The reform of teaching and physical quality of university students is the hope of the future, university life is the period for their body and mind to get the comprehensive development. Students only have the good physical quality, can be energetic to study. In order to better promote students’ physical and mental development, physical education is set in higher schools to promote the health of students and improve the physical quality of students. At present, the reform of physical education in China is carried out for the development of students’ physique. This paper analyzes the causes of decreased physical quality of contemporary university students, suggestion are proposed through changing the traditional concept of education, reforming university physical education, improving the school sports facilities and conditions to constantly improve the level of students’ mental health, and provide the theoretical reference for optimizing the physical education quality and enhance the physical health of university students. Students’ health consists of two aspects: physical and psychological aspects. In order to improve the students’ self-confidence and willpower and adjust the mental state of students through sports, especially in the teaching of physical education, only paying attention to teaching sports skills and ignoring the health and education of university students should be prevented. During the process of physical exercise, university students should not only master the basic motor skills, but also develop the psychological quality. Teachers need to take some special measures to promote university students’ mental health according to the psychological characteristics and physical characteristics of university students.