The Game Sense approach is a student-centered method for physical education and coaching that focuses on playing games, rather than isolated skill drills. It emphasizes strategy, tactics, and decision-making over techniques. Students develop skills and understanding of games through authentic play. Game Sense encourages enjoyment, social interaction, flexibility and learning from mistakes. It aligns with fundamental movement skills and is supported for invasion, striking, net/wall and target games. The approach avoids over-coaching and fosters student autonomy, interpersonal relationships and construction of knowledge.

2. What is the Game Sense Approach?
• Relatively new approach to physical education and couching that
centres around games
• Game sense utilizes a student centered approach, by giving
students the chance to learn though the process of discovery
• Focuses on playing the game and not on technique practise, game
sense approach allows students to focus on strategy and tactics –
allowing them to make better decisions during the game.
• By getting in and playing the game in a fun and authentic way,
students develop their skills and build a greater understanding of the
game being played
(Light, 2012; Townsend, 2007)

3. continued...
• In game sense, skill, tactical knowledge and decision making are all
interrelated. It is a holistic approach which encourages execution of
skill through focus on actual game time rather than isolated skills
• Encourages enjoyment through social interaction – students feel a
sense of achievement and belonging because they actually
understanding the game and are able to contribute to team efforts
• Offers flexibility, allowing children to observe the possibilities and
critically analyse the effectiveness of games. Encouraging students
to go ahead with their ideas, even if they make a mistake, presents
opportunities for learning and growth
(Light, 2012; Townsend,2007)

4. Game Sense and Fundamental Movement
Skills (FMS)
• Game sense increases motivation through increased
participation. This increased participation allows students to
further practice their skills in a realistic and engaging setting.
• Fundamental movement skills are a set of 12 movement skills
which are essential for students to be able to effectively
participate in sports and physical activity for the rest of their
lives. This is further emphasized in the PDHPE syllabus
(NSW BOS, 2006)
• The link to this resource can be found in the ‘useful’ resources
tab of this website
(Light, 2006; Townsend,2007)

5. Types of games
The types of games supported by the game sense approach
include:
• Invasion games e.g. Soccer, Oz tag
• Striking games e.g. softball
• Net/Wall games e.g. tennis
• Target games e.g. golf

6. Links to the PDHPE Syllabus
• The game sense approach is line with the five essential
skills in the PDHPE Syllabus: communicating, decision
making, interacting, moving and problem solving (BOS
NSW, 2006, p.11).

7. Game Sense: A Rationale
• The teacher/coach avoids over- coaching and takes a step back –
allowing students to explore, offering guidance where needed
• Students learn more effectively when they are given the freedom to
construct their own knowledge with the guidance of more
knowledgeable others
• Develops autonomy by giving students opportunities to make
decisions about the games, independent of the teacher/coach.
Allows modification of game rules, playing area and equipment to
highlight game concepts
• Fosters interpersonal relationships by encouraging students to work
as a team
(Light, 2006;
2012)

8. References
Board of Studies, NSW. (2007). Personal development, health and physical education K-6 syllabus.
Sydney: Author. Retrieved from http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/
learning-areas/pdhpe/pdhpe-k-10-2018
Light, R. (2006). Game Sense: Innovation or just good coaching? Journal of Physical Education New
Zealand, 39(1), 8-19,3. Retrieved from https://vuws.westernsydney.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-3487409-
dt-content-rid-
26755579_1/courses/102072_2018_2h/101576_2013_1h_ImportedContent_20121127041820INNOV
ATION%20OR%20GOOD%20COACHING%20LIGHT.pd
Light, R. (2012). Game sense : pedagogy for performance, participation and enjoyment. Routledge.
Townsend, G. (2007). About game sense. Rugby Football Union. Retrieved from
https://vuws.westernsydney.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-3487404-dt-content-rid-
26755211_1/courses/102072_2018_2h/Games%20Sense%20Supplemental%20Reading.pdf
://ebookcentral.proquest.com