Game Sense

2. WHAT IS GAME SENSE?
• As some of us would remember, the
traditional approach to teaching game skills
used the ‘skill and drill’ method. This method
assumes that there is only one way to perform
skill therefore all students must perform that
skill in the specific way. This however is not
the case as many well-known sports people
often develop their own style of play which is
different to the traditional movements.
(Ausport.Gov.Au, 2014)

3. • Our school employs an alternative approach to
teaching game skills known as the Game Sense
approach. The Game Sense approach focuses less
on teaching specific skills. Rather Game Sense
focuses on a holistic approach to learning as it
focuses on developing the individuals learning skills
in the broader context of the game, not just the
specific skill sets. (Ausport.Gov.Au, 2014) in doing
so, our students are able to develop skills such as
problem solving, decision making and team work
while also developing physical activity skills. (Brookes,
2014)

4. GAME SENSE: WHAT GAMES?
Game sense games can be divided into four categorises
• Net and wall
• Players attempt to place the ball/object into their opponents areas.
• Target games
• Players use the ball/object to strike a target.
• Invasion games
• Players maneuver the ball/object into the opponents area targeting specific goal/target area.
• Striking/fielding games
• Attacking players strike an object to gain points while the opposing players attempt to stop the ball to curtail
runs.

5. GAME SENSE FOR STUDENTS
• Teaching sport with the Game Sense approach is beneficial to the students as it allows
them to develop their own style and skills without being forced to conform to a set
structure of play. The Game Sense approach focuses on less on strict rules and more
on play as a way for students to develop a range of skills that are applicable to
everyday life.

6. • Game Sense allows teachers to change
and modify games to better suit their
students. The freedom to modify games
allows us to create a more inclusive
environment. For example, students with
learning differences, physical or
otherwise, may find it difficult to
understand or participate fully in a
specific game like basketball or cricket.

7. • The strengths of the Game Sense Approach allows teachers to break down or even
create new games which would allow these students to still learn the movement skills
associated with these games in a fun manner without an discomfort or
embarrassment.

8. • The Game Sense Approach focuses on student development, enjoyment
and comfort above regimented learning, so your kids will always have
fun!

9. REFERENCES
• Ausport.Gov.Au,. (2014). Sports coach :: teaching games for understanding. Retrieved 9 october 2014,
from
http://www.Ausport.Gov.Au/sportscoachmag/coaching_processes/teaching_games_for_understanding
• Brookes, L. (2014). How the game sense approach in physical education can develop cognitive
thinking (1st ed.). Somerville house. Retrieved from
http://www.Somerville.Qld.Edu.Au/sites/default/files/how%20the%20game%20sense%20approach%20i
n%20physical%20education%20can%20develop%20congnitive%20thinking_leanne%20brookes_0.Pdf