A review is presented of research concerning physical education instruction, focusing upon those studies which use interaction analysis as a method of systematically observing the instructional process. A brief overview of the development of interaction analysis systems in physical education cites instruments which were designed for focusing on classroom teaching, e.g., Cheffer's Adaption of the Flanders Interaction Analysis System (CAFIAS), and adaptations of generic systems such as Olson's modification of the Observational System for Instructional Analysis (OSIA). Other systems which have also provided basic research tools for studies are included in the overview. A discussion is offered on the uses of these instruments in describing instructional processes and determining behavior patterns in teaching. Findings of contemporary studies on the issue of effective teaching behaviors are summarized. A discussion is presented on the use of interaction analysis in changing teacher behaviors. A list of 44 references is included. (JD)