ABSTRACT
A subdiscipline within the field of kinesiology that has its roots in psychology and that contributes to the psychology of teaching physical education is sport and exercise psychology. Sport and exercise psychology is "the scientific study of human behavior in sport and exercise, and the practical application of that knowledge in sport and exercise settings". Many topics within sport and exercise psychology have the potential to provide great assistance to physical educators in achieving their goals and dealing with individual students. Thus, the psychology of teaching physical education is the study of human behavior in physical education, and the practical application of that knowledge in physical education settings. Teaching physical education is a complex endeavor. Classroom control, appropriate student behavior, and student enjoyment are often less of a worry when students are motivated, so utilizing strategies specific to the psychology of teaching physical education to increase motivation will help prevent some of these problems.
