By Emily Rule

What is Game Sense?

In 4R, we use the game sense

approach. In a game sense
approach, we:
• Focus on the game itself,
rather than technique, and
• Develop the necessary skills
and techniques for certain
sports whilst we are playing
It is:
them, rather than in “Modification of
isolation (Towns, 2002). games, play practices
• Incorporate skill and designer games to
development into our game emphasis particular
play. tactical or motor skill
learning” (Pill, p.282)
 Why do we use game sense?
We use game sense in 4R for the following reasons:
Game sense :
•Engages players
•Encourages players to “think and talk
about both tactical and technical
aspects of play”(Light, 2006, p.9)

When technique-based skills are

taught in isolation, students do not
yet understand the related factors in
executing the skills, such as why you
use different types of passes in
netball (Towns, 2002).
Benefits of game sense

Game sense approach

emphasises the development of
skill, decision making and
understanding ability
simultaneously (Light, 2006).This
is beneficial to students because:
• Perception
• Decision making and
• Skills
in sports are seen as interrelated
and are developed cohesively
(Light, 2006).
 Game Sense as a teaching approach
A game sense approach allows players to develop their own decision
making skills, rather than simply having a coach or teacher tell them
what to do. This is beneficial because it allows students to:
• Become more self confident
• Be able to adapt,
• Will discover what works (and does not work) for them, which is
essential for personal development.

This makes it an
excellent teaching
approach. Game sense
approach can be
modified and
differentiated to suit
abilities and year groups.
 Syllabus Links
The game sense approach links into the PDHPE syllabus rationale in the following
ways:
• Promotes physical activity: “children should participate in physical activity of
at least 2o minutes, 3 times per week”. Game sense ensures your child is
participating in physical activity rather than working on isolated skills.
• The adoption of an active lifestyle: “physical habits developed in school years
are often maintained in later life”. The game sense approach used in 4R is
setting your children up for a healthy and active future.
• Fundamental movement patterns and coordination of the body:” Children
do not naturally develop fundamental movement skills as they grow”. Our use
of game sense allows your child to practice and master the fundamental
movement skills.
• Skills that enable action for better health and movement outcomes: The
skills of effective communication, interaction, decision making and problem
solving empower students”. The game sense approach utilises and develops
all of those skills.
• (PDHPE syllabus, 2007)
 What role does the teacher play?
As the teacher and coach, I:
• Set objectives for the game
• Have patience
• Be flexible
• Use observational and analytical skills to
ensure safety
• Assist my students in developing and
practicing their fundamental movement
skills through game play(PDHPE syllabus).
• Ensure your children are developing their
fundamental movement skills in a safe and
fun environment.
 References
Light, R. (2013). Game Sense: pedagogy for performance, participation and enjoyment
. Chapter 4 (pp 37‐47). Online Book through WSU library.
PDHPE K 6 Syllabus (Board of Studies NSW, 2007). http://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.
au/go/personal‐ development‐health‐and‐physical‐education‐pdhpe
Pill, S. (2014). An appreciative inquiry exploring game sense teaching in physical educa
tion. Sport, Education and Society, 1‐19.
Towns, J. (2002). About Game Sense. Retrieved from
https://vuws.westernsydney.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-3226557-dt-content-rid-
25318391_1/courses/102072_2018_1h/Games%20Sense%20Supplemental%20Re
ading.pdf.