of another. Lay out the nine hula hoops on the floor like a tic-tac-toe grid and then divide students into two teams. Both teams must line up at a starting line some distance away from the hula hoops. When the teacher says “Go,” Player One from the first team runs to the hula hoops and drops a beanbag into the hoop of their choice, and then runs back as quickly as possible. As soon as that player returns, Player One from the second team does the same thing, running to the hoops and dropping a beanbag into another hoop, attempting to block the other team from winning, just like in regular tic-tac-toe. If any player accidentally kicks the hula hoops out of formation, they must stop and re-form the tic-tac-toe grid. Players who are standing in line waiting for their turn can keep moving with jumping jacks, high-knees, or running or marching in place. Hula hoop tic-tac-toe games move quickly; an average-sized class will play several games before every player has had a turn, and then they can start all over again.

11. Gym Laps

When you have to get a group of students moving indoors, sometimes it’s best to just get back to basics. If you can’t have students walk or run on the outdoor track, why not have them walk or run the perimeter of the gym? If you’re the coach of a Marathon Kids run club, your students can log miles just as well inside as outside! You can also have them use the hallways (quietly, of course, when class is in session!). Make it fun by splitting students into relay teams or having them track their own steps or mileage in a data spreadsheet. Students can also do laps by lining up and having the student at the back of the line walk or run as quickly as they can to the front of the line, making slow group forward progress by taking turns until the finish line.

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PE Games For Middle School: Indoor And Outdoor Ideas And Resources

March 15, 2024 //  by  Eileen Zajac

As students get older, their interests definitely change. Along with that, keeping them engaged throughout an entire PE gym class seems to become more and more difficult. When it comes to finding engaging games for your middle school students, it mostly comes down to knowing them and knowing where they’re at developmentally. This list of 27 PE games will help to give you an outlook on what your students like and where they should be.

Whether it be a team game, an individual game, or an entire class game, students should be prepared and ready to have a fun PE class. Knowing why you’re playing a particular game or teaching a specific lesson is vital to students’ success. It’s also vital to their interest. Don’t fall behind when it comes to a successful gym class, be sure to give your students all of the support they need to have something to look forward to.

1. Consecutive Hits

Turning physical activities into a fun game is often one of the main goals of middle school PE teachers. This simple game will be a fit for all skills and will also be perfect for indoor and outdoor lesson plans.

Learn More: HPE Zack Baker

2. Reaction Challenge

This excellent game will help your middle schoolers work not only on building their hand-eye coordination but also on their reaction time. Along with that, it’s an engaging amount of competition while also putting students with different skill levels together.

Learn More: Sarah Casey PE

This is both an indoor and outdoor game that’s simple and hardly requires any equipment. It’s also great for any grade level. Physical education games like this one can be used to challenge students to improve both overall agility and cardio.

4. Ultimate Frisbee

There’s no doubt that sticking to traditional games is always an easy win with most of the kids in your PE class. Ultimate frisbee is the perfect game for that. Working not only on your student’s fitness level but also helping to build teamwork skills essential to the middle school curriculum.

Learn More: YouTube

5. Give A Choice

Providing your kiddos with a choice in their own lesson plans could potentially make kiddos  love  PE class. Undoubtedly, some students lose interest as they get older and more in tune with their bodies. Providing options for cooperative games and maybe even a common game for them will lead to more prosperous classes.

Learn More: Phys ED 4 Life

6. Skittle Scoops

This creative game will fall under some of your most engaging games throughout the year. The more competitive students will surely be able to show their skills, and other students at a more basic level will get to go at their own pace. It’s sort of a win-win for everyone.

Learn More: CMS Phys ED

7. X Factor Fitness

This activity is for students with high confidence levels who are very dedicated to their school gym class. If students aren’t that into it, you might be some less active players. Having creative plans with an activity for everyone is essential here.

8. Quick Aerobics

This aerobic activity is an amazing indoor game. Finding activities for middle school students in the cold winter months can be challenging. So use this active game to raise their cardio and get some of their energy out.

Learn More: Mrs. Taylor Fitness

Kan Jam is a game that most middle school students will be familiar with. It’s a fantastic coordination game that will be fun for students of all skill levels. Be sure to monitor to keep a fair game between competitive students.

10. Treasure Island

Make some class teams and watch students try to win out Treasure Island! This is perfect for the age where students don’t like being touched or super close to each other. Giving active time throughout the day is vital for students’ success. If you have the playing space then this game is a perfect option.

11. Monkey Pong

If you have a Ping Pong table and are not utilizing it by playing Monkey Pong, then you’re doing it wrong! This game doesn’t have complicated rules, and it’s all about cooperative teamwork. Making it the ideal game for middle school.

Learn More: Coach Easley

12. Dice Fitness

Dice fitness gives your kiddos an amazing variation for any series of stretches or exercises. This can fall under your equipment-free games and lesson plans. Perfect for those indoor PE classes.

Learn More: Phys Ed 4 Life

13. Badminton Tournament

The cool thing about badminton is that it can be played without a net! Simply the use of cones will suffice for an entire tournament. Making for a great playing space that’s easy and gives kiddos a chance to cooperate in competitive sports.

Learn More: X Advantage PE Eagles Rise

14. Classic Volleyball

Volleyball is a great lesson to be taught to kiddos throughout middle school. This game will help your students to participate in competitive games while also giving them a chance to learn the rules and regulations of quite the game.

Learn More: Luhi PE

15. Tic Tac Toe

Using a bunch of hula hoops to make giant tic tac toe boards might just be the best idea you’ve had as a PE teacher. Not only will students know and understand this game, but they’ll also love the competition. Due to the added cardio aspect, this will be more complex than the game they’re used to.

Have your kids participate in some yoga during their PE class. Using a basic yoga post for beginners to more complex yoga pose as students get more experienced. This will help them to build up basic skills of peace and tranquility .

Learn More: St. Martin’s MD

Undoubtedly, all students should be equipped to perform CPR if there’s an emergency. Where else to teach it than in your middle school PE class? Bring someone and get all of your kiddos certified and trained in CPR!

Learn More: CMS Phys Ed

18. Fencing With Noodles

Safe and competitive fencing techniques are taught in middle school PE classes. This activity is excellent for upper middle schoolers that are able to safely participate in competitive class activities.

Learn More: Cantley Phys Ed

19. Team Building

Building with buckets is a great way to get your students to be creative and work together. Whether you’re having them mirror your creation or letting them build their own, it doesn’t matter! This is both fun and active when using the big buckets.

Learn More: St. Andrew UT

20. Score Scramble

This game is all about foot-eye coordination (if you will). Watch as students work together to get the ball into the net. Students will save their balls in their goal. This will help to ensure that students are getting enough active involvement.

Learn More: Jason Shegda

21. Flasketball

This game has similar rules to ultimate frisbee but it’s really quite the integration of a variety of sports. The first, of course, is basketball. Next comes the use of footballs and the rules of ultimate frisbee. The object of the game is to score the football into the basketball hoop.

Learn More: Phys Ed Games

Spud is one of those classic games that students will constantly be asking to play for future decades! This game is both super simple, and all students can play. The only requirement is knowing how to count (or just remembering, for that matter) and also being able to run.

Learn More: Phys ED Games

23. Last Man Standing

Middle school kids will not only have fun with this game, but they’ll also be highly challenged. They will be forced to practice quite the intense cardio workout throughout the game.

24. Battleship

Activities like this will help students work together and build lasting memories. It’s so much fun for all students involved. You’ll see how quickly students attach to this game and continuously ask to play.

Learn More: Joelle Newman

25. Handball

Handball is an engaging game in which kids of all skill levels can be competitive. The alternative is something called chair ball . Chair ball is when students stand on the chair with a basket and try to catch the ball rather than shoot in a basket.

Learn More: AHSD25 South

26. Virtual PE Class

Yes, we are in an age where virtual PE classes are no surprise. Of course, at this point, the pandemic is improving, and teachers worldwide have learned to adapt. BUT that doesn’t mean we’ll never run into virtual classes again. It doesn’t hurt to have some lesson plans set on the back burner these days.

Learn More: Mr. Cerrillo PE

27. The Hunger Games

In middle school, students are ready to read or watch the movie The Hunger Games. See who volunteers as tribute in this fun and exciting PE game.

Learn More: School Videos

24 Fun & Inclusive PE Games High Schoolers Love

These inclusive high school PE games are all about fun and fitness.

Michele is a writer who has been published both locally and internationally.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Kate is an experienced writer who has written hundreds of articles for publication.

While we all tend to think of gym class as a time to exercise, it's also really a great opportunity for kids to have fun playing sports or other games. From the old favorites we've all played for years to new discoveries, there are so many fun PE games to choose from. We've rounded up some of the best here, so get ready to have a great time. 

Classic Fun Gym Games for High School Students

Over time as physical education programs grew and developed, a few standout games were introduced and became classics because of their wide appeal. People have been playing these for years for a reason, though. They really are super fun.

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There are a ton of reasons to play dodgeball. Gym class dodgeball is highly competitive, requires little equipment, and involves the whole class simultaneously.

The point of the game is to eliminate all the players on the other team by hitting them with a ball or catching a ball they throw. There are two teams with any number of players and only a few balls in play to make the game challenging.

What's fun about dodgeball is you get to hit your friends, or enemies, with a flying object with the permission of a teacher. If you have a teacher who likes to play, it's also fun when the class teams up to get them out.

Relay Races

A relay race is a small team activity with endless possibilities (and lots of potential for hilarity). Essentially, you need at least two teams, each with at least two people. The more teams and players, the more fun and competitive the game.

One player at a time completes their designated leg of the race, then tags the next teammate to complete their leg, and so on until the entire team finishes. Relay races can feature straight running or include a variety of activities like crawling, skipping, and walking backward. Fun Attic offers more than 10 ideas for funny and entertaining relay races like ones using tricycles, balloons, and bananas.

To play handball, you need a large gymnasium with lots of open wall space and some handballs. You can work on handball skills and play games on an individual basis or in groups — whatever works for your situation. Teens use only their hands to hit the ball toward the wall and then keep hitting it back as it bounces off the wall. This coordination game is fun because it involves an individual challenge, and the repetition can be addicting.

Four Square

Everyone remembers this recess favorite! This game is exactly as it sounds, made up of four squares. All you need to make a court is some tape and space where you can tape down a grid featuring four equal, intersecting squares.

The goal is for an individual player to get others out and advance to the fourth square, which is the highest level. There is one game ball that you try to bounce inside another square without the person in that square hitting another square.

Any number of kids can play Four Square because it is super fast-paced and features a line for waiting players who enter the game when someone gets out. This game is really simple to play, but it's highly addictive, which makes it fun.

This version of kickball is a team game that leaves room for individual skills and preferences. Instead of standard bases, Matball uses large gym mats as bases because multiple players can be on a base at one time.

There are two teams — one starts as the kicking team, and the other in the outfield. Each kicking player advances to the first mat and then decides on each teammate's turn whether they think they can make it to the next base without getting out. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins. Teens have the most fun when they work as a team and run the bases in a large group or create distractions to get the fastest players home.

Obstacle Course

If you want an individual activity, obstacle courses are a great way to encourage each student's skill set. Basically, you want to create a course with various obstacles, then time each person as they attempt to complete the course.

Classic obstacles include crawling through tunnels, funny walks like the crab walk, and zig-zagging through a line of cones. Picking up a bunch of small objects, jumping over something, or having to do the limbo under a bar or rope can also be great.

To get everyone involved in the obstacle course, ask kids to brainstorm obstacles ahead of time. They'll come up with some hilarious ideas, and everyone will have even more fun playing this PE game.

Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag has many versions, but the basic indoor game is like a team game of tag. Each team tries to steal the flag(s) of the other team before theirs gets stolen. To make the game more exciting, start with at least four teams instead of the traditional two. Give each team more than one flag and rule that only one flag can be taken at a time or include bonus point items.

Traditional Sports

There's no reason to leave the classic sports out of PE — after all, these are games too. Comprehensive physical education programs typically involve individual fitness, cooperative games, and an introduction to classic sports . Depending on your specific facilities, include some of the traditional high school PE games:

• Basketball - Learn the basic rules of this two-team game from Basketball Breakthrough .
• Volleyball - The Art of Coaching Volleyball offers standard gameplay and setup, along with relevant terminology.
• Baseball - Dummies.com gives you the simplest breakdown of the complicated rules in this outdoor game.
• Soccer - Learn the history, basic rules , and team strategies of gym class soccer.
• Football - Standard football rules are often modified in gym class with no tackling, like in Flag Football .
• Swimming - Groups with access to a swimming pool teach everything from basic strokes to pool exercises to group water games .
• Lacrosse - When played in PE classes, the game uses modified equipment and lacrosse rules .

If you use some traditional sports, be sure to focus on inclusion and mixing things up. By the time kids reach high school, they've had a chance to experience several sports either as players or spectators. Teens who are die-hard athletes or passionate about a specific sport find these traditional games fun and exciting, but teens who aren't as active may struggle to enjoy competitive sports.

Modern Favorite PE Games for High School

Inclusion is the name of the game these days with PE. In recent years, physical education class standards across the country have seen major changes. The new focus is on promoting health for all kids, not just the ones who excel at or love sports. Teachers now look for ways to encourage individual participation in activities selected by each student or group games with less competition.

These modern games are super fun for everyone, no matter their skill level.

Ultimate Frisbee

With gameplay similar to football, basketball, and soccer, Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact team sport using a frisbee in place of a ball.

To play, you'll need a large open area like a football field. The best aspects of this game are that anyone can play, and teamwork is essential. To score, teams need to utilize all of their players because once you have the frisbee you can only pivot, not run. The lack of contact also prevents injuries and levels the playing field for kids who aren't as classically athletic.

Frisbee Golf

This slow-paced game is played just as it sounds. Like golf, there are designated "holes," a target of some kind like a safety cone or a tree, you try to hit with a frisbee in the least number of throws possible. Frisbee golf works best in a large outdoor area but can be played inside a large gymnasium.

Those with limited resources can designate found objects like trees and fences as holes outside or tape spots on the wall around the gym indoors. This is an individual game with an element of totally friendly competition when teens play against each other for the lowest score.

A combination of tennis and ping-pong, this super popular and active game features simple rules and a slower pace great for people of all ages and skill levels.

To play you need a court similar to a tennis court with a net, pickleball paddles, and the ball which resembles a whiffle ball. Play a singles game or play with a small team. Teens will feel like they're in a giant-sized ping-pong game.

• 20 Benefits of Pickleball That'll Convince You to Start Playing

When Capture the Flag mixes with a snowball fight, you get Yuki Ball. Based on a Japanese game, teams hide behind barriers and launch small softballs to protect their flag and steal the other team's flag. To play, you need to buy a Yuki Ball kit for around $900 that includes balls, barriers, pinnies, and buckets. Or you can construct your own from things you have in the gym — make your own set with cardboard box barriers and wool dryer balls or the fake snowballs you find around winter in stores.

Two teams of up to seven people each can play at one time, but you can have more than one game going at a time in a gym. Keep score and have fun.

Hunger Games Gym Class Competition

Tie in pop culture with your curriculum when you include this fun game inspired by The Hunger Games novels and movies. The main goal is to be the last person standing in the game. To do this, you'll need to avoid getting hit by "weapons" like dodgeballs and pool noodles wielded by other players. The Hunger Games Competition can be played in a gym, in several rooms, or outdoors.

To start, all the "weapons" are placed in the center of the room and the players are placed in a circle at equal distances from the center. Teens can try to get a "weapon" or choose to run away. Each person hangs a bandana or flag from their waist that, when pulled off, eliminates them from the game. If a person gets hit with a weapon, they aren't out of the game, but they do lose the use of whatever body part got hit for the rest of the game.

Hoop Scrabble

You know how it's great when one game tackles multiple learning areas? This high-paced game gets the whole class moving at once, requires cooperative teamwork, and incorporates other areas of learning.

In Hoop Scrabble , you form small teams and give each a hula hoop to place on the ground in their designated area around the perimeter of the gym. Dump a ton of small balls, like tennis or ping-pong balls, in the center of the room. Teams then have to collect balls and spell a word inside their team's hoop before any other team does or before anyone steals their balls.

What's great about this creative game is teens don't need to be athletic to have fun playing. Once all the balls have been collected, teams start stealing from each other, which makes the game more fun.

This fun PE game is super simple and doesn't require a ton of equipment. You'll need three red dodgeballs. To play, give a dodgeball to each of three kids and tell them to start tagging people. If they hit someone with the ball, that person is temporarily out and should sit down and cover their face.

For tagged kids to get back in the game, another student needs to stand behind them and say the words "Guess who." If the tagged person can guess who is standing behind them just from their voice, they are back in. Keep playing until everyone is out.

Originally a tailgating game, cornhole is awesome in PE class too. Most of the kids probably already know how to play, but you can refresh them on the rules of cornhole if you need to.

You use cornhole boards (or tape out a "board" on the gym floor) and try to see which team can score the highest. Teams take turns tossing bean bags into the hole of the board. Those who make it in the hole are worth three points, and those who land on the board are one. The team that hits 21 points first is the winner.

Original PE Games

Sometimes the best gym games are the ones you and the teens create, so get creative with the old games to make something totally new. These are a few ideas to take inspiration from traditional or classic PE games for high school and make them unique using special equipment or rules.

Shape Shifter

Think of this as an advanced form of following the leader. You don't need any equipment — just an open space, and some creative, willing kids. Divide the group into teams of at least five people on each team and set each team in a line, one person behind the next. Teams will jog together staying in a line. The teacher will call out "Shape Shift" at various points and teams must react appropriately at that time.

To start, the first person in each line forms a shape or pose with his arms and everyone in line holds the same position as they start to jog. When you call out "Shape Shift" the second person in each line forms a new arm pose and all other team members copy it. To do this, the first person in line will need to turn around and will be jogging backward for the rest of the game. Repeat these actions until the entire team is turned backward. This is a fun, non-competitive game.

Flag team is an individualized version of Capture the Flag. Give each student a designated spot in the gym with a hula hoop on the floor and a flag in the middle of the hoop. The goal is for each person to protect their flag but also steal at least one other flag. If your flag is stolen, you choose another person who still has their flag to join. You cannot steal any more flags once you are out, but you can help the other person defend theirs.

The rules are simple in terms of offense and defense. You cannot stand inside your hoop or anyone else's. To stop someone from stealing your flag, you must tag them on the back only. If you get tagged on the back by any player at any point in the game, you are out.

Get Your Game On

Everyone has a different definition of fun. It's awesome to create a physical education class inclusive of every kid when you choose a wide variety of games. The only true way to know if teens will like a game is to try it out, so introduce some new games and see which ones become favorites with your group.

Warm Up Games

The PE Warm Up Games section provides you with Physical Education resources which will help you to plan PE Warm Up Games. Each PE Game outlines what equipment is required, how to set the game up, how to play the game and how to differentiate the game. The resources can be downloaded and can support your PE planning. Lots of the resources are free. Explore the PE Games below:

Dangerous Dogs

Dangerous Dogs is a PE Warm Up Game focused on leg and arm movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Traffic Lights Football

Traffic Lights Football / Soccer is PE warm up game focused on ball control. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Peg Invasion - 2 Games

Peg Invasion is PE warm up game focused on attacking and defending. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Dance Tag is a PE Warm Up Game focused on creativity and dance movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Cat and Mouse

Cat and Mouse is a PE Game focused on movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Dragon Tails

Dragon Tails is a PE Game focused on movement and strategy. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Kings & Queens

Kings and Queen: Rock, Paper, Scissors is a PE Game focused on exercises and strategy. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Slide in the mud

Slide in the mud is a PE Warm Up Game focused on tagging and teamwork. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Traffic Lights

Traffic Lights is a PE Warm Up Game focused on rule following and movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Body Parts is a PE Warm Up Game focused on reactions and movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Bridges and Rivers

Bridges and Rivers is a PE Warm Up Game focused on strength and movement. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

Crossing the river

Crossing the river is a PE Warm Up Game focused on movement and space. To find out how to play this PE Game and for activity differentiation download now.

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10 MORE Instant Activities for PE

Posted on February 5, 2018 by jcahill

13 Comments

“Instant activities are designed to actively engage students in PE class the moment they walk through the gymnasium doors.  Usually posted on a whiteboard or monitor, instant activities involve every student with very little teacher involvement.  They’re typically high energy, but can also take on a cooperative component. Instant activities are an effective way to stimulate student learning prior to the day’s lesson.” Click here – ( Top 7 Instant Activities for PE )

Instant activities are also a useful means to spiral back to a previous unit. For example, if we cover basketball skills in September, we will incorporate similar basketball skills as instant activities periodically throughout the school year.

What about fitness? We love incorporating bodyweight challenges, AMRAPs (as many rounds/repetitions as possible), jump ropes, and hula hoops as instant activities. Instant activities help to fulfill our mission of keeping our students thinking and in motion throughout each class.

Below is a list of ten more of my favorite instant activities. Enjoy!

Exercise Creation with Foam Cylinders  –  “With a partner, create an exercise that can strengthen your core muscles.”

Instant activities allowing students to create with a partner are always popular. Try leaving sets of 2-3 pieces of equipment around the gym. Challenge your students to create a game using the equipment. Give them parameters such as boundary limits and basic guidelines to keep everyone safe.

In the following video, students were challenged to create a core exercise with a foam cylinder. Prior to their arrival, I spread out the cylinders throughout the gym. As they entered I quickly partnered them up. After reading the challenge on our video screen (or whiteboard), they immediately began the task. As the students create, I like to filter through the gym, observing partner dynamics.

Kangaroo Tag –  “ Welcome to Australia! It’s time for Kangaroo Tag. Green kangaroos are it.” 

As the students enter the gym, I hand them a noodle and call out, “Welcome to Australia! It’s time for Kangaroo Tag. Green kangaroos are it.” Students immediately put the noodle between their feet and begin jumping. Anyone with a green noodle is a tagger, while everyone else is a fleer.  When tagged by a green kangaroo, the student performs ten mountain climbers on the sideline with hands on the noodle before reentering the game. After one minute, I call out a different color kangaroo to be the taggers.

Roll for Fitness Challenge 

I’ve done this with groups of 2-4 students depending on class size. Spread out the Roll for Fitness sheets along with two foam dice throughout the gym. As the students enter, quickly group them up and immediately send them to a challenge sheet. Partners each toss a die into the air then catch it. They add the two numbers that are facing up. Each number, from 1-12, has a corresponding exercise on the Roll for Fitness challenge sheet.

Note: I’ve used this as a station during prior PE classes. For this reason, students are familiar with the directions, and I’m able to use it as an instant activity.

Click Roll for Fitness Instant Activity for a copy of the challenge.

Paddle Challenges

Evenly space enough paddles with a bean bag throughout the gym for each student.

Instant Activity #1 – Individual challenges

Students practice tossing and catching the bean bag in their own space. I’ll post individual challenges on the screen.

Instant Activity #2 – Partner Challenge

Students toss their bean bags to each other, attempting to catch the bean bag in their hands. I’ll post the following challenges on the screen?

• How many times you can both catch the bean bag?
• Can you toss the bean bag with your non-dominant hand?
• Can you toss the beanbag to each other, then catch it with your paddle?

https://youtu.be/5OJasnR16ms&rel=0

Plank Hand Tag 

Students enter the gym and without hesitation begin the challenge. In plank position, each student tries to tap the opposing student’s hand. The first one to tap the opponent’s hand three times wins the round. Each player then searches for another challenger.

Ice Cream Parlor –  “The Ice Cream Parlor is about to open. The manager is hiring anyone who can scoop the ice cream into a cone. Be careful not to drop the ice cream on the floor.”

This is a favorite instant activity with my first-grade students. Before the students enter the gym, I greet them at the door and tell them that the ice cream parlor is open.  Students enter the gym and retrieve a plastic scoop , a yarn ball , and a small cone and practice tossing the ice cream with their scoop into the cone. After a brief amount of time, students will partner up and toss the ice cream to each other. I’ll let the videos speak for themselves.

Individual Ice Cream Scooper

Partner Ice Cream Scoopers

Noodle Fun – “Create as many movements as you can with your noodle in personal space!”

You’ll never know what the kids will discover when given the opportunity to create with swim noodles. Before your students arrive, spread out one swim noodle for each student. Below are two videos showcasing movements create by first graders. I now use their ideas with my other classes!

Noodle Skate Boarding

Noddle Pogo Stick

Freeze Dance – “Find your own personal space and move to the beat of the music. Freeze when the music stops.”

Students enter the gym and begin dancing to the beat of the music. When the music stops, they freeze!

For more INSTANT ACTIVITIES check out one of my previous posts called, TOP 7 INSTANT ACTIVITIES FOR PE!

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Category: Physical Education Tags: instant acitivies , pe games , physed , plastic scoop games , swim noodles

13 Comments on “ 10 MORE Instant Activities for PE ”

Love these ideas! So creative – can’t wait to try out kangaroo tag

Thanks Ben. My wife and I are in love with your website. So professional.

10 FANTASTIC ways to start a class! Nice job, thanks for sharing!!!

Pingback: Top 7 Instant Activities for PE – Keeping Kids in Motion

Ben, your ideas are awesome and fun ! I have enjoyed implementing these games into my P.E. program.

Hey Karen, this is Justin Cahill. I think you were trying to reach Ben Landers. And I agree. Ben is brilliant. Have a great day.

Where did you find the large dice? As a math teacher, I love the activities that incorporate movement and math! We are looking at your activities to use in our after school tutoring!

Thank for the kind word Michelle. I believe I ordered the dice from Amazon. They were much cheaper than the PE equipment suppliers.

You need to take part in a contest for the most effective blogs on the web. I will advocate this web site!

Wow! Thanks for making my day. I appreciate your kind words. Very motivating.

Thank you for all the great games! I’m looking forward to using them this year.

That is so nice of you. Thanks for your kind words. Have a great school year.

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9 Exciting Indoor Physical Education (PE) Games for High School Students

The job of a school is to ensure the overall development of the kids – from academics to personality development to physical fitness . As such, physical education has become an indispensable part of school curriculums everywhere. So much so that gym classes have become mandatory in several schools across the United States and if you choose it as one of your electives, passing it is a must .

Usually, schools opt for outdoor games as they are a fantastic way for the students to stay active but some days, due to inclement weather, students will have to migrate indoors. This does not mean that they cannot find a way to enjoy themselves or stay active. 

Fun games, whether indoor or outdoor, energize and rejuvenate students, particularly senior ones, who are at a crucial stage of their lives and under a lot of stress. 

In this guide, we have compiled a range of engaging indoor physical education games that high school students can enjoy. If it’s raining outside or the weather is too precarious, this is the best way to stay entertained and engaged. 

Indoor physical education game ideas

1. ultimate dodgeball showdown.

A classic game, dodgeball is fun and interactive. The objective of the game is to eliminate all players of the opposing team by hitting them with a ball. To reduce any risk, you can use soft foam balls. 

The students should be divided into two teams and placed on opposite sides of the room. Keep a few balls in the middle of the area. 

Here are the rules: 

• Students must throw the ball at the other team members who have to dodge it. 
• If someone from the other team catches the ball, the thrower is out of the game.
• Students must not cross the designated area. 
• If someone is hit by the ball and fails to catch it, they are out of the team. 
• Continue the game until one team is entirely eliminated.

2. Obstacle Course Relay

If the indoor game is taking place in the gym or a large room, then an obstacle course relay would be an excellent game.

Here’s what to do:

• Set up an obstacle course in the gym using mats, cones, and other stationary objects that are not very high.
•  Divide students into teams and have them race through the obstacle course
• Make use of a stopwatch to time each team, and the team with the fastest completion time wins.

3. Yoga Challenge

The perfect way to introduce some exercise and keep the students entertained is through yoga games and challenges. But first, you will have to introduce the students to some yoga poses and stretches. 

Then organize a yoga challenge where each student will have to hold different poses. As you switch between different poses, make sure that the students are holding the poses correctly. The students who fail to do so will be eliminated from the game.

4. Musical Mats

We’ve all played musical chairs at some point in our lives. But, what are musical mats? Well, it is a similar game but with a twist. Here’s what to do:

• Lay out a grid of gym mats on the floor.
• Play music during which the students have to keep moving from one mat to another. 
• Stop the music and call out a fitness exercise, a yoga pose, etc. 
• Students have to find the nearest mat and perform the exercise until the music resumes
• Students who fail to find a mat or perform the exercise are eliminated from the game. 

5. Indoor Bowling

Bowling is a popular indoor sport and usually requires a proper set-up. However, you can organize an indoor bowling match at the gym or hall as well. Usually, bowling is an individual game but to promote team spirit and good sportsmanship, divide the students into teams. Here’s how to go about the game:

• Make the use of plastic pins and soft balls.
•  Set up a bowling alley by keeping the plastic pins on the other end of the room.
• Students should be divided into two teams (team A and team B) with the members taking turns rolling the ball to knock down the pins. 
• Keep the scores separate for both team A and team B. 
• Let the teams compete for strikes and spares. 

5. Fitness Bingo

This is quite a popular indoor game. It is the perfect way to include fitness exercises into the high school students’ curriculum. Here’s what to do:

• Create a bingo card with different physical activities such as jumping jacks, burpees, lunges, push-ups, etc. 
• Give one card to each student
• The instructor has to call out one activity and students are to perform this exercise if they have it on the card. 
• They can then mark it off their card and the first student to complete a row or column shouts “Bingo” 
• Give the one who first completes a row or column a small reward as a mark of appreciation

6. Tug of War

A classic game that can be played indoors, tug of war teaches students a lot about team spirit, strength, and reliability. This is how you go about it:

• Remove any obstacles indoors and clear the area for the game
• Divide students into four teams or more, depending on the number of students
• Only two teams can play the game at one time
• Give them the rope and keep the game going until one team loses
• Then allow the next two teams to play
• The final match is between the last two teams standing

7. Indoor Soccer Relay

Football or Soccer is a favorite American sport and most students grow up playing it. It is an excellent game that combines speed and agility. Here’s how you can take the game indoors:

• Divide the students into two or more teams, with each team having an equal number of participants
• Set up a relay course and mark it with obstacles using cones, hoops, etc. 
• The student will have to dribble the ball through the course, carefully navigating the obstacles that come their way
• Once done, they make their way back to the starting line and pass the ball onto their teammate, who repeats the course
• The team that completes the race first wins. 

8. Table Tennis

Another popular high school game, table tennis or ping pong teaches students a lot about agility, coordination, precision, and reflexes. 

• Use a small rectangular table and divide it with the help of a net
• Players can either play solo or in pairs of two, with one pair on each side
• The players take turns hitting a small ball back and forth over the net using paddles
• The objective is to score points by making the ball bounce twice on the opponent’s side
• Besides, the opponent fails to score a point if they cannot hit the ball
• Keep scores and time the game

9. Indoor Parkour

Indoor parkour is a fun and exciting physical education activity for high school students. Traditionally, parkour is a discipline that focuses on efficient movement through obstacles using techniques like jumps, vaults, and rolls. Here’s how to create an indoor parkour course:

• With the help of safety mats, cones, small benches, and foam blocks, create a series of obstacles. For instance, the benches will serve as hurdles to jump over
• Teach students some basic parkour moves such as precision jump , cat leap , etc. keeping safety precautions in mind.
• Let the students start with simple obstacles but increase the complexity as they gain confidence
• Have a qualified instructor oversee this game and provide proper guidance

Indoor physical education games provide high school students with opportunities to stay active, even when the weather outside limits movement. Besides, it promotes teamwork, teaches them agility, and how to adapt to different situations. The physical well-being of students is of great importance, especially since high school is such a trying time when they are burdened with academic pressure. Incorporating these games into their schedule will help students stay engaged, focused, motivated, and physically fit.

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.

Explore a plethora of invaluable resources and insights tailored for high schoolers at TheHighSchooler, under the guidance of Sananda Bhattacharya’s expertise. You can follow her on Linkedin

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• Pete Charrette

PE Stations: 15 Fun Ideas for Active Engagement in Elementary Physical Education Classes

Physical education plays a pivotal role in the holistic development of young learners. In the energetic, diverse environment of elementary schools, it's essential to foster a love for movement and exercise through engaging and dynamic activities. PE stations, a cornerstone in teaching physical education, offer a unique blend of fun, skill-building, and adaptable challenges that cater to a wide array of interests and abilities. By incorporating fundamental movement skills into diverse station activities, educators can capture the imagination and enthusiasm of younger students, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy, active living.

The beauty of PE stations lies in their flexibility and ease of implementation. Utilizing the common equipment found in a typical elementary school gym, these stations can be set up quickly and tailored to various skill levels. This station-based approach is especially beneficial in handling large class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention and ensuring that every student remains engaged and active. From team building activities to personal challenges, PE stations provide a dynamic environment where children can develop motor and sport skills, set personal records, and most importantly, have fun while learning. By rotating through different stations, students not only experience a variety of physical activities but also learn the importance of adaptability and cooperation—skills that are invaluable both on and off the playground.

Incorporating new PE station ideas can rejuvenate your classes, providing a wealth of activities that ensure every session is lively and effective. These stations, adaptable for various needs, are an excellent way to enrich your curriculum. Explore 15 engaging PE stations that are simple to implement and offer significant benefits for your students' physical and social growth.

Overview of the Stations

Essentially, PE stations involve dividing the gym or play area into multiple smaller areas, each designated for a specific activity or skill practice. This format allows students to rotate through a variety of exercises or challenges, keeping the class engaged and lively. Incorporating pe stations into your curriculum not only enhances the variety and appeal of physical education classes but also allows for the development of fundamental movement skills and kids' sports skills in a fun and organized manner.

When setting up PE stations, consider the following tips for a smooth and effective experience:

Plan Your Space Wisely:  Ensure each station has enough room for the activity and is safely spaced out from others to prevent overcrowding and accidents.

Organize Equipment Beforehand:  Gather all the necessary equipment for each station and have it ready to minimize setup time during the class.

Clear Instructions:  Use printable station cards or online videos with clear, concise instructions and visuals. This helps students understand what to do at each station, fostering independence and reducing confusion.

Manage Time Effectively:  Allocate a specific amount of time for each station and use a timer to signal when it’s time to move to the next station. This keeps the class flowing smoothly and ensures that all students get equal time at each activity.

Supervise and Rotate:  Keep an eye on all stations, offer guidance, and ensure students are rotating efficiently to the next station.

Inclusivity and Adaptability:  Be prepared to modify activities and PE station ideas to suit different skill levels and abilities, ensuring that every student can participate and enjoy the activities.

Feedback and Encouragement:  Provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback as students engage in the activities, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Remember, the key to a successful station-based PE class is flexibility and creativity. Feel free to adapt these PE station activities and incorporate your own great ideas readily into your teaching style and your students' needs.

15 Physical Education Station Ideas for Elementary Classes

Energize your elementary PE classes with 15 Simple and Fun PE Stations. Each one is crafted to engage, challenge, and energize students, making every PE class a highlight of their day. The stations align with Shape America's Standard 1 which states "The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns."

Station 1: Keep it Up - Volleying

Description:  The 'Keep it Up - Volley' station is an exciting activity that combines fun with agility and coordination. This station encourages students to practice their volley skills by keeping a beachball or balloon in the air using various parts of their body. It's a fantastic way to develop hand-eye coordination, timing, and body control.

Suggested Equipment:

Beachballs or balloons

Instructions:

Students grab a beachball or a balloon.

Using only their fingertips, knuckles, elbows, head, feet, or knees, they must keep the ball or balloon up in the air.

Challenge students to count the number of consecutive volleys they can achieve without letting the ball or balloon touch the ground.

Safety Tips:

Ensure there’s ample space between students to prevent accidental collisions.

Encourage students to stay aware of their surroundings to avoid running into others or tripping over equipment.

Modifications for Different Skill Levels:

For beginners, start with beachballs, which are larger and move slower than balloons.

More advanced students can try using smaller balloons or adding a gentle spin to increase difficulty.

To add a personal challenge element, have students try to beat their own record with each turn.

Station 2: Ball Handling Challenges - Basketball

Description:  This station is centered on developing basketball ball handling skills through a variety of creative and challenging exercises. By moving the ball in different ways around their body, students can improve their coordination, dexterity, and familiarity with basketball handling techniques.

Basketballs or playground balls

Students begin by tapping the ball back and forth above their head to develop hand control and movement fluidity.

Practice the rainbow toss, where they toss the ball in an arc from one hand to the other in front of their body.

Pass the ball around their waist, then down to their legs, and finally around their head without losing grip.

Perform a figure 8 dribble between their legs to enhance coordination and agility.

For those who can, try spinning the ball on one finger, which is a fun trick that improves focus and balance.

Encourage students to get creative and come up with their own unique ball handling skill.

Make sure there is enough space between students when performing these exercises to prevent accidental collisions.

Encourage students to start with slow, controlled movements and to progress to faster speeds as they gain confidence.

Beginners can focus on basic ball handling skills such as the waist and head passes without incorporating the legs.

Intermediate students should work on connecting movements together smoothly, like transitioning from the waist pass to the figure 8.

Advanced students can challenge themselves with speed and try to perform tricks like the ball spin or invent new handling skills.

Station 3: Cup Stacking Challenge - Coordination

Description:  The Cup Stacking Challenge is a fast-paced station that sharpens students' motor coordination and speed. In this activity, students are tasked with constructing and deconstructing pyramids made of cups, fostering not only dexterity but also concentration and problem-solving skills.

Plastic cups (9 per student or group)

Students quickly build three stacks of pyramids, each with three cups.

Once the pyramids are built, they must then de-stack the cups back into groups of three as quickly as possible.

Students take turns timing each other for both the upstack and downstack process to add a competitive element.

Clear the area around the cup stacking station to prevent slipping on stray cups.

Encourage students to focus on control and precision to avoid knocking cups onto themselves or others.

Beginners may start with stacking and de-stacking a single pyramid before moving onto multiple stacks.

To increase the challenge, advanced students can be asked to stack different configurations or increase the number of cups in a pyramid.

Consider implementing a 'personal best' approach where each student tries to beat their previous times, promoting personal challenge and growth.

Station 4: Paper Plate Skate - Endurance

Description:  The Paper Plate Skate station is an innovative and enjoyable way for students to explore movement. Using laminated paper plates as makeshift skates, this activity simulates the sliding motion of ice or roller skating, offering a unique opportunity to practice balance and coordination while engaging in imaginative play.

Laminated paper plates (2 per student)

Each student stands on a pair of laminated paper plates.

They then "skate" around a designated area, attempting to glide smoothly on the plates.

Encourage students to try moving in various directions: forward, backward, and sideways to challenge their agility and coordination.

Ensure the skating area is free from obstacles and has a smooth, even surface to prevent falls.

Instruct students to maintain a safe distance from each other to avoid collisions.

For beginners, allow them to hold onto a partner or a stable object as they get used to the sliding motion.

Intermediate students might try incorporating turns or small dance moves while skating.

Advanced students can attempt to navigate a simple obstacle course to test their skill and precision.

Station 5: Hoop it Up - Coordination

Description:  'Hoop it Up' is a classic station that combines fun with fitness. This hula hoop challenge not only promotes active play but also enhances core strength, coordination, and rhythm. Students will enjoy testing their skills and challenging their peers to see who can maintain the twirl the longest.

Hula hoops (one per participant)

Each student begins by selecting a hula hoop.

They start twirling the hoop around their waist, neck, arm, or one leg, maintaining the motion for as long as possible.

Encourage students to challenge each other in friendly competition to see who can keep the hoop up the longest.

Space students out to ensure they have a safe distance from each other to avoid contact with someone else’s hoop.

Remind students to focus on their own hoop to prevent distractions that could lead to a loss of control.

Beginners may focus on keeping the hoop up around their waist, which is typically easier to control.

For an added challenge, students can try to switch the hoop between their waist, neck, and limbs without letting it fall.

To incorporate a skill element, advanced students might try adding dance moves or tricks while keeping the hoop in motion.

Station 6: Beanbag Toss - Accuracy

Description:  The Beanbag Toss station emphasizes precision and hand-eye coordination, as students aim to land beanbags within the confines of a hula hoop target. This activity not only tests accuracy but also encourages students to assess their tossing or throwing strength and adjust their technique based on their distance from the target.

Place a hula hoop at a starting distance as the target.

Students toss a beanbag, aiming to get it into the hoop.

After each successful toss, they take a step back to increase the challenge.

Students can challenge a partner to a contest, seeing who can maintain consistency from varying distances or who can toss from the furthest distance.

Make sure the area around the hula hoop is clear to prevent slipping on stray beanbags.

Encourage students to be aware of their surroundings and wait for their turn to avoid beanbags flying in unexpected directions.

Beginners can start closer to the hoop and use larger beanbags for easier gripping and tossing.

To increase difficulty, students can be challenged to toss the beanbag into smaller hoops or from a greater distance.

For advanced students, introduce a point system based on the distance, where farther throws earn more points, encouraging them to set personal records.

Station 7: "Downed" Rope Challenges - Agility

Description:  This station is all about agility and balance, using short jump ropes laid out on the floor. Students will mimic tightrope walking and jumping across the rope, enhancing their coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. These varied movements not only engage different muscle groups but also introduce the fundamentals of agility training in a fun and accessible way.

Short jump ropes or any similar rope laid on the ground

Students start by walking along the rope as if it's a tightrope, placing one foot directly in front of the other.

Next, they jump back and forth over the rope, using both feet and then just one, like a hopscotch pattern.

See how far they can long jump following the line of the rope.

For an added challenge, students crisscross their legs while jumping over the rope to improve agility.

Ensure that the ropes are securely placed on the ground to prevent slipping.

Space out the students so they have ample room to jump and move without bumping into each other.

Beginners can focus on slow, deliberate movements to maintain balance while walking the 'tightrope.'

Intermediate students can increase their speed and introduce one-footed jumps.

Advanced students can attempt to perform the crisscross jumps at a faster pace or increase the length of their long jumps.

Station 8: Over the Hurdles - Track & Field

Description:  'Over the Hurdles' station gives students a taste of track and field athletics, focusing on the exhilarating hurdle race. It's designed to improve agility, speed, and jumping ability in a controlled environment. This station can be a fun challenge, encouraging students to push their limits and practice their pacing over a short distance.

Set of hurdles (adjustable for height) or cones with a pool noodle laying across them

Cones to mark the end turn and start

Students take turns running towards the hurdles and leaping over them with proper form.

After clearing the hurdles, they run around a cone set at the end of the course and sprint back to the start.

Students can run side by side with a partner for a friendly race or time each other to add a competitive element.

Adjust the height of the hurdles according to the age and ability level of the students to prevent injuries.

Ensure there’s adequate space between the hurdles and that the landing area is clear of any obstacles.

Instruct students on proper hurdling technique to ensure safety during leaps and landings.

Beginners can practice with lower hurdles or even lines or tapes on the ground to simulate hurdles.

Intermediate students should focus on improving their leap technique and landing.

Advanced students can attempt higher hurdles or focus on increasing their speed between the hurdles

Station 9: Scarf Juggling - Mental Focus

Description:  Scarf Juggling is a delightful station that introduces students to the basics of juggling in a simple and accessible way. This activity helps improve hand-eye coordination, timing, and concentration. Starting with one or two scarves—or even plastic grocery bags for a more environmentally friendly twist—students can progress at their own pace until they are able to juggle multiple items.

Scarves or lightweight plastic grocery bags

Students start by grabbing one or two scarves or plastic bags.

Begin by tossing and catching the items at varying heights, both high and low.

As students become more adept, they can increase the challenge by adding a third item into their juggling pattern.

Ensure students have enough space around them to prevent interference with others.

Remind students to focus on the items they are juggling, keeping their movements controlled and their eyes on the scarves at all times.

Beginners should start with one scarf, focusing on consistent tossing and catching.

Once comfortable, they can add a second scarf, practicing the hand-to-hand toss.

Advanced students can attempt to juggle three scarves, incorporating different patterns and heights for an additional challenge.

Station 10: Zig Zag Dribble - Soccer Dribbling

Description:  Zig Zag Dribble is a station designed to hone soccer dribbling skills. Through weaving in and out of a cone course, students can improve their ball control and footwork, which are essential skills on the soccer field. This exercise not only enhances agility and coordination but also builds confidence in handling the ball under pressure.

Soccer balls (one per student)

Cones set up in a zigzag formation

Each student starts with a soccer ball at the beginning of the cone course.

The objective is to dribble the ball through the cones, weaving in and out without touching or knocking them over.

After navigating the zigzag pattern, students dribble the ball straight back to the start as quickly and as controlled as possible.

Ensure the cones are spaced out enough to provide a challenge yet allow for safe maneuvering.

Encourage students to keep their heads up while dribbling to promote spatial awareness and prevent collisions.

Beginners can walk the ball through the cones, focusing on control and gentle touches.

Intermediate students should work on maintaining a jogging pace while keeping the ball close.

Advanced students can be challenged to dribble through the cones at a faster pace or with fewer touches to increase difficulty.

Station 11: Playground Ball - Tossing and Catching

Description:  This station is designed to enhance hand-eye coordination and reaction time with a series of tossing and catching challenges using a playground ball. By varying the tossing heights and incorporating different movements before catching, students can improve their agility and coordination in a playful and dynamic way.

Playground balls (one per student)

Students start by tossing the playground ball in the air and catching it.

Next, they let the ball bounce once before clapping their hands or turning around and then catching it.

Students try tossing the ball, letting it bounce under their leg, and then catching it.

Encourage students to experiment with catching the ball at different levels, such as reaching high above their heads or squatting to catch it low.

Ensure each student has a clear space around them to prevent collisions during the turning or under-the-leg maneuvers.

Remind students to keep their eyes on the ball at all times to safely coordinate their movements.

Beginners can focus on basic toss and catch skills, gradually introducing the bounce as they become more comfortable.

Intermediate students can add the clapping or turning around to make the task more challenging.

Advanced students can attempt to catch the ball on the bounce after performing a full 360-degree turn or catching it after multiple claps to increase difficulty.

Station 12: Jump Rope - Coordination and Fitness

Description:  Jump Rope station is a classic exercise that significantly enhances coordination, rhythm, and cardiovascular fitness. Using individual short ropes, students can challenge themselves to maintain a continuous rhythm and try various jump styles to keep the activity engaging and beneficial.

Individual short jump ropes (one per student)

Each student starts with a jump rope and begins to jump continuously, aiming to keep going for as long as possible.

Introduce skier jumps, where students jump side to side over the rope, mimicking a skiing motion.

Practice bell jumps by jumping front to back, adding variety to the movements.

Encourage students to turn the rope both forwards and backward, incorporating a jogging step to vary the tempo and difficulty.

Ensure students are spaced out to prevent the ropes from getting tangled with one another.

Check that each rope is the correct length for the student using it to prevent tripping.

Remind students to jump on the balls of their feet to cushion their landings.

Beginners may focus on single jumps with both feet together, working on finding their rhythm.

Intermediate students can try alternating feet, like a slow jogging step, as they jump.

Advanced students can challenge themselves with double unders (where the rope passes under the feet twice in one jump) or increase the speed of their jogging step.

Station 13: Soccer Juggling - Ball Control

Description:  Soccer Juggling station is an excellent way for students to practice and improve their ball control. Whether with a soccer ball, beach ball, or balloon, this activity helps develop coordination, timing, and finesse. It's a fundamental skill in soccer that enhances a player's ability to control the ball during a game.

Soccer balls, beach balls, or balloons (one per student)

Each student selects a ball of their choice.

The goal is to keep the ball in the air using only their feet, knees, chest, and head.

Encourage students to count how many times they can juggle the ball without it touching the ground.

Ensure that students have plenty of space around them to avoid collisions.

For those using a soccer ball, remind them to use the flat parts of their feet and to bend their knees for better control.

Beginners may start with larger, lighter balls like beach balls or balloons that move slower and are easier to control.

Intermediate students should focus on using a soccer ball and mixing different body parts for juggling.

Advanced students can set personal challenges, such as juggling only with their feet or alternating between different body parts without the ball touching the ground.

Station 14: Cross the River - Balance & Agility

Description:  'Cross the River' is a playful station that challenges students' balance and agility. By using poly spot markers laid out to represent stones across a river, this activity mimics a stepping stone challenge that requires careful foot placement and balance.

Poly spot markers (or any flat markers that can simulate river stones)

Arrange the poly spot markers on the floor in a zigzag or maze pattern, representing stones in a river.

Students start at one end and jump from marker to marker, pretending to cross a river by only stepping on the 'stones.'

The goal is to make it to the finish line and back without 'falling off' the rocks.

Encourage students to plan their route and adjust their balance as they leap from one spot to the next.

Ensure that the markers are spaced appropriately to match the students' jumping abilities.

Check that the floor around the markers is clear and free of any slip hazards.

Remind students to focus on controlling their jumps to maintain balance and prevent falls.

Beginners may take larger steps or small hops instead of jumps and use more closely spaced markers.

Intermediate students should attempt to jump with both feet together, making precise landings.

Advanced students can increase the distance between the markers or add a one-footed hopping element to raise the difficulty level.

Station 15: Javelin (Pool Noodle) Throw - Track & Field

Description:  The Javelin Throw station introduces students to the track and field event in a safe and fun way using pool noodles. This activity allows students to work on their throwing technique and upper body strength while engaging in a bit of friendly competition to see who can achieve the farthest throw.

Pool noodles (one per student)

A set line for throwing behind

Measuring tape (optional for recording distances)

Students line up behind the set line with a pool noodle in hand.

They take turns throwing the noodle as far as they can, ensuring they use proper form to mimic a javelin throw.

After each throw, compare distances to see if students can throw farther than their partners.

Encourage each student to try to beat their own personal best with each attempt.

Make sure there is a clear and secure area for throwing and that no one is in the path of the noodle.

Teach students the proper way to hold and release the noodle to prevent any accidents.

Ensure students are supervised, especially when attempting to measure and retrieve the noodles.

Beginners may focus on the basic technique of holding and releasing the noodle.

Intermediate students can work on improving their throw by incorporating a run-up or adjusting their grip.

Advanced students can aim for accuracy by trying to throw the noodle to a specific target area as well as distance.

Integrating the Stations into Your PE Curriculum

Incorporating stations into pe programs:.

Physical Education programs thrive on variety and adaptability, and incorporating stations can significantly enhance the learning experience. Here are some strategies for integrating these stations into your existing curriculum:

Circuit Training:  Implement stations as part of a circuit training program. Assign students to stations, allowing them to spend a set amount of time at each before rotating. This approach ensures that all students are actively engaged and can experience each activity.

Skill-Based Days:  Dedicate certain days to specific skill developments, such as balance, coordination, or agility, and select stations that focus on these skills. This targeted approach can help students improve in areas that are most relevant to their needs.

Warm-Ups/Cool-Downs:  Use some of the simpler stations as warm-up or cool-down activities to prepare students for more intense activity or to wind down after a vigorous class.

Integrated Learning:  Combine stations with other curriculum areas. For example, incorporate math by having students count repetitions or measure distances, enhancing both physical and cognitive skills.

Modifying Stations for Different Needs:

Flexibility is key to accommodating diverse class sizes, spaces, and student needs. Here are some tips for adjusting stations:

Adapting to Space:  If space is limited, modify activities to fit a smaller area, such as shortening relay distances or using half of a court. For larger spaces, spread out stations to avoid overcrowding and to use the space effectively.

Class Size:  For larger classes, duplicate stations to prevent long wait times. In smaller classes, you might combine two stations into one to keep students engaged without overwhelming them with too many activities.

Different Abilities:  Adapt stations to cater to varying skill levels. This might include lowering the height of hurdles, using larger balls for easier handling, or allowing more time for each activity.

Student Interests:  Take into account student interests and allow for choices. Give students a say in which stations they'd like to try or have them suggest modifications to activities, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation.

Inclusion:  Ensure that all stations are inclusive. This might mean having alternative activities available for students with different physical abilities or providing additional support where needed.

By considering these suggestions, PE teachers can create an environment that is not only physically educational but also inclusive, enjoyable, and tailored to the needs of all students.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating a range of fun and diverse stations into elementary PE classes can transform the traditional physical education experience. These stations not only bring a fresh burst of energy and excitement to PE classes but also cater to the varied interests and abilities of young learners. By offering a spectrum of activities—from skill-based challenges to creative physical play—we foster an environment where every child can thrive.

As educators, the invitation is to embrace creativity and adapt these stations to fit your unique teaching style and the specific needs of your students. There is no one-size-fits-all in education, especially in an environment as dynamic as the gymnasium. Feel free to tweak the activities, mix them up, or even invent completely new ones that will resonate with your classes. If you've tried implementing any of these stations, or if you've developed variations of your own, I'd love to hear about your experiences. Your insights and innovations are not only welcome but can serve as inspiration to the wider PE teaching community.

Download 15 FREE PE Station Signs!

Are you looking for station cards that combine fun and engagement with clear instructions and top-notch graphics for your physical education classes? Look no further, Cap'n Pete's Cap'n Pete's Power PE has you covered!

Fill in the form below to download 15  FREE  Fun and Engaging PE Station Signs. The set is a PDF digital download that includes the following PE stations (as seen in this article) that can be implemented using standard PE equipment: Keep it Up, 2. Ball Handling Challenges, 3. Cup Stacking, 4. Paper Plate Skate, 5. Hoop it Up, 6. Beanbag Toss, 7. Downed Rope Challenges, 8. Over the Hurdles, 9. Scarf Juggling, 10. Zig Zag Dribble,11. PG Ball; Tossing and Catching, 12. Jump Rope, 13. Soccer Juggling, 14. Cross the River, and 15. Javelin Throw

This freebie set will be sure to enhance your PE curriculum for years!

Check out this PE Stations: Triple Pack Bundle with 132 Movement, Skill and Sport Zones

Discover the ultimate collection for your PE program with Cap'n Pete's Power PE's comprehensive bundle! This set combines all three of our popular PE Station Zones series:

PE Fitness Stations:  44 zones for maximum movement, focusing on personal fitness elements like cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, locomotor movement, and muscular strength.

PE Sport Stations:  44 skill-sharpening zones covering a range of sports such as base games, basketball, gym hockey, racquet sports, soccer, track and field, and volleyball.

PE Stations Kids Love:  44 zones of frolicking fun, designed for enjoyable movements and tasks with common equipment.

You can find this set on Cap'n Pete's Power PE website here  or at my Teachers Pay Teachers store located here .

In total, you'll receive 132 stations, each with its own station card, perfect for fitness units, warm-ups, sport skills, or just plain fun throughout the school year. The accompanying cards offer clear instructions and engaging graphics, highlighting the fitness components, motor skills, or PE concepts involved. Mix and match these stations in your classes or sessions for a fresh, fun, and effective PE experience. Whether you're a PE teacher, classroom teacher, or group leader in a camp or church setting, these stations are flexible and adaptable for your unique environment.

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30 Best Energetic PE and Gym Games for Kids

1.  Bean Bag Balance

2.  bean bag toss, 3.  balloon drop, 4.  animal jumping tracks , 5.  animal yoga , 6.  drop, catch, throw and tag, 7.  simon says, 8.  hopscotch , 9.  move it or lose it, 10.  red rover rollover.

Phone screens shrinks your kids’ daily physical activity requirements, which may hurt their physical motor skill development. However, recess and gym games for kids are a great stimulus to develop their motor ability. A great idea would be to engage them with age-appropriate yet fun games. If you are looking for such exciting games for your gym class, here are 30 games that will make your job easier.

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Watch your kids fall in love with math & reading through our scientifically designed curriculum.

List of 30 Best Gym Games for Kids

With different types of games available in the market, we have classified our list in categories to help you to find the best PE games for kids:

Exciting Gym Games For Kindergartners

Preschoolers are full of energy and excitement, and physical activity boosts this trait. Physical exercises also improve their balance, reflex, flexibility and other motor skills crucial for their holistic development. Here are some amazing gym activities and workouts for kids to boost their fitness as well as their overall well-being:

A good game to start with, it’s all about challenging the little ones to balance the bean bag on different parts of their body. Ask kids to walk or crawl with balancing bean bags on the shoulders, between the knees, on the back, etc.

This game will enhance their fine motor development as it involves walking, running, hopping, and maintaining momentary stillness- all by striking the right balance.  

  Tip : Get creative! Engage with them by visualizing funny scenarios, like asking them to imagine the bean bag as an egg that will fall and crack if the balance goes off.

This is another game where bean bag just serves the purpose. Bean bags are easy to grip and cause no injury even in accidental hits. To play the game, you can draw the targets on the floor and have kids throw the bean bags into targets. This will develop their accuracy, throwing and coordination skills. 

Tip: To make the game livelier, you can put down hula hoops or baskets instead of drawing targets manually. 

Volleying the balloon up high for as long and not letting it drop is the essence of the game. Allow kids to use their hands to keep the balloon off the ground, as this will enhance their flexibility and striking abilities.

Tip: As an add-on in the game, a teacher can ask students to call out a fellow student’s name while volleying up the balloon. This way, students can learn each other’s names and coordinate.

For little ones, this outdoor game can prove to be engaging. The idea is to draw different colored tracks and ask the kids to jump by chanting the color names. This game will foster color recognition and gross motor skills in kids. 

Tips: Do not use more than four colors for preschool kids otherwise they will feel burnout switching colors and will /eventually lose interest.

It’s time to get some yoga poses for kids to get them moving. For this game, you can use cards with animal yoga poses on them. Simply ask the kids to pull out a card from the deck and imitate the yoga pose shown on the card. Playing such games regularly can improve their overall flexibility. 

Tip: You can make the game more interesting by playing it in groups with half the class strength. Make a group of four students each and assign a card to them. Let the other half of the class decide on the best performers!

Preschool years are the best when it comes to firming the hand grip of kids. You can play this Drop and Catch game in groups but with a twist. Ask the kid in the middle to tag another kid and throw the ball to him while the latter will have to catch the ball before it bounces twice. This is a fun ball game for kids .

Tip: If the ball is too challenging to catch for kids, use a balloon.

Wanna know how to get your students hooked to giggles on Wednesdays? Well, Simone says ‘play’! Simon Says is one of the best games to achieve fun and physical movement at the same time. You can use all the exercises to get the kids moving such as touching toes, side bends to touch the ground, hopping forward and backward, flamingo legs, jumping in one place, etc.

Tip : To add a more exciting touch to the game, you can incorporate dance songs for kids and get them grooving.

Gym Class Games for Lower Elementary Kids

Gym games for kids are a fun way to make your classroom fun along with encouraging kids to stay fit. Here are some of the most exciting gym class activities for lower elementary kids:

Hopscotch is a classic, loved game among children and adults alike. It not only contributes to developing gross motor skills, but also coordination and numeracy skills. Draw numbers from 1 to 10 with some boxes and you are good to go! 

Tip: Bring a fun twist in the game by making new rules such as ‘low feet jump to 10’, ‘hope like a frog as you count’, etc.   

Incorporating movement in the classroom routine using visual cues card can do wonders for the overall development of kids. You can make a set of visual cue cards and mention different actions on them such as jumping high, marching around, running in place, etc. Have your kids pull out a card and mimic the action. This will help improve their gross motor skills, receptive language, and motor imitations.

Tip : Attach the visual cards to popsicle sticks to make them easy to carry and increase their mean life.

Every so often, schools have either limited budgets or are unable to get supplies when needed. In such cases, gym games for kids that can be played without any equipment come to the rescue and RRRO is one of them. Teachers should challenge the students to roll sideways from their position until they reach the finish line and touch one member of another team. It’s a great game for pleasant weather days and gives good exercise to little ones. 

Tip: The bigger the team, the better the game.

11.  Shark and Minnows

This one is another great game that doesn’t require any equipment or setup but will surely bring up some cute giggles. It’s a tag game where one student i.e., the shark chases the rest of the students i.e., minnows. Consequently, every tagged student becomes a shark until there is a single minnow left- the winner of the game. 

Tip: Don’t forget to set some ground rules else the kids may run hither and thither, eventually increasing the risk of getting hurt.

12.  Beach Ball Blanket Toss

Make groups of four and ask kids to hold all four corners each of a big cloth or bedsheet. Throw a beach ball on the blanket and watch the excitement of the other kids as they try to catch the bouncing ball. In all, a good game to build grip and patience.

Tip: Instead of using a big cotton cloth piece, you can use a quilt as it will give a good bounce, adding more thrill to the game.

13.  See if You Can

Activity card games are a brilliant educational resource to teach kids, be it academics or movement skills. You can use such cards conveniently to teach kids about body composition and get them on a moving spree. The cards have instructions that go around movements like jumping, skipping, sprinting, balancing, leaping, etc. 

Tip: Challenge kids to attempt 3 activities each within a set time.

14.  Make an 8

This game will prove to be an excellent physical activity for teachers, let alone students. All you have to do is arrange for two tall cones and place them 3-4 meters apart. Now ask your students to face forward and move side-to-side in and out of the cone making a figure 8.

Tip: Once the students form an 8, ask them to repeat the activity while holding a basketball.

15.  Catch the Cones 

Teachers can stand on a box with 10 colored cones in her hand while the students stand all around the box. The game begins when the teacher throws the cones in the air all around and the students will have to catch the cones before they hit the ground. The student with a maximum number of cones at the end will be the winner. Playing this game repeatedly will enhance the catching and coordination skills of the students.

Tip: You can add a fun element to the game by giving points for different colored cones. 

16.  Obstacle Course 

This is a fun indoor game for kids , Obstacle Course improves agility, balance, and coordination in young kids. Place obstacles such as hula hoops, chairs, or ropes on the floor and ask kids to move swiftly as they dodge them.

Fun PE Games for Upper Elementary Kids  

Physical activity games for kids are crucial for their growth. Let’s have a look at some fun PE activities for upper elementary kids!

17.  Egg and Spoon 

You cannot deny playing this ultimate hand-eye coordination game in your childhood. Simply give your students a spoon and ask them to balance the egg as they move from one point to another. The one who reaches the finishing line first wins the game. 

Tip: Dancing or singing while balancing the egg on the spoon will make it all the more challenging and fun. 

18.  Follow the Pattern 

Get set for an energetic and entertaining game that encompasses balancing activities with moving in patterns. The teacher will give calls throughout the game that will have instructions about the movement such as jumping and landing on two feet, galloping, hopping on one foot, etc. The students who follow all the patterns without fail will win the game.

Tip: You can level up the game by giving out calls every 20 seconds.

19.  Tail Tag

Students aged 9-12 years can be taught skills such as teamwork, healthy competition, strategy, and other physical skills through such games. As the name suggests, Tail Tag is all about grabbing as many tails as possible. Here tails are nothing but a piece of cloth that will be tied to a belt. Students have to grab and collect these tails as they chase each other.

Tip: Do not tuck or tie the cloth too tightly for kids as unmindful grabbing might lead to subtle hurt.

20.  Bounce the Bucket 

Another game that will surely make a PE class exciting! You will require 8 cones, 3 buckets, and 4 balls. Arrange the cones on the sidelines and buckets in the middle, and Tada! your setup is ready. The students will have to bounce the ball on the ground once and then throw it into the bucket from a distance. Bounce the Bucket will help motor skill-building in upper elementary kids. 

Tip: Use a basketball for a great bounce!

21.  Jump the Noodle 

In this game of two, you will just need a foam noodle. The idea is to jump over the noodle without touching it as the other player swipes it left, right and center. A pair that can finish 10 jumps each without any interruption receives the prize.

Tip: Allow the students to pair up themselves with their choice as it will help them coordinate and play.

22.  Rob the Nest

All the basketball lovers, assemble! The students will love the thrill and competition that this game offers. A large square is to be made using 4 hoops with many basketballs in the middle. Each team member will come forth and dribble the basketballs from the middle to their team’s spot. Once no ball remains in the ball, know that it’s time to run around and steal the balls from each other.

Tip: Make 4 teams with no more than 2 players to avoid complexity and confusion.

23.  Cat’s Corner 

Similar to dodgeball, the throwers in the game are cats who try to hit the runners i.e., mice using the ball. If the mouse gets hit by the ball before landing in the corner safe space, he is considered out.

Tip: To keep the game interesting, there must be an equal number of cats and mice.

24.  Shadow Tag

Tag games are a great way to engage the students . They aid in the development of skills like gross motor, endurance, and social and cognitive skills. Unlike other tag games, here students have to tag a runner’s shadow. A perfect time to play this game is during mid-day.

Tip: Set a rule where the player has to call out ‘SHADOW’ as soon as they hit a runner’s shadow, else they’ll be out of the game.

Top Gym Games for Middle Schoolers

PE games that incorporate empathy and teamwork are very important for middle schoolers ranging between fifth grade and eighth grade. Here are some of our favorites: 

25.  Backward Soccer 

Where are all the soccer lovers? This game is soccer but with a backward twist. Players are not allowed to use their feet to advance the ball; their hands are the action weapons now. They must use only their hands to shoot, pass or dribble. Even goalies will only be allowed to use their hands in defense. 

Tip:   Keep a guide ready in case the students get all mixed up with the rules.

26.  Yoga Cards

Yoga is a good option for middle schoolers. Keep some yoga cards ready for your next PE class and ask them to hold each yoga pose for not less than 10 seconds.

Tip: If some students repel the idea of yoga, don’t worry. They will surely appreciate how relaxed they feel after some meditation treat. You can also show them some meditation videos for added engagement.

27.  Noodle Archery 

This is a classic archery game but with some fun modifications. Hang one hula hoop or have someone hold for you at some distance. Set up three lines at a different distance from the hula hoop which will act as the shooting positions. Ask each student to throw the pool into the hoop once from each line. 

Tip: Assign points to each line- highest to the farthest line and lowest to the closest one. This will make the game more competitive. 

28.  Relay Race 

Relays are the real ‘old is gold’. This game has been there for ages and never fails to excite the players and spectators. Relay Race not only enhances the natural competitive side of children but also encourages the development of gross motor, teamwork, and empathy skills. One high-five between players and you know it’s time to take over the race.

Tip: The tip here is that there is no need for any tip. The game in itself is sufficient to keep you on your toes.

29.  Pole Weave 

This is a great exercise to do twice or thrice a week. Place three straight poles and three crossed poles diagonally on the ground. To win the game, students will have to jump over the cross poles and sprint to weave in and out of the straight poles without touching any of them. 

Tip : You can make the game more challenging by asking students to jump over the crossed poles and back at least 3 times.

30.  Speed Ball

A mix of basketball and soccer, this is a challenging brain game for kids . It is played in two groups where both teams have access to a basketball net and goals each on their side. A team player passes the ball in the air like a basketball, but if it falls on the ground, the game switches to soccer. It’s all hands now!

Tip: Keep negative marking when the ball falls on the ground to make the game competitive.

Let’s Make Fitness Fun for Kids!

PE classes can be very fulfilling if the games are both exciting and physically challenging at the same time. Instead of forcing them for boring squats and push-ups, you can engage them in such games. Motivation is necessary but how it is conveyed also plays a central role. And, it’s all up to PE teachers to how tactfully they face this challenge. Moreover, the list of the gym games for kids is not exhaustive. There’s always room for tailoring a game to your student’s needs and skill requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can i motivate students to be physically active.

It’s a challenging task, but you do not need to worry! Apart from engaging them in group gym games for kids, you can allow them to groove to some dance and music, with activities like Zumba and Dance Aerobics. However, you must be vigilant about the kind of music being played on the speakers. A smart move would be to decide student-friendly music playlist well in advance. Secondly, you must highlight the difference between being a fitness freak and being physically active.

How often can I let students play these games?

It depends on the schedule of PE classes provided by the school authorities. For preschool kids, the gym games for kids could be played once every day. However, for upper elementary and middle schoolers, twice or thrice a week would be enough.

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PE class: It can boost a child's body and mind

by Dennis Thompson

A quality physical education program involves more than just getting kids to move for a set amount of time during the school day, experts say.

PE classes can teach lessons not found in any other classroom, Erika Mundt, a PE teacher at Iowa West City High School in Iowa.

"A successful PE program can literally change the way a school functions as a whole," said Mundt, who was the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America High School PE Teacher of the Year in 2018.

"PE involves cooperative learning, acceptance of yourself and others, learning to try new things no matter how good you are, communication, and problem-solving," Mundt added in a news release from the National Education Association.

That's not to downplay the need for exercise. Physical activity during the school day is essential for student mental health, Mundt said, particularly following the pandemic.

"I just hope that school districts and administrators take into consideration PE when they are trying to catch up with the pandemic and realize that cutting PE and cutting activity time isn't the way to get students to learn more," Mundt said. "PE is an efficient way to help kids learn more."

Kids learn more and stress less when they take PE, said Cara Grant, president-elect of SHAPE America.

"As young as early elementary school, students discover how physical activity helps them feel better," said Grant, who is PreK-12 curriculum supervisor for health, PE and adapted PE for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.

PE classes can provide a chance to check in on kids' emotional health, experts said.

For example, one sample PE lesson for elementary students involves asking the kids to select an emoji that represents how they feel at the beginning and end of class.

Often, kids who selected a sad or tired emoji at the beginning chose a happier or more excited one at the end of class, experts said.

"In younger grades, we ask students, 'Why are we moving? How does that help us when we don't feel great? When you don't feel great but go play at recess, you feel better. How does that apply to why we move?"' Grant said.

And as kids get older, PE classes can become more sophisticated, helping kids learn more about their physical abilities .

Good PE programs should all instill a feeling of confidence and competence in movement, rather than just teaching specific athletic skills, experts said.

"We want students to challenge themselves, and learn about what their bodies are capable of, no matter their ability or background," Grant said. "We want them to explore movement, to feel more successful over time and know that they are growing."

And this benefits mental health because it builds self-confidence , Grant added.

Quality PE programs also promote positive personal and social behaviors, experts said. Students learn how to communicate and resolve conflict—for example, by taking turns or agreeing on the rules of a game.

"I get to teach students valuable skills to stay healthy for lifelong activity," said Jim Hambel, an elementary school PE teacher in the Bronx, N.Y.

In 2022, Hambel's school launched a program for fifth graders in which they built their own bikes, then learned how to ride safely on the road.

The program thus taught children some mechanical ability as well as bike safety, and opened the door to more of them riding their bike to school, Hambel said.

"PE helps students understand by using critical thinking. PE is great at that because we are teaching them how to work with others, be safe and understand the mechanics of skills—the why, the what and the how," Hambel said.

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