Transforming Sports Education: Strategy, Training & Inclusivity

Mr. Derek Browne’s journey in education began by chance. An Ex-Defense Professional and an athlete, he was initially deputed by the Madras Engineering Group and Centre, to coach three schools in Kerala, shaping the early stages of physical education.Arriving in Bangalore in the early 1970s on being transferred due to work, he discovered that although schools had the necessary physical education equipment, none of them were being used. Over the decades, he worked with various schools, establishing physical education departments and coaching thousands of students. He recounted his experience with Mentor about his long stint as a physical educator, and his approach towards transforming sports education through strategy, training and inclusivity.

Challenges

In many schools, physical education equipment was available but rarely used due to a lack of understanding. Once students were introduced to these tools—such as the parallel bars, horizontal bars, vaulting horse, and spring horse—they became more engaged. Teaching the fundamentals, based on the School of Physical Training, was essential before progressing to advanced techniques. Safety was a priority, as injuries could discourage students from returning. A well-structured gym environment played a crucial role in fostering confidence and skill development.

A key challenge in physical education is the disparity between residential and day schools. Boarding schools offer ample time for structured training, allowing students to revisit and refine their skills. In contrast, day schools have limited periods—typically 30 minutes to an hour—which restricts in-depth practice.

Additionally, engagement in physical activity varies among students. While some are naturally inclined toward sports, others are less enthusiastic. However, physical education is essential for overall development, both physically and mentally. Movement is especially important in today’s sedentary lifestyle. A concerning trend is the drop in participation among girls as they reach higher grades, often due to puberty and societal factors. Addressing these challenges can ensure sustained interest and inclusivity in physical education.

Girls in P.E

Coaching girls in physical education requires a thoughtful approach. While they may participate when asked, losing often discourages them from returning. However, with the right guidance and teaching methods, they develop resilience and confidence.

In an all-girls school, success depended on how the coach engaged with the students. Personalized instruction was key—explaining mistakes, correcting techniques, and ensuring each player understood their movements. When coached with the right methods, students were more likely to stay motivated and continue improving.

Girls dropping out of physical education can be prevented with proper instruction and support. It is crucial to engage with parents who prioritize academics, expecting their children to maintain high grades while also participating in sports. During parent-teacher meetings, it is essential to address these concerns and work with school staff and principals to encourage a balanced approach, ensuring students receive both academic and physical education opportunities.

The Right Approach

Many physical education teachers, whether trained or not, allow students to follow their own routines. Untrained instructors can be a serious issue. Physical exercises must follow a structured approach, with specific sets designed for girls and gym-based activities tailored accordingly.

To ensure consistency and effectiveness, a strong foundation should be integrated into the education curriculum. Establishing a standardized syllabus would provide a clear framework, ensuring that physical education follows a structured and beneficial pattern for all students.

Integrating Sports into the Curriculum

Sports should be an integral part of the school syllabus, starting from junior classes and progressively advancing to senior levels. A well-structured curriculum ensures consistent development rather than a fragmented approach. Without this foundation, physical education becomes unorganized and ineffective.

A major challenge is the lack of infrastructure in many schools, particularly the absence of playgrounds. To address this, schools should explore alternative solutions such as leasing grounds or partnering with external facilities to provide students with adequate space for physical activities.

The Role of Technology

If technology had been as accessible in the past as it is today, planning game strategies and training methods would have been significantly different. With access to a well-equipped facility and the energy to experiment, I was able to refine techniques through hands-on practice.

Today’s educators have the advantage of using technology to develop strategies, analyze techniques, and enhance sports training. This not only improves their approach but also provides valuable knowledge to students, helping them better understand and refine their skills.

Access to technology must be paired with identifying physically fit players. Stamina is crucial—players should rotate every 10 minutes to maintain energy levels, while those with endurance can sustain play for 40 to 90 minutes, especially in sports like football.

Strategy and statistics are key in building a strong team. If a team or player underperforms, reviewing their performance data can help refine training approaches. This targeted coaching reduces dropouts and enhances overall team performance. When technology, strategy, and statistics are integrated into individual training, they can transform sports education in schools.

Conclusion

Parents, especially those of girls who play sports, should support their children without unnecessary comparisons. Even schools with limited infrastructure can utilize available spaces, such as quadrangles or corridors, to encourage movement. A simple 25-minute daily walking routine can be an effective way to promote physical activity, regardless of location.

Sports education should not be replaced by other academic hours—it must be treated as a subject and taught systematically. Schools should educate students on training strategies and goal-setting, reinforcing the path to excellence in sports.