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Game Sense approach is a method used
which develops broader meanings of sport
and physical activity, as it focuses on developing thinking through problem solving (Australian Sports Commission, 2014). Ms. Rebecca Saad CLASS 4S Game Sense is a teaching approach that is based upon the Teaching Games for Understanding Model (Light, 2006).
Rod Thorpe introduced the Game Sense Approach to Australia in 1996.
The Game Sense approach is a student-centred approach which allows students to develop their own skills and understanding through physical activity. Game Sense focuses on the individuals ability to develop sport and physical ability skills through game centred activities that are designed to improve a persons decision making, thinking and problem solving skills and physical performance in an interactive environment. Developing SKILLS is an importance element of Game Sense as it is developed contextually by participating in modified games.
Game Sense Approach Categories The game sense approach categorizes teams into four areas:
Invasion games- Scoring points by invading the opposing teams territory e.g. soccer, touch and netball.
Target games- Attempting to aim an object e.g. ball to hit a target in order to gain as many points as possible e.g. golf, archery and bowls.
Court and Net games- The aim is to score a point in the oppositions territory by targeting their field e.g. volleyball, tennis and badminton.
Striking and Fielding games- A competition between batting and fielding teams e.g. cricket and softball. What is a Modified Game? In physical education, a modified game resembles the sport on which it is are based on, but adapted to suit the players age, size, ability, skill and experience.
Students are able to develop an understanding of the game by thinking and communicating about both the tactics and techniques of the game.
What are some questions the teacher may ask students whilst playing modified games to benefit students game understanding? When did you pass the ball? When did you not pass the ball? Why did you pass the ball? What did you do to make it easier to pass the ball to a team mate? etc. How did I throw that good pass?
The Importance of Game Sense The following table outlines the Game Sense approach:
Game Form (Representation/exaggeration)
Tactical Awareness (What to do?)
Skills Execution (How to do it?)
It involves the teacher designing a series of modified games that move progressively from simple to complex. This will culminate a full game in a modified version, where the teacher will expect students to be able to play at a particular stage of the unit It will depend on the teachers knowledge and observation of the students, where she/he will be able to determine what level the students are at and choose suitable modified games Why I will be adopting Game Sense with 4S? McBride (1999) points out that PE teachers who use the traditional demonstration/replication instruction model, where they control most if not all the decision making are disadvantaging students cognitive development.
Therefore, by adopting the Game Sense approach students will be in control with their decision making as they will need to use various tactical and strategic movements throughout the game.
Traditional coaching focuses on the isolation of skill development and ultimately lessens a childs ability to be motivated to learn and enjoy physical activity.
Whereas, the Game Sense approach provides children with the opportunity to learn about the technique and skills through contextually modified games that are appropriate to age and ability. While gaining an understanding of the games format and rules
The BENEFITS of using Game Sense Game Sense guides children to develop the ability to express themselves, gain socialization skills through interaction with peers, and helps them to learn how to solve problems and conflicts. Game Sense caters for students of all different ages, sizes, abilities and interests. Game Sense provides teachers will more flexibility. Modifications are made to games to accommodate the students to all the different skill levels, while ensuring that the game is still enjoyable for everyone. Most importantly, the approach encourages students to understand the game first, increasing their motivation skills and confidence to play.
1. The lesson will begin with a modified game which will present students will tactical problems.
2. After working out the accurate passing is the way to go, students are encouraged to think about or ask themselves How did I they maintain possession? etc.
3. This is where teaching the skill becomes relevant e.g. teaching students to use underarm and overhead passes, looking where to throw the ball etc.
4. The cycle can be repeated, however as an advancement the teacher will add a variation such as including time limits, new rules and an extra equipment etc. Light, R. (2006) Game Sense: Innovation or just good coaching? Journal of Physical Education New Zealand, 39 (1), 8-19.
Mandigo, J., Butler., & Hopper, T. (2007) What is teaching games for understanding? A Canadian Perspective. Physical & Health Education Journal, 73 (2), 14-20.
Pill, S. (2014) Teaching games for understanding. Australian Sports Commission, 29 (2), Retrieved from http://www.ausport.gov.au/sportscoachingmag/coaching_processes/t eaching_games_for_understanding_