Particle‐in‐cell simulations of radio frequency glow discharges between parallel‐plate electrodes were performed to test the role of secondary emission at applied frequencies above the ion plasma frequency. With the secondary electron emission coefficient set to zero, the high‐energy tail of the electron energy distribution function in the center of the glow is modulated at the applied frequency, and these energetic electrons show substantial anisotropy. In addition, a pulse of ionization propagates across the glow, correpsonding to the directed velocity of the high‐energy electrons in the center of the glow. These high‐energy electrons originate at the plasma‐sheath boundary and appear to be the result of sheath heating.