Forty percent of students exercise no more than twice a week and 70 percent rely on school physical education (PE) classes, the King Car Cultural and Educational Foundation said today, suggesting that promotion should shift from encouraging participation to fostering consistency.
The foundation released a survey on exercise habits and pickleball promotion among elementary and junior-high students, based on 10,334 responses collected from March 9 to 31.
While more than 90 percent of students exercise at least once a week, about 70 percent only exercise during PE class and 40 percent exercise no more than twice per week, the survey showed.
Photo: CNA
Asked why they like exercise, 70 percent said they find it interesting and about half said it could improve fitness, help them relax and provide more opportunities to interact with peers.
About 60 percent of boys said they like basketball and 70 percent of girls said they like badminton.
Students said they were attracted to sports that involve teamwork, competition and challenges, as well as those that have simple rules and are easy to learn.
The survey specifically examined students’ exposure to pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, with players using paddles to hit a hollow plastic ball on a badminton-size court.
Pickleball is known for its simple rules, approachability and mix of fun and competition.
The survey showed that 70 percent of students had never tried the sport, with 40 percent saying it should be included in PE class and 30 percent saying they would participate in pickleball clubs or courses.
About 50 million people in the US play pickleball, while in Taiwan, the sport started gaining popularity with seniors and gradually expanded across age groups, Chinese Taipei Pickleball Federation chair Sandy Chou (周曉琴) said.
However, promotion of the sport is limited, as there are not enough teachers, equipment or courts, and it has not yet been incorporated into schools, Chou said.
Pickleball stands out, as it can be played at any age and the intensity can be adjusted by playing singles or doubles, she said, adding that people can even practice at home against the wall.
The sport could improve students’ physical and mental well-being and help them develop regular exercise habits, she added.
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