Abstract
From the outset, two “ideals” are opposed one to the other in the field of school physical activities. On the one hand, the “educated physically fit”, reflecting an egalitarian vision focused on the least physically capable individual. On the other hand, the “sportsman”, reflecting an elitist vision focused on the physically strongest. These antagonistic ideals are the crux of debates sine the end of the XIXth century. But the XXth century means an alternativeto this dichotomy with the recurring rediscovery of Rousseau and activity centered methods.