COAHPERD

PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Paula Keyes Kun (703) 476-3461; pkun@aahperd.org

PASSION FOR PICKLE BALL GIVES AUTHOR A GREAT DEAL OF SATISFACTION
RESTON, VA, December 1, 2010 – Want to know how to teach pickle ball? Ask Laura Zlogar, a physical education teacher at Lakewood High School in Jefferson County, Colorado! Pickle ball, a fun, fast paced game that involves the strategies of passing drive shots, lobs and quick volley exchanges at the net, has been an integral part of her life for over 15 years. As the chapter author of pickle ball for the publication Physical Activity & Sport for the Secondary School Student, Zlogar shares her knowledge about skill instruction, safe and effective practice techniques and game strategies. Created in 1965 in the Seattle, WA area, pickle ball can be played by two or four people on the identical court dimensions as a doubles badminton court.
“At my current school, I have been responsible for adding a racquet sports class which includes a pickle ball unit,” says Zlogar. “I love educating students on the history, rules, strategy, and skills of the sport that can help develop reflex and coordination skills, as well as quickness and agility.”
This edition of Physical Activity & Sport makes teaching pickle ball less daunting. Teachers, students and teacher educators will find the latest in skill instruction, practice techniques and game strategies for 22 sports and activities, all backed by research. They also will find reams of hands-on tools – assessments, lesson plans, practice drills and safety guidelines - on the CD-ROM that accompanies the book.
“Perhaps best of all,” says Dr. Neil Dougherty of Rutgers University, editor of the book, “readers will find the tips, tricks and insights that the book’s authors have accumulated over the many, many years that they’ve been teaching these sports and activities.”
“NASPE is proud to offer this updated practical resource to the professionals who dedicate their careers to serving the physical activity needs of our nation’s young people,” says Charlene R. Burgeson, executive director of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), publishers of Physical Activity & Sport. “Every child and youth needs a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day and this publication will help physical education teachers, Y instructors and other physical activity professionals to help make that happen.”
Introduced to pickle ball in 1996 when student teaching, she immediately became a fan and was intrigued by the similarities to tennis. Being a tennis player and coach herself, Zlogar quickly developed a liking for the sport. Through Physical Activity & Sport for the Secondary School Student, Zlogar hopes to reach a wider audience of educators and teachers and share her knowledge about teaching pickle ball.
A graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in exercise sport science, physical education and coaching, Zlogar has a Masters of Art degree in administration and education from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the Colorado Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (COAHPERD) which honored her in 2007 with the Outstanding Educator Award. She also received the Coach of the Year Award for the 2007 tennis season. Zlogar, who has been teaching in Jefferson County Public Schools for 16 years, also coaches women's varsity tennis and unified(special needs) basketball.
Learn how to teach water polo and 22 other sports and activities with the help of Physical Activity & Sport for the Secondary School Student. Other subjects include: aerobic fitness, archery, badminton, basketball, climbing and challenge courses, cycling, dance, golf, inline skating, lacrosse, pickle ball, soccer, softball, speedball, swimming, tennis, track & field, tumbling, volleyball, water polo and weight training. Order online at www.naspeinfo.org/shop or call 1-800-321-0789. Stock number is 304-10463, $48 for NASPE/AAHPERD members; $69 for non-members.