GAME SENSE APPROACH

WHAT IS GAME SENSE APPROACH?

The game sense approach is a new approach used by teachers
which develops a deeper meaning for sport and physical activity as
it focuses on developing thinking through problem solving.
It is a new approach to teaching physical activities.
This approach allows students to be able to develop their own
skills and understanding while being physically active.
The basic approach of Game Sense is to start with simple games
in which the stress on technique is reduced to allow players to
engage intellectually in the game. ( Light, R. P.41)

EXPLANATION OF GAME SENSE CONTINUED

Using a Game Sense approach allows for a deeper
interaction between all the players in the team
This approach is created on the theory that certain
principles are mutual across different ranges of
games. It is therefore displayed that teaching children
about the main principles will facilitate students to be
able to perform with a greater and better
understanding (Curriculum support, p.7)
All games can be modified and changed using the
Game sense approach. Increasing motivation and
interest from the students

 The need for children to develop a positive attitude towards sport and to
have it make a positive contribution to their physical, social, moral and
personal growth is very important and using a Game Sense approach can
help achieve these outcomes. (Light, R p.39)
There are 4 categories of games for the Game Sense Approach, these
include:
1. Target games- Golf, bowls or archery
2. Field games- cricket, baseball and softball
3. Invasion games- soccer, netball, football
4. Net and Wall games- volleyball, tennis

RATIONALE AND
STRENGTHS OF THE
GAME SENSE
APPROACH

WHY THE GAME SENSE APPROACH IS USED?

The game sense will be used as it is an effective way for

encouraging students to develop new skills while having
fun. Which then leads to a healthy and active lifestyle.

No pressure is placed on the student and allows for them

to build their confidence. Using the game sense also
encourages non-sporty students to participate.

The game sense approach is student centered rather

than many other approaches which are technique based.

It allows students to develop other skills such as decision

making, problem solving, leadership and planning skills.

Allows students to think for themselves.

Using the game sense helps enhance both verbal and

non-verbal skills

HOW GAME SENSE RELATES TO THE K-6

SYLLABUS

The game sense approach links to the syllabus as it promotes the students development,

K-6 syllabus is concerned with the fundamental movement patterns coordination of the
body such as running, jumping and catching whilst developing new skills. The game sense
approach works to the students needs using modified games, allowing students to develop
new skills and ways of moving and thinking.

The syllabus states each student should be confident with a wide range of games, sport
and physical activities (p. 10). The games sense works with all different types of games
that allow students to gain confidence and awareness. While promoting positive feelings
and motivation. This point also links with stage 3 as students need to engage and
communicate to get the result of being physically active.

The game sense approach will be utilised in lessons as games can be modified to suit
certain needs of students and allows for participation.

Games used will be student centered allowing students to become involved.

The main games and sports used will fall into one of the four categories mentioned before.

References
Light, R. Game Sense: Innovation or just good coaching?.
Journal of Physical Education New Zealand; May 2006; 39,
1; ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source
Light, R. (2014). Quality teaching beyond games through
game sense pedagogy. University of Sydney Papers in
HMHCE- Special Games sense Edition.
Light, R. (2013). Game sense for physical education and
sport coaching. In Game sense: Pedagogy for
performance, participation and enjoyment (pp. 37-27).
London, UK: Routledge.
Pill, S. Teaching games for understanding. Sited at:
http://www.ausport.gov.au/sportscoachmag/coaching_process
es/
teaching_games_for_understanding
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