Game sense approach

2. What is Game sense?
Game sense approach is opposite to the traditional
approach to teaching PE
Game sense approach is student centred
The purpose of the approach is to develop students learning
on games and skills
Game sense focuses on the cognitive aspects of games.
This involves pausing the game to explain or demonstrate
skill. In doing so students are learning as they play and
contribute to the lessons.

3. Game sense categories
• Target: Golf, darts.
• Striking: Softball, cricket, baseball, hockey
• Net and court: Volleyball, tennis, squash, European
handball, basketball
• Invasion: Hockey, soccer, football and rugby

4. What approaches do
PDHPE teachers use?
In PDHPE, teachers use a range of approaches when
educating students in physical classes. However, the
most recent and useful approach the teachers use is
the Game Sense approach (Curriculum support, n.d.).
Game sense provides tactical understanding, skills and
technique.

5. Why teach game sense as
part of the lessons?
• Students learn the fundamental movement patterns and coordinated
actions of the body: children are taught fundamental movement skills
(FMS) and further encouraged to practice these skills.
• Skills and enable action for better health and movement outcomes:
Students development of communication, interaction and decision making
further develops the performance self-esteem and overall health of
students
• A game sense approach allows teacher to help students learn in an
arranged environment, where students can be challenged to meet the
requirements of the game and reflect on the questions being discussed
rather than being told what to do. (Light, 2006).

6. Strengths as a teaching
approach
Game sense approach promotes inclusive learning
When using the game sense approach, games are constructed in
a progressive process which are suitable for students of all skills
levels.
Greater appreciation of the game or activity
Benefits students effectively
Overall students gain a new appreciation of the game while
learning tactical awareness and decision making during the
duration of the game unlike the traditional approach.

7. References
Australian Sports Commission. (n.d.). Teaching games for understanding. Australian
council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation. Retrieved from
http://www.ausport.gov.au/sportcoachmag/coaching_processes/teaching_games_for
_understanding
Curriculum Support. (n.d). Game sense approach to practical lessons. PDHPE.
Retrieved from
http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/secondary/pdhpe/assets/pdf/pa_
002.pdf
Light, R. L., & Robert, J. E. (2010). The impact of Game Sense pedagodgy on
Australian rugby coaches’ practice: a question of pedagogy. Physical Education and
Sport Pedagogy, 15(2), 103-115 doi:10.1080/17408980902729388