Background/Purpose: Relatively few research studies have focused on physical activity and fitness outcomes related to the Sport Education model for curriculum and instruction (Hastie, Ojeda, & Luquin, 2011). The purpose of the present study was to extend this limited line of research by providing a descriptive analysis of physical activity levels across the duration of an after-school basketball season taught using Sport Education.
Method: Participants included 20 adolescent boys who intended to try out for their middle school's interscholastic basketball team later that fall. The season was taught by a doctoral student in physical education from a local university and included pre-season, season, and post-season phases. Physical activity levels were monitored each lesson using Polar E600 Heart Rate Monitors.
Analysis/Results: Target heart rate zone (THRZ) was calculated using 60-90% of age-determined maximum heart rate. In total, participants averaged 31.4% of class time below, 62% within, and 6.6% above their individualized THRZ. Additional analyses revealed the following: (a) time spent within and above THRZ increased across the season; (b) time spent below THRZ decreased across the season; (c) higher skilled participants were engaged at greater intensity levels than their lower skilled teammates; and (d) participants averaged at least 50% of class time within or above THRZ during 84.6% of the involved lessons.
Conclusions: An after-school Sport Education season for middle school students can provide participants with health-enhancing amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The discussion includes teaching strategies for achieving high levels of MVPA in a Sport Education instructional context.