Some Equipment Ideas

If you're like me, you get dozens of equipment catalogs every year.  Those PE catalogs are full of things that look and sound good but in reality aren't.  Some of it is poorly made, of limited utility, or simply doesn't work very well for the purpose for which is was designed.  Other stuff turns out better than expected.  The question is, how do you figure out which is which?

One way is to simply buy it and try it.  However, in these days of limited budgets, this is probably not very cost effective, especially if you buy a piece of equipment that lasts a week. So, in hopes of saving you time and money, here are a few equipment suggestions that you may not have considered but which I've found to be particularly valuable for my PE program.   The items on the list have proven to be some combination of the following:

• Durable
• Help students succeed
• Economical
• Usable in multiple activities

1.  The Sportimemax Soccer Ball
 These are the best balls I know of for playing soccer on asphalt.  They have a cellular rubber (rubber with air pockets in it) skin, which simulates a padded sewn on skin.  The result is a ball which is much softer than a rubber ball.  It feels similar to a sewn ball but without seams that rip.  Very durable; I have some that are 6 years old.

Available from Sportime, http://store.schoolspecialtyonline.net, in sets of 6 balls (size 4, $52.99), (size 5, 59.99). 

2.  Size 1 or Mini Soccer Balls
These are great for throwing games because they are big enough to catch easily, not too big to throw and have a soft feel.  I use them for Speedball (a great lead up game I'll write about in another post), Team Handball and Capture the Flag.  As an added bonus, these are available in the national colors of most World Cup participants.  Balls by Nike are available locally at Sports Authority or Nike outlets.  World Cup balls like the Brazil ball pictured here are available from World Soccer Shop, www.worldsoccershop.com.

All varieties are $9.99 each

3. Lightweight Volleyballs.
These weigh 30% less than a regular volleyball, making them well suited to elementary school aged kids.  The ball pictured here is from S&S Worldwide, but similar products can be found from other vendors.  This one features a foam rubber outer layer to reduce the sting that comes from making the forearm pass.

$9.49 from S&S

4.  Deluxe Beaded Jump Ropes
Vinyl jump ropes get stiff in cold weather and are too light for double dutch.  Segmented jump ropes aren't durable because the plastic segments break.  This rope is a nice solution.  It has a piece of surgical tubing in the middle, right where the rope contacts the ground so the plastic segments don't.  Great for double dutch.

From Gym Closet. 7' rope, $4.75, 8', $5.50, 9'', $5.95, 16', $8.75.  Discounts available if you buy 12 or more.

5.  Aerobie Super Disc
These are great confidence builders because they are easy to throw long and straight.  They also have soft edges that make them easy to catch and don't chafe hands from repeated throwing.  I use them for Ultimate Disc and Disc Golf.  Btw:  If you don't already do so, I encourage you to teach an Ultimate Disc unit.  This sport neutralizes the experience advantage some kids have over others in such sports as soccer and baseball because this sport has no organized youth leagues.  Everyone starts at the same level.  Results can be surprising.  Kids who don't shine in other units are stars in this one.

$9.99 ea from various locations

6.  The Voit Enduro CS3 Kickball

These balls are more expensive than a regular playground ball, but they aren't called "Enduro" for nothing.  I have 2 of them and they've lasted all year.   Regular rubber playground balls puncture or go out of round in weeks.  These will last until the cover wears out.

$9.49 ea / various locations

7.  Hockey Stick Replacement Blades
Do your Cosom hockey sticks look more like scythes?  Well, here's a cheap way to make those sticks work like new.  Available in Red, Yellow and Blue.

$3.40 ea from S&S, Inasco or Gopher

8. Propuck Roller Hockey Pucks
Best puck I've found for pivot puck.  Heavier than most puck with "glide pegs" for stability.  Slide smoothly over rough surfaces without tipping up onto their sides.  Available in 5 colors.

$5.95 ea from www.inlinewarehouse.com

9.  The Sony Explod CFDG505BLA Boombox

If you can't afford a monster PA system like Bain's, this is a reasonable alternative.  Good clean loud sound with two level subwoofer. Plays cd's, cassettes (anyone still use those?) and MP3 players through an Aux jack.

$109.99 from various locations.

If any of you have a favorite piece of equipment, be sure to let us know.