Games Sense Approach

2. SO… WHAT IS MEANT BY GAME
SENSE APPROACH?
A game sense approach allows students to develop game skills and understandings
through modified activities
MODIFIED SPORT
The use of a game sense approach allows a teacher to identify key game techniques
and modifies games to allow students to focus on key elements of the game (Phil,
2016)

3. Process of using student
centered games to achieve
tactical and strategic thinking,
whilst also developing sport
specific motor skills
(Phil, 2012)

4. GAME SENSE &
FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT
SKILLS
Fundamental Movement Skills are building blocks for movement, (Hardy, Barnett,
Espinel & Okely, 2013) children require these skills to confidently participate in
different sports.
Research shows that children who have competent fundamental movement skills have
more enjoyment in sports and physical activities and are more likely to participate in
physical activity for the majority of their lives. (NSW DET, 2000)
The use of the game sense approach allows children to focus on specific skill sets/
techniques, this evidently provides a positive impact on each child’s growth and
development of their fundamental movement skills.

5. WHY WOULD YOU CHILD BENEFIT
FROM THIS TEACHING APPROACH?
Your child will benefit immensely from this type of teaching approach, implementing
a game sense approach into your child’s physical education program will provide a
number of positive factors, these include;
⚽ development of own skills and understanding
⚽ a focus on games rather than specific skills needing to be met prior to play
⚽ learning through modified games and activities to develop and enhance your
child’s understanding, decision making and skills
⚽ integration of physical, intellectual and social learning
The game sense approach provide students with the opportunity to pose questions and
develop self reflection- this allows students to identify what they liked/disliked about a
game or ways the games could be improved

6. HUGE VARIETY OF GAMES
GAME SENSE FOCUSES ON FOUR CATEGORIES OF TEAM GAMES
INVASION GAMES- Soccer or Basketball
STRIKING/FIELD GAMES- Cricket or Tee-Ball
NET/WALL GAMES- Tennis or Volley Ball
TARGET GAMES- Archery or Golf

7. GAME SENSE BENEFITS EVERY
CHILDS LEARNING
Appealing
How does game sense link to the SYLLABUS?
Encourages an understanding and value of self and others
Promotes physical activity
Emphasizes informed decision making resulting in effective and
responsible actions
Develops students physical, social, cognitive, and emotional
growth and development
Promotes the adoption of an active lifestyle
Develops skill and movement outcomes

8. Hardy, L., Barnett, L., Espinel, P., & Okely, A. (2013). Thirteen-Year trends in child and Adolescent fundamental movement
skills: 1997-2010, Official Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, 45(10), 1965-1970
doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31829a9fc
NSW Department of Education and Training. (2000). A K-6 resource to support the teaching of fundamental movement skills,
Get Skilled: Get Active, 1-111
retrieved from: https://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/downloads/file/teacherschildcare/Get_skilled_get_active_booklet.pdf
Phil, S. (2016). An appreciative inquiry exploring game sense teaching in physical education, Sport,
Education and Society, 21(2), 279-297
doi: 10.1080/13573322.2014.912624
Phil, S. (2012). Teaching game sense in soccer, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 83(3(,
42-52
doi:10.1080/07303084.2012.10598746
References