using a game sense approach

1. Using the Game Sense approach!!
When teaching physical education lessons, PDHPE uses a variety of
approaches. Game Sense approach allows children to perform in a
game with a better understanding.
It is categorised in four areas:
Invasion Games E.g Hockey, Football
Target Games E.g Golf,
Court and Net Games E.g Tennis, Netball
Striking and Fielding Games E.g Cricket, Softball

2. What is PDHPE?
Personal Development, Health and
Physical Education (PDHPE) is a
crucial factor within a child’s life
when they are growing and
developing as it allows them to
understand the importance and
purpose of living a healthy
lifestyle. PDHPE teaches children
how to live an active lifestyle
which helps them experience
positive relationships, promote
physical activity and social and
emotional skills.

3. How does PDHPE benefit
children?
Academically- it
is known that
schools with
fitter children
achieve better
marks in
numeracy and
literacy.
Socially-
Children gain
social skills and
establish closer
relationship
with peers.
Emotionally-
Children let out
stress and
frustration
through the
engagement of
physical activity.
Physically-
Children benefit
physically as it
makes them feel
better and
encourages
skills and
movement.

4. What is the Game Sense
approach?
Game sense is a teaching approach based upon the
Teaching Games for Understanding model which focuses on
a student centred approach. This allows students to develop
their own skills and understanding. It allows them to further
develop problem solving skills, tactics and decision making
skills.
(Mandigo, Butler and Hopper, 2007)

5.  In a normal game, coaches tend to
leave the less skilled players with a
lack of confidence and low self
esteem, the skilled players bored and
tend to focus on teaching the
average players the motive of the
game.
 The game sense approach enables
each individual to get involved at
their own pace as a game can be
modified to their own level of skill.
(Den Duyn, N,1997)
But WHY game
sense approach?

6. Different to other approaches
• 1. Children ask Questions.
• 2. Reflect on what their learning/doing.
• 3. Drill Practice.
• 4. Return to game instructional sequence.
• 5. Allows individuals to be “thinkers”.
• 6. Keeps young people interested.
• 7. Teachers step back and allow children to
work together and use initiative.
(Den Duyn, N, 1997)

7. Game Sense approach
Learner
1. Game
2. Game Appreciation
6. Performance
5. Skills Execution
3. Tactical Awareness
4. Making Appropriate
(Mandigo, Butler and Hopper, 2007) Decisions

8. REFERENCES
- Den Duyn, N (1997)Game Sense - Developing Thinking Players
Workbook, Australian Sports Commission, Canberra.
- Mandigo, J., Butler, J., & Hopper, T. (2007). What is teaching games for
understanding? A Canadian perspective, Physical and Health Education
Journal, 73(2), 14-20.