Physical Education or P.E is one of the most of the exciting classes that anyone has ever had. Many people love and rejoice once it’s time for that class. Unless you’re injured.
Many kids get hurt outside of school and are medically required to take a break from PE. And I would like to share some of the ways I keep myself entertained during these times. This is Beyond the Sidelines!
September 15 2025, 10:27 AM, 3A PE class, the game truly began. I was benched due to an injury. I couldn’t play the games the others were. But I was playing my own game. The Pen Shootout.
The Pen Shootout is a modified version of Basketball. Instead of a ball, you would use pens, and instead of a hoop, you would use a bin or bucket. Simply set up the bin or bucket on a table or any flat surface and backup to the other end of the gym. The first person to make it would win.
Freshman Edwin was my opponent. He was athletic but my aim with the writing utensil was unlike anything ever seen. We went back and forth, missing each shot. I was getting better, but so was he. And then he let a shot fly. It was flying through the air like a superhero hurrying to the scene of a crime. But it was just off its mark and was about 2 inches left of the bin. Now it was my turn.
My heartbeat was intense, sweat dripping down my face like melting ice cream. My opponent right beside me, taunting me. I couldn’t let him win. This was the moment I was waiting for. He missed his shot, so it was my turn. I took a pen at random out of the bin. Made sure it was lighter so it would fly farther. As soon as I grabbed it, I knew it was go time.
I held on tightly and went to the shooting spot. Each step got heavier and heavier every time. My good leg dragged the bad with each step. The dreaded spot awakened me. I opened my eyes to see the bin at a far distance. The moment I was waiting for. If I made a basket then I would win.
I threw it swiftly. As it was in the air my mind questioned itself: “Was it too strong or too weak? Did it have enough spin?” I saw it flip and fly through the air, soaring like a dove. It would spin and spin and spin. But that’s when I realized, It was too strong. This pen was going to hit the wall. I was devastated. But then, IT happened.
It did hit the wall, but just strong enough so that it ricocheted off of the wall and landed in the bucket. I erupted into happiness, for I had just won the game. I wish I could say I celebrated gracefully, but my opponent wouldn’t be happy if I lied. I bragged brutally. But I earned it.
This was one of the most fun games I have ever played that was simple yet enjoyable. If you have access to a bin or a bucket and an assortment of pens, this game is incredibly fun and I highly recommend it.
