Game sense is an approach to teaching PE that focuses on playing the game first before skills. The game provides context for learning skills and strategies. Teachers use questioning to prompt strategic thinking rather than direct instruction. Games are modified based on students' abilities. Some benefits are that it encourages participation, problem-solving, enjoyment and develops understanding through experience of the game.

1. GAME SENSE
APPROACH TO
TEACHING
PRIMARY PE
CLASSES
By Miss Treffiletti

2. What is Game Sense?
1. Unlike traditional methods of teaching PE classes, when a game
sense approach is utilised, the game is played first and skill
development occurs after students have been introduced to the
game. This provides a context to make the learning of skills and
strategies more meaningful to students. (Curriculum Support,
n.d.).
1. The game itself is the central focus of the lesson, by playing the
game before practicing skills, students realise the reason for
particular rules and skills that are necessary to playing the game
successfully (Curriculum Support, n.d.).

3. What is Game Sense?
3. The central strategy for teaching using the Game Sense approach is the
use of questioning to stimulate students thinking about the game rather
than using a more authoritative and direct teaching approach (Pill, n.d.).
4. Students are encouraged to solve their own problems by thinking
strategically. Questions are raised by the teacher to prompt individual
thought and to develop an understanding of the game (Pill, n.d.).
5. Games are stopped at regular intervals and participants are challenged to
reflect on their participation, rules are modified in order to mature the
game. (Pill, n.d.).

4. What is Game Sense?
Game sense focuses on four game categories which may be adapted in a
variety of ways: invasion, net/court/wall, strike/field and target games.
Basketball
Netball
Soccer
Handball
Football
Frisbee
Oztag
Squash
Badminton
Tennis
Table Tennis
Volleyball
Cricket
Baseball
Softball
Lawn Bowls
Bocce
Ten Pin Bowling
Darts
Golf

5. What is Game Sense?
Below is an example of how to introduce a sport to beginners by reducing the technical
requirements of the game using the Game Sense approach (Pill, n.d.).
Volleyball Modified Game-Rules
• To begin, underarm throw over the net
• Pass the ball with a two handed throw to a team member.
• Loss of point if the ball hits the ground on your side of the court, ball goes over before third
pass or if the ball lands out of court.
Examples of key questions guiding inquiry
• What is the purpose of the game?
• What are the advantages to your team from using all three passes allowed?
Possible game progression: new rule
• Third pass must be from one of the front court players or, add bonus points if the attack
(third pass) is from the front court and it wins the rally.
After the game has progressed, further examples of key questions guiding the enquiry
approach could include:
• From where on the court is it most difficult to return the ball?
• Where is the best place to serve the ball?
Possible game progressions
• Do not allow players to move their feet once they catch the ball
• Reduce the time allowed to hold the ball before a pass is made

6. Strengths of Game Sense as a Teaching
Approach
A game sense approach to teaching links directly to the NSW PDHPE
syllabus, particularly in regards to the games and sports strand. Game sense
uses varied or modified games as well as communication, decision making
and problem solving prompted by questioning, to enable students to
develop their confidence and understanding in a variety of games and
sports.
Games & Sports:
This strand aims to develop each students competence and confidence in a
broad range of games, sports and physical activities. Students develop
fundamental movement skills (FMS), progressing to more games-and sports-specific
skills in non-competiive and competitive environments that foster
positive feelings of success and enjoyment.

7. Strengths of Game Sense as a Teaching
Approach
• A major strength of Game sense is that it uses a holistic approach to
teaching PE classes. Games are able to be modified and adapted to
involve all students, which encourages a positive and inclusive sporting
environment.
• Game sense allows for positive feelings of success and enjoyment as all
students are actively involved in the game, regardless of their physical
ability.
• Another strength of game sense, as a teaching approach, is that it
encourages students to develop their own skills and understandings while
being actively involved in the game.
• A game sense approach promotes physical activity in a fun and achievable
manner by focusing on the needs and abilities of students over the
importance of winning the game. As a result, motivation in beginner
learners is usually increased.

8. References
Curriculum Support. (n.d). Games sense approach to practical lessons
in PDHPE. Retrieved from http://
www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/secondary/
pdhpe/assets/pdf/pa_002.pdf
Pill. (n.d). Teaching Games for Understanding. Australian Council for
Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 29(2), Retrieved
from http://www.ausport.gov.au/sportscoachmag/
coaching_processes/teaching_games_for_understanding