Here is the hitting video

Stage -  Beginner

Stage characteristic-

This batter needs a wider stance to be more stable. One of the most important aspects to hitting is being balanced.  With the feet close together you are not as balanced as if they were shoulder width apart.  

Stride foot is going towards the left when he should stride at the pitcher. Read more »

We put this video together breaking down the basic fundamentals of throwing a softball.  This video is good for mainly beginners.  The steps are good building blocks for future progression to different types of throws.  Before throwing it is important to remember to stretch properly so no injury occurs.  beginning thrower it is important to remember that mastering the basic fundamentals of throwing is crucial for accuracy and injury prevention. 

The diference between thet two swings is that in baseball you want to keep hands together because you dont to use your elbow  when batting inm baseball. In cricket the key is to have your elbow high because you use the elbow more in cricket. it is easier to hit a cricket ball and the key to that is to take your eye off the ball.

Head Athletic trainer for the University of Oregon football team Kevin Steil, shows what it is like in his day to day life in Eugene.

I recently finished reading Christopher McDougal's book Born to Run.  In it, the author explains that he kept getting injuries from running, and wanted to find out why.  His quest led him to study some of the best long distance runners in the world from a remote tribe in Mexico who run hundred mile races through the desert in nothing but sandals or barefeet.  The book is a great read.  It made me examine the reasons I run, and I am considering trying out barefoot running or the vibram five finger shoes.  The video is a reporter from Park City who is trying out the vibram five finger shoes.  Has anyone ever tried these?  Pros or cons?

Since I am looking into studying exercise science I wanted to research the career fields and what type of schooling  I  would need to get there. I found this video and thought it was very helpful and informative. Hopefully others who are considering this major may find it helpful as well to get them motivated to work hard towards a career goal. After watching it I am very excited about this major but I know it will take a lot of hard work to get there. 

Media File: 

Drive Block Rubric.pdf

I made a rubric which would allow a coach to break down a drive block to evaluate an athlete. The skill is more advanced and requires a high skill level. This could be used in late high school or college athletics. Let me know what you think. I look forward to the feedback.

P.S. The grading scale is on a scale from 5 to 15. 5-8= needs improvement. 9-12= Solid fundamentals but slight adjustment 13-15= Outstanding fundaments and great understanding of the skill.

After reviewing the TRX workout program and after discussing the flexibilty component in class, I did some research and found a workout that combines both TRX and yoga. This video displays a few yoga stretches that can easily be done on the TRX. This workout can be very useful to the stretching component of the workout log. Combining the TRX with Yoga would also be much more efficent and less time consuming so you could easily transfer from a muscle workout to stretching workouts. I think this video does a fairly decent job of demonstrating the multiple variations one could accomplish with a TRX suspension system.

i was doing some research to an alternative to crunches and abdominal workouts. It is presented on the fitness that we must complete an ab workout to successfully pass the fit test. What i found from my own experience and research is kettlebells with the right workouts can contribute to a great increase in abdominal strength as well as a whole body strength you never isolate one muscle group all muscles are being used but maybe the focus is on a certain muscle group and they are getting the most work. The reason why i bring up kettlebells is if one can increase overall adominals strength from this excercise moving to a crunch test will be a walk in the park just another tool for preparation, i believe in over prepartion better safe than sorry. Read more »

I have played softball for many years and watched this video and felt it was a good video on showing how to bunt a softball. I myself am left handed so I slap hit and bunt a lot, so i can relate to this video. He is pretty clear on all the steps on showing how lay a bunt down and goes through every detail for the beginners. He also shows how to lay a bunt down on both sides of the plate whether you are left handed or right.

After hearing about the fitness tests I went home to try a few and the stretching one really got me. I have been stretching multiple times a day to improve this reach to my toes. I found this video on you tube because I was interested in ways to stay limber. At first I didn’t like the video because it’s not very professional. But it doesn’t have to be professional to give someone a look at another method of accomplishing something like stretching. I look forward to trying some of the techniques when I get home so see how they work.

Media File: 

coach Mac to Jody 8.14.10.pdf

Recently I had the opportunity of interviewing Portland State University's new assistant men's basketball coach, Coach Andy McClouskey.  Coach Mac has twenty years of experience, beginning as an undergraduate coach, working his way up and then spending the past eight years coaching at Boise State University.  In his responses to the interview (interview attached), he explains his coaching philosophy.  I liked how he pointed out how a coach needs to be dynamic in order to adapt to the ever-changing and growing world of scholastic athletics.  I think it's also important to note that many of his responses included the cooperation of many--families, coaches, athletic directors, school personnel, etc.  It was neat being able to talk about his experience and see the c Read more »

Media File: 

SelfEvaluationForm.pdf

I adapted this self evaluation form fom the Skill Evaluation Tool on the NFHS website.  I would like to use this form to have the students self-reflect an a regular basis and to help them set goals.

Media File: 

N5 heartrate monitor.jpg

My equipment review is on the New Balance N5 Heart Rate Monitor.  Attached is a picture of it.

I bought this heart rate monitor wrist watch a year or so ago at a consignment store for $7.00.  I wrote New Balance to see if I could purchase the chest strap and they sent me one for free. Once I replaced the batteries it was ready to use but I rarely used it until recently.

I put the chest strap and wrist watch on and used it for my warm up, workout and cool down on Friday, July 30th. Read more »

This year in CT all coaches have to take a mandatory course on concussions. Over the past few years research has shown how serious concussions can be on anyone but especially young children. As a PE teacher I think this is also a very important topic. I found these great videos on the  Livestrong website that discusses concessions as well as treatments.  Read more »

The attachment presents information regarding two different graduate schools that are near my area and have degrees I would be interested in obtaining.  They are Western Illinois University and the University of Northern Iowa.

Hello Everyone,

I have attached a .pdf file that contains a rubric I created for grades 9 - 12.  The authentic task that the rubric will be used to evaluate is a presentation that the students will create and present to the class on a minimum of two proper tennis strokes.  It requires the students to work in partner pairs to prepare a multimedia presentation with video footage embedded.

~ Eric

Resource:

rubistar.4teachers.org/

Hi everyone :-)

here is my scoring rubric for the underhand serve in volleyball.  Let me know if you have any suggestions or comments...

I just revised it based on the class discussions about desriptive and clear criterias

Irina

Projects presented in two of our classes have won finalist awards for NASPE's Celebrating Technology and Innovation in Physical Education video contest.  Earlier this term the project was started and a few weeks ago the videos were presented for the contest. Recently NASPE notified the winners. For the complete list of winners see the press release by NASPE. 

Congratulations to the following for their award:

HWS 320 Activities & Games for Youth
Brianne Sjolund
Irina Huber
Gretchen Daugherty
Rob Duke

PES494 Teaching Individual Sports
Angela Bragato
Ashlee Michelson
Kami Hernandez
Kimberly Moore
Noelle Carstens
Shaylee Nielsen
Tristan Patton

Hello Everyone,

I have attached a .pdf file that contains a rubric I created for grades 9 - 12.  The authentic task that the rubric will be used to evaluate is a Swim Technique presentation that the students will create and present to the class.  It requires the students to work in cooperative groups of four.

~ Eric

Resource:

rubistar.4teachers.org/

At many of our middles schools (in Santa Clarita, California) we have rock climbing walls for our students.  It's a popular activity and one that most of the students love or hate (due to their fear of heights).  I posted this video clip as my video analysis of how one school utilized turned their basement into a rock climbing wall.  I'm not crazy about how the students were allowed to climb all over the walls without any safety guidance or structure.   Seeing students allowed to climb beneath other students made me cringe...  Read more »

http://www.unicommons.com/node/15985

I have created a series of short videos with the help of my daughter showing proper spotting techniques for the bridge, back-walkover, and handstand-to-forward roll. They are posted on pevideo.org at the following links:

Spotting a Bridge
Spotting a Handstand-to-Forward Roll
Spotting a Back-Walkover

PERSONAL PRINCIPALS

As a coach and role model for young women, I find it imperative to behave in such a manner that is viewed as morally and ethically upstanding at all times.  I will obey the laws of the land, make every effort to provide a safe and emotionally healthy environment for those I teach, and encourage character building, athleticism and personal growth in young women athletes.  I am a human that is capable of making mistakes.  In order to reduce human error, I am dedicated to continued education and I personally advocate for open and frequent communication.  A coach who is aware can take action to instigate positive change. Read more »

I have attached a Unit Plan along with an assessment rubric on how I teach Tinikling.  You will notice that my fourth graders finish the unit quicker than the 5th and 6th graders as I have found that learning a routine is a "real" challenge for most of them.  I allow them to adapt and modify the choreography with hands and leg movements.  They have fun with it.  Enjoy! 

Here are the steps and youtube video of an elementary (5th grade?) performance to "Troika" a Russian Folk Dance.

"Troika" is the Russian word for sleigh. This dance represents the prancing of the horses as they pull a sleigh.

Follow the steps below to perform this dance:

Formation:

Break into groups of three. All of the dancers get into a circular formation, with the groups of three positioned as if they were spokes in a wheel. Groups of three face counterclockwise and join hands.

Steps for Each Group of Three:

First Section (16 counts): Read more »

This is what I would hope my offense to look like when I become a coach. It is an offense designed for speed not neccessarily size.

I found this clip helpful in learning some skills regarding netball. There are several others also that deal with various topics like defense etc.

Here's an informational video about Floor Hockey. It basically covers all of what you need to know. I don't know if it's high quality or interesting enough to show in class, but it would be good a teacher to be familiar with it, or to teach someone else.

Attached is a copy of my plan to complete my degree in Physical Activity and Health, with a Health and Wellness concentration (based on the assumption that classes are usually offered in the same term each year).  Most of my credits will be transferred from Penn State University so I mainly need the core courses and a few electives.  I was hoping to complete a bit sooner, but with the schedule of the EXS 321, 322, 323 that must be taken in order that would be difficult.  I work part time for UPMC and have 2 kids under 5, so I am trying to take classes in groups that I hope will be manageable together, as well as keep the credits low for financial reasons.  If you see that I have 2 very challenging courses together please share!

I have spent quite a few hours working on my degree plan,  I hope that it may provide some help to those who are still working on their's.  I know its more of a personal plan but maybe the format may save some of you time.  I have posted it in a PDF file format.

While working out in the EOU gym this term I noticed that the treadmills and elliptical are both very popular forms of aerobic exercise. Many times I would go to the gym to use these machines and I would have to wait for someone to get off. After using both of these machines I was wondering why they were so popular. I know that I really enjoy the machines but I wanted to know the reasons why others in the class also enjoy the machines. So, if you use either of these exercise equipments please fill me in with your reasons. Also, I was curious to find out what was the differences as far as training intensities were. Because I had so many questions about these two exercise machines I decided to go onto you tube and see if I could find a video to help me out with this. Read more »

Here is a recent court ruling worth noting:

http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/08/priv...