PE Games for High School: 41 Classic & Original Games to Play

Ready to channel the energy of your high schoolers? Carefully chosen physical education (PE) games get students moving, build lifelong habits, foster teamwork, develop social skills, boost focus, and heighten engagement! 
Revitalize your PE lesson plans and keep your students motivated by introducing activities that challenge them physically and mentally.

From gym class to brain breaks, these PE games for high school will have your students laughing, learning, and moving toward a healthier future. 

Energize your PE class with engaging outdoor games

Changing the scenery and taking your students outside is a great idea, whether it’s winter, spring, or anything in between. You’ll all enjoy some fresh air, and it creates a fresh vibe. Plus, these outdoor games align with the National PE Standards. So, grab your volleyballs, kickballs, mats, and soccer balls, and head out to the track, court, or field. 

• Master the soccer dribble relay: Divide students into four groups, placing two groups on opposite ends of the field. Students dribble a soccer ball relay-style to their teammates across the field.
• Charge into survivor flag: Turn the classic capture-the-flag game into an all-out free-for-all. There are no teams, and each student starts with two flags. If they lose both, they’re out. The winner is the last one standing. 
• Dodge and dash in pinball dodgeball: Split the class into two teams. Each team sets up a group of pins. The first team to knock over the opposing team’s pins wins.
• Launch into a human foosball game: You’ll need two teams, pool noodles, and a kickball. Students act as human foosball players, using pool noodles to hit the ball. The twist is that they can only move side to side across the field.
• Try your skills with noodle hockey: Replace the puck with a kickball and give students pool noodles for hockey sticks. Players try to move the ball down the field and score a goal.
• Ace a snowball toss: Grab your coats and craft some snowballs. Teams toss their snowballs back and forth, trying not to break them. The team with the last intact snowball wins. No iceballs allowed!
• Perfect your shot in mini golf: Set up cups on the field as holes, and have students use pool noodles or plastic golf clubs to play a few rounds. Add creative obstacles to increase the challenge and fun, like hitting the ball around a cone.

Tap into your students’ PE potential with TPT activities

Tried-and-true games can start to feel repetitive, especially for seniors who have been in gym class for practically their whole lives. Keep your lesson plans fresh by incorporating more high school physical education resources into your curriculum. From team-building activities to inventing new favorites, there’s something for everyone to keep students engaged while improving their overall health.