Game Sense

Teaching game sense to practical

lessons of PDHPE

What is Game Sense?

When teaching practical lessons to students we need to use a variety of approaches to develop game skills.

O’connell (2014) states“The approach is based on the assumption that certain principles are common across a range of games and that teaching students about the principles will enable students to be able to perform in the game with more understanding”.

Teaching younger students games can be a difficult concept, we need to develop ways in which skills can be learnt before playing any structured game.

Game Sense Categorized in Team Games

Game sense approach are categorized into four areas of team games:

1. Invasion games e.g. Soccer, touch, netball

2. Target games e.g. Golf, archery, bowls

3. Court and Net games e.g. Volleyball, tennis

4. Striking and Fielding e.g. Cricket, softball

Each of these sports have similar principles which helps students to learn about different sporting games.

Understanding the Game Sense Approach

Pill, S (2014) explains “the Game Sense approach is one method which develops the broader meanings of sport and physical activity as it focuses on developing thinking through problem solving using physical activity. The Game Sense approach is a variation of Bunker and Thorpe’s Teaching Games for Understanding model. The Game Sense approach became prominent in Australia following a visit by Rod Thorpe to Australia in 1996”.

Game Sense for students at every level

By focusing on this approach it enables students to understand and develop ways to be taught skills for games.

This allows students to make decisions and solve problems to make a successful performance. This strategy of teaching and coaching develops skills for specific activities.

Pill, S (2014) explains how the “Teaching Games for Understanding approach is a method that can be used with all ages, from beginners to elite. By manipulating time, risk and space elements of performance with questions to make participants think through the various aspects of performance, a rich understanding of the game is developed”.

Strategies for Game Sense

Games sense is important for teachers and coaches to teach young children ways to develop their own skills and understanding, while also being actively involved in a game (O’Connell, J. 2014. 1).

As a teacher I find this approach a great way to introduce students to develop fundamental skills, for team games.

It conveys strategies that allows all children at every level to further develop their own skills when playing team games.

Teachers and Game Sense

Why it’s important?Teaching younger students fundamental skills can be difficult concept to master. Though it is a requirement to teach these younger students these skills, the PDHPE Syllabus is a great way to further develop these skills. This syllabus gives guidance into each stages of a child’s development. It gives teachers and coaches step by step information in how to incorporate development skills. The programs have subject matter that allows students in stage 2 to further develop life skills.

Game Sense and PDHPE Syllabus

STAGE 2 - GSS2.8: Participates and uses equipment in a variety of games and modified sports.

Helps students learn new skills by practicing with fun games.

Practices and refines movement skills in a variety of games.

Explains correct use of specific sports equipment.

Demonstrates a range of skills in practices and modified games. For example throwing and catching, dribbling a ball with hand or foot.

Reference: O’connell, J. (2014, October 10) Games senses approach to practical lessons. Retrieved from http:/www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/secondary/pdhpe/assets/pdf/pa_002.pdf

Den Duyn, N 1996 'Why it makes sense to play games', Sports Coach, 19(3), pp6-9

Pill, S (2014, October 10) University School of Education and President, SA Branch, Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation Issue: Volume 29 Number 2. Retrieved from http://www.ausport.gov.au/sportscoachmag/coaching_processes/teaching_games_for_understanding

Foran, A. & Robinson, D. (2011) Pre-Service Education Teachers’ Implementation of “TGfU Tennis”: Assessing Elementary Students’ Game Play Using the GPAI. St Francis Xavier University. Vol 3, No 2.

Board of studies New South Wales, (2006) Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K-6 Syllabus. Sydney, Australia.