The Supersized PhysEd Podcast

David Carney

The Supersized Physed Podcast is dedicated to providing new ideas, activities and inspiration to our physical education field. Each week a new episode about various physed topics comes out, sometimes with a guest, sometimes it's just me! #physed #physicaleducation

  1. 6d ago

    The Power of Student-Designed Games

    Send us Fan Mail Hello PE Nation! Today I dig into the power of students creating their own games and why that creativity can change the energy of a PE program. I share real examples from my childhood games, then land on a practical, structured way to run “PE Design Squad” so it stays fun, clear, and safe.  • using game creation to boost student ownership and creativity  • borrowing inspiration from Design Squad style challenges  • structuring student designs with equipment lists, setup steps, rules, and gameplay  • adapting striking and fielding ideas like home run derby for PE  • exploring tag and invasion variations like shadow tag, infection, and bike tag stories  • learning from “Canadian football” and why kid rules happen  • drawing hard safety lines, including what not to try  • swapping groups so students test and refine each other’s games  • managing open equipment access with responsibility and clean-up expectations  Empower your students! Dave -Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward. -Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095 -Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies -High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE Support the show -High Fives and Empowering Lives  book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE

  2. Jul 7

    A Michelin Star Mindset For Teaching

    Send us Fan Mail Yes Chef! Today I borrow the mindset of elite kitchens to rethink what excellence looks like in teaching and physical education. I lay out a simple “recipe” that helps us build joyful classes, reliable routines, memorable experiences, and a consistent standard students can trust.  • loving cooking shows as a lens for teaching excellence  • serving up joy daily through fun movement and real connection  • putting systems in place for attention signals, class flow, drills, and transitions  • experimenting with games, trends, and creative uses of equipment  • creating experiences students remember like bikes, obstacle courses, mascots, and tournaments  • building excellence through consistency, routines, and clear expectations  • redefining legacy as daily impact rather than awards  Keep cooking, Dave -Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward. -Article on Outside PE Checklist -Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095 -Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies -High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE Support the show -High Fives and Empowering Lives  book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE

  3. Jun 19

    Striker Ball for Grades K-5

    Send us Fan Mail What's up PE Nation! Today I share how we run Striker Ball for K-5 and why it fits so well as a follow-up to Foursquare and Gaga Ball. I break down the setup, the rules that keep it safe and fair, and the simple ways we teach kids to settle disputes fast.  • why Striker Ball works as a progression from Foursquare and Gaga Ball  • simple setup using medium cones and court circles  • objective of scoring through cone goals while defending your own  • ball height rule to keep strikes low and controlled  • rotations for K to 1 to keep play simple  • numbered positions and serving rotation for grades 2 to 5  • “no neighbor outs” rule to prevent cheap scores and teach awareness  • dispute process using group voting or replaying the point  Take care, Dave -Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward. -Article on Outside PE Checklist -Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095 -Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies -High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE Support the show -High Fives and Empowering Lives  book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE

  4. Jun 11

    The 3 Rs Of Summer Planning

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Summer, Today I lay out a simple way to rest during summer break while still coming back ready to serve students better. I use the three Rs reflect, refocus, and regroup to review what worked, fix what didn’t, and build a real plan instead of repeating last year.  • reflecting on the previous school year with pluses, minuses, changes, and keepers  • building a PE culture that stays fun and educational  • using a wristband-style student leadership program to create ownership and responsibility  • dealing with tight equipment budgets, missed grants, and making do with what you have  • spotting games and routines that feel stale and deciding what to tweak or drop  • refocusing the yearly calendar around weather, indoor days, and units like net games  • adding new games, music, exercises, and better ways to run large-group flag football  • planning bigger projects like a treasure hunt challenge, archery, and a bike trailer  • regrouping with a written plan, backwards planning, and meetings with administration   Take care, Dave -Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward. -Article on Outside PE Checklist -Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095 -Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies -High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE Support the show -High Fives and Empowering Lives  book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE

  5. May 6

    Four Square Progressions For K-5

    Send us Fan Mail Hello PE Nation! Today we bring back four square and show how we teach it from kindergarten through the upper grades without losing kids to confusion, long lines, or constant arguments. I share the exact progressions, key rules, and the creative “extra games” students love once they know the basics.  • why four square belongs in the PE curriculum and transfers to recess and home play  • kindergarten setup using numbers plus bounce and catch skill building  • first grade progression with sending over lines and quick re-entry rotation  • second grade rotations with square one to four progression and safe play rules  • third grade shift to underhand tapping plus inside lines out and outside lines in  • simple conflict resolution for line calls using group vote or replay  • fourth and fifth grade reinforcement and letting advanced players compete safely  • popular student chosen variations like Cherry Bomb, Pac Man, Shoe Shine and School Bus  Let's play! Dave -Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward. -Article on Outside PE Checklist -Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095 -Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies -High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE Support the show -High Fives and Empowering Lives  book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE

  6. Mar 17

    Level-up Leadership Program Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome PE Nation! Today I share a part-two update on my martial arts style leadership program for elementary PE and how the belt levels are working in real life. I break down the benefits, the problems I did not expect, and what I want to change so it runs even better next year.  • belt system built around leadership, behavior, and helpfulness rather than athletic skill  • how students earn white, green, orange, purple, black, and red belt levels  • daily responsibility expectations like wristbands, water bottles, and best effort  • leadership roles through captains, referees, and helping classmates  • privileges that reinforce trust and positive behavior  • pros like improved effort, better sportsmanship, and stronger classroom culture  • cons like some kids opting out, parent complaints, and over-promotion risks  • future plans to make criteria clearer and fund supplies with a grant  Definitely check out the first episode on the leadership program, it’ll give you a better idea of it. If you have any questions, reach out to me. Take care, Dave My podcast on my Ninja Leadership Program. -Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward. -Article on Outside PE Checklist -Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095 -Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies -High Fives and Empowering Lives book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE Support the show -High Fives and Empowering Lives  book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE

  7. Feb 16

    Jump Rope Stations That Kids Love

    Send us Fan Mail Let's jump PE Nation! Today we map out engaging jump rope stations that scale from kindergarten to fifth grade, tie movement to heart health, and keep classes flowing with limited staff. From Chinese jump rope patterns to long rope timing, we share practical setups, cues, and safety tips you can use tomorrow. • K–1 adaptations using floor shapes and simple jumps • Chinese jump rope patterns with ankle to knee progressions • single-rope zones for beginner, intermediate, advanced • long rope entries, rhythm, and partner timing • Jump Over the Brook for distance and power with safeguards • Helicopter for quick, inclusive jumping games • obstacle course options that teach heart health • using task cards, volunteer roles, and rotation timing Take care, Dave My podcast on my Ninja Leadership Program. -Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward. -Article on Outside PE Checklist -Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095 -Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies Support the show -High Fives and Empowering Lives  book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE

  8. 12/23/2025

    Old School PE: What Were They Thinking?

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back PE Nation! Today I revisit the PE practices many of us grew up with—public showers, shirts versus skins, elimination games, captains’ picks—and show how small changes create safer, more inclusive classes. Stories from the 70s and 80s meet modern fixes that keep kids moving without shame. • why public showers and rigid swimming norms erode psychological safety • how pinnies replace shirts versus skins without fuss • designing re-entry rules so elimination games keep everyone active • small-sided games to increase touches and learning • equitable team formation without public ranking • reframing fitness testing toward growth, not humiliation • safer alternatives to risky legacy games • what to keep from tradition and what to retire Let's keep the good stuff and do away with the bad, Dave -Check out supersizedphysed.com for more resources, including free PDFs, articles, and courses to help with your PE program. Please leave a review to help grow this podcast and keep pushing our profession forward. -Article on Outside PE Checklist -Team Building Games Ebook (with preview): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Team-Building-Games-and-Activities-for-PE-Class-14063095 -Free resources include Substack and Medium articles with PE tips, games, and strategies -High Fives and Empowering Lives  book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE Support the show -High Fives and Empowering Lives  book available as an ebook or paperback -Paperback or download: HERE -Amazon Ebook: HERE

4.7
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Supersized Physed Podcast is dedicated to providing new ideas, activities and inspiration to our physical education field. Each week a new episode about various physed topics comes out, sometimes with a guest, sometimes it's just me! #physed #physicaleducation