
Physical Education Tips of the Week #55
August 21, 2008
1. Editor's Note
The Olympics - I luv'em. But, as I mentioned in the last newsletter, I spent last week working from our summer cottage, which has proven to be a hardship for a diehard Olympic fan. We don't have satellite or cable TV down there and our old-time antenna provides us with poor reception. So, I've been watching the games through a screen-induced snowfall, in which every person has a double and there are often three or four ghost balls in play at the same time. A typical exchange between my wife and I was, "Wow, those two synchronized divers were perfect...No dear, it was just one diver."

The above articles are for PE Update members only. But how about free stuff? This newsletter includes links to a website that shows how good a basketball player Barack Obama really is; our blog, in which I provide some Olympic observations on Usain Bolt and swimmer Jason Lezak; and our free article from the archives on how to make your own balloon racquets from nylons and clothes hangers.
This newsletter is free, but most of the content on the website is for members-only, including instructional videos, the discussion group, almost 2000 articles that you can read, print and email... and much more.
If you're not already a member of the PE Update website, then join up today!! You can get more information here: PE Update Membership Information
I hope you enjoy this issue!
Dick Moss, Editor

CAN BARACK OBAMA REALLY PLAY BASKETBALL?
It has been widely publicized that presidential candidate, Barack Obama loves to play basketball player. But can he really play, or is this just campaign talk? Check out this video to find out for yourself. Scroll to 7:32 to see his playing footage. This piece, from HBO's REAL Sports by Bryant Gumbel, includes interviews with his brother-in-law, Craig Robinson,who has just taken over as head coach of Oregon State.
Barack Obama Basketball Video

Here are the Articles that have been added to the website over the past two weeks.
These articles are available to members of PE Update.com.
- Fitness: Interval Walking - A Fun Rainy Day Activity
Interval walking is a great way to spice up indoor walking workouts for your physical education classes. - Games: Shaving Cream Whiffle Ball
A baseball variation involving a Whiffle Ball and shaving cream! - Health: The Best Sitting Position for Minimizing Back Stress
New technology has found the best sitting posture for minimizing back strain...and it's not the traditional upright position. - Hockey: How to Reduce the Incidence of Groin & Ab Injuries in Early-Season Hockey
How hockey players can make themselves three times less likely to suffer a groin injury in the first weeks of play. - Soccer Video Link - Side Volley Drill Progression
A drill progression that teaches soccer players the side volley technique. Good for teams or physical education class. Includes a link to an illustrative video. - Strength: Plyometrics on the Sand - Are They Effective?
Plyometrics on a sand surface are good for sports like beach volleyball, but are less effective in developing reactive strength abilities.
The PE Update.com website has 410 other articles on these six topics! Become a member and you can read them today! Click Here!

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Monday Morning Musings on the World of Sports, Coaching & Physical Education from Editor, Dick Moss.
OLYMPIC OBSERVATIONS - BOLT & LEZAK
Your editor provides observations on two Olympic athletes and their performances, including how Usain Bolt's race will change his coaching methods for the 100m sprint.
To read more, click this link to the blog: //www.physicaleducationupdate.com/peblog/

Each week, I'll highlight a useful article from the PE Update Archives. The article will be available to non-members of the website for a week, and to members forever!
This week's pick is:
Equipment: How to Make Balloon Racquets for Your PE Classes
Your students can make their own balloon-bouncing racquets using only a wire coat hangar and a pair of old nylons. Here's how.
The PE Update.com website has 82 other articles on PE equipment you can make or adapt yourself! Become a member and you can read them today! Click Here!
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