Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators
Published 6 times a year, Strategies is SHAPE America’s popular bimonthly journal which delivers practical ideas, how-to information, and tips for sport and physical educators.
September / October 2026
Volume 39, Issue 5
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Free Access Article
More Than Just Game-Day Fuel: The Mental-Health Benefits of Proper Nutrition
– Dee Kinney
High school student athletes are under immense pressure to perform—on the field, in the classroom, and socially. While physical training is often prioritized, the mental-health effects of everyday nutrition are often overlooked. This article examines the impact of food choices on mood, focus, and emotional resilience, making the science behind the food-mood connection practical for coaches, educators, and school staff. Topics include common challenges such as under-fueling, low-carb dieting, supplement misuse, and dehydration.
Articles
Conflict Management in Physical Education Class: Transforming Student Conflicts into Opportunities for Teaching Life Skills
– Amir Hossein Labbaf and Mohsen Vahdani
Conflict is an inevitable part of any social environment, and the physical education (PE) class is no exception. However, these conflicts can be transformed into valuable teaching opportunities. This article explores practical strategies for PE teachers to effectively manage student conflicts and utilize them to foster essential life skills such as communication, empathy, problem-solving, and respect. By providing concrete examples and actionable advice, this article aims to equip teachers with the tools to create a positive and enriching learning environment where conflict is viewed as a chance for growth and development.
From Research to Practice: Five Evidence-Based Strategies to Boost Athlete Engagement and Prevent Burnout
– Amisha Singh, Mandeep Kaur Arora, and Bahniman Boruah
Burnout and performance pressure are increasingly affecting emerging adult athletes who juggle intense sport training alongside academic, career, and personal responsibilities. This article presents five evidence-based strategies to support motivation, resilience, and sustainable participation: (1) autonomy-supportive coaching and mindfulness, (2) celebration and team challenges, (3) recovery scheduling, (4) strength-based feedback and rituals, and (5) weekly well-being check-ins. Together, they offer a weekly coaching routine designed to prevent burnout, discourage unsafe coping, and promote long-term athlete commitment.
Physical Education and STEM: The (Not So) Odd Couple
– Stuart Evans and Charlene Willis
Science, technology, engineering, and math—disciplines collectively known as STEM—are a strategic priority in many schools. However, STEM suffers from something of an image and engagement problem, particularly among students who might not be a natural fit for solo, technology-heavy activities, like coding and numbers. Enhancing STEM education by using fitness, health, and physical activity can facilitate student learning across multidisciplinary areas. This article provides practical strategies on how to use STEM activities during prescribed physical activity as a vehicle for student engagement.
“What Should I Do?” 10 Steps to Making an Ethical Decision as a Coach or Athletic Director
– Timothy Baghurst and Simon Quick
Recently, ethical coaching has received increased attention due to serious unethical practices (i.e., safeguarding malpractice) in the media. However, for athletic directors (ADs) and practicing coaches there is little practical guidance on how to make ethical decisions within a coaching context. This article offers a model for ADs and coaches to view how and why (un)ethical coaching may arise, as well as a “worked example” of a real-world ethical situation for a coach. A step-by-step process outlines how ADs and coaches should approach the problem, whom they might turn to for advice, and how best to present the decision to all stakeholders.
The Impact of Coaches and Administrators on Family Functioning Within Elite Youth Sport
– Amanda Aguilar
As youth sport becomes more competitive and professionalized, families are facing increased pressure to “keep up with the Joneses.” These pressures are evident in the growing prevalence of year-round training, pay-to-play leagues, sport specialization, and private coaching, among others. These trends often overshadow the original goals of youth sport and place a growing strain on family life. This article shares practical strategies that coaches, administrators, and other youth sport stakeholders can use to improve family functioning and the overall quality of youth sport programming.
Departments
COACH’S CORNER
Six Strategies to Foster Athlete Belonging
– AJ Fallon-Korb
This article clarifies what belonging is, distinguishing it from fitting in and providing support. To help coaches intentionally develop belonging on their teams, six practical strategies are described.
EDUCATOR’S CORNER
Pipeline: A Creative Activity to Teach Life Skills, Support Educational Standards, and Integrate Movement
– Lon Seiger and Collin Webster
This article introduces Pipeline, an activity that can teach life skills, help meet the SHAPE America National Health and Physical Education Standards, and provide a break from sitting during classroom time with an engaging movement activity.
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
Position Statements for Advocacy: Saved by the Bell! Engaging Students in Before- and After-School Physical Activity
– Lisa Paulson, David Keiling, and Francina Hollingsworth
This article expands on SHAPE America’s position statement titled Schools Should Provide Quality Before- and After-School Physical Activity Opportunities by offering practical strategies educators can use to bring this vision to life.
THEORY INTO PRACTICE
Quality Physical Education: Creative Solutions for Overcrowded Classes
– Rachel Hill, William Thrift, and Brent Heidorn
This article raises awareness about the challenges and consequences of overcrowded physical education spaces, stresses the need for collaborative solutions, encourages physical educators and school leaders to advocate for meaningful change, and useful highlights strategies.
