The aim of this study is to provide supporting information to further conceive and promote
the concept of ‘New Sports’, a range of new sport activity innovations, through a deeper
understanding of the initiative through the eyes of students. In this regard, the authors applied
four sport innovations (Floorball, Bamboo Dance, SNAG golf, and Kin-ball) which are increasingly
being incorporated in Korean schools. The co-ed framework included four male and female
students (two male and female students of higher aptitude and two of lower aptitude) in S
middle school in Gyeongnam Province. The data was collected through participant observation,
in-depth interviews, and physical education diaries; it was analyzed through case and inductive
analysis. The results are as follows. There was a difference in viewpoint depending on the
application of differing New Sports concepts, gender, and physical aptitude. First, the male and
female students with a low physical aptitude felt indifferent and perceived the New Sports
concepts as being simple and equivalent to the current activities that they experience in gym
class; these students were categorized as having a ‘liberal view of physical education'. The male
and female students with a high physical aptitude, however, showed some differences. The
female students with a high physical aptitude were satisfied with their interaction with other
female students; they were categorized as having a ‘moderate view of physical education’. The
male students with a high physical aptitude indicated that their interest levels and attention spans
in the New Sports began to wane over time; they were categorized as having a ‘conservative
view of physical education’. Based on these results, the authors have two suggestions. First, New
Sports need to be integrated with various teaching methods to emphasize the value and features
of their concepts; and second, New Sports need to become further recognized as life-enhancing
sports and be better promoted in physical education at schools.