The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of problem-based learning (PBL) on skill development and learning effectiveness in physical education. One university physical education class was taught using the PBL method, and a second class received traditional instruction. Before and after the teaching experiment, the students were administered a badminton skills test and a learning motivation questionnaire. Differences between the groups were determined using the t test and analysis of covariance. After the teaching intervention, the mean badminton performance and learning motivation scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group, with the difference being significant among students at a low ability level. The PBL method facilitates skill development and increases learning motivation by providing students with opportunities to interact with and help one another. From the findings of this study, we recommend incorporating PBL into physical education instruction.