what is game sense

2. Increase
motivation
of players
Develop tactical
and strategic
thinking
Improve skills
for further
game
participation
Light,2013

3. What is Game Sense?
• The Game sense approach is a variation of Bunker and Thrope’s Teaching Games
for Understanding (TGFU) model (Pill, 2011).
• The Games sense approach is a student-centred and inquiry-based approach that
allows students to develop and enhance their skills and understanding while
being actively involved in the game ( Light, 2013).
• Games sense teaches students that learning sport or skill is not just about
learning the physical aspects and particular movement, rather it teaches the
student that sports and physical education also requires conceptual awareness
and decision making (Phill, 2011).
• Game Sense aims for students to use their basic skills to feel successful in playing
games and then develop more complex skills to engage in more complex games
(Hopper, Bulter & Storey, 2009).
• The Game Sense approach positions the teacher as a guide instead of a coach.

4. There are four game categories. They are categorized by common characteristics, fundamental
movement skills, tactical skills or primary rules of the game.
Categories of Game Sense
HOCKEY
Rugby
Football
Soccer
Golf Archery
Squash
Curling
Volleyball
Badminton
Softball
Cricket
Baseball
Light, 2012

5. • Game sense builds confidence and prompts team work in an environment
where students can feel safe and confident in their abilities.
• The Game Sense approach aims to improve the basic fundamental
movements that are relevant to each development stage.
• Teachers want students to feel that what they are learning is meaningful to
their lives. Game Sense provides a context to make learning of skills and
strategies meaningful by providing students with the opportunity to make
calculated decisions, reflect on their learning and have time to think
critically.
(Light, 2006)
Why is Game Sense important for students?

6. Locomotor Skill
such as running,
jumping, hopping,
galloping &
skipping
Balance where the
body remains in the
same place though
moves around
horizontal &
vertical axes
Ball skills such as
catching, throwing
kicking & striking
Light,2012

7. • Game sense is learner-centred. This means students don’t rely on teachers to ‘coach’ skills.
• Maximizes student participation ( can be adjusted to reach all abilities)
• Games Sense incorporates all five PDHPE skills ( Moving, Interacting, Problem Solving, Decision-Making,
Communication)
• Students develop an in-depth understanding of sports & PE
• Students have FUN while playing GAMES!
• The Games & Sports strand aims to develop students competence & confidence in a broad
range of games, sports & physical activity.
Stage 2 Games & Sports
Outcomes & Indicators:
GSS2.8
-Demonstrates efficient ways of using equipment while working cooperatively with others.
-Demonstrates a range of skills in practices and modified games, eg throwing and catching in
moving and stationary positions, striking or dribbling with hand, foot, stick or bat
-Demonstrates fun ways of practising skills, eg partner, team
(Pill, 2011)

8. • Board of Studies NSW. (2007). Personal development, health and physical education K-6 syllabus.
• Hopper, T., Butler, J., & Storey, B. (2009). TGfU-Simply good pedagogy: Understanding a complex
challenge. PHE Canada.
• Light, R. (2006). Game Sense: Innovation or just good coaching?. New Zealand Physical Educator, 39(1),
8.
• Light, R. (2012). Game sense: Pedagogy for performance, participation and enjoyment. Routledge.
• Light, R. L. (2013). Positive Pedagogy for physical education and sport: Game Sense as an example.
In Contemporary developments in games teaching (pp. 41-54). Routledge.
• Pill, S. (2011). Teacher engagement with teaching games for understanding-game sense in physical
education. Journal of Physical Education & Sport/Citius Altius Fortius, 11(2).