Game Sense

By Miss Fisher
 What is a game sense approach?
Game sense is the use of modified games to increase student engagement
develop their skill and understanding of the tactics of the game (Pill, 2012).

Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER)

 A game sense approach
Students will improve in sport through a game sense approach by:

1. Knowing what to do in the context of play (decision making)

2. Knowing how to do it (movement knowledge)

3. Being able to execute the how and what successful (movement capability)

(Pill, 2012)
Game sense and fundamental movement skills
(FMS)

Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are the building blocks for

movement and they form the foundation for many of the specific
motor skills required in popular sports and leisure activities (Good for
kids, 2018).

Teaching PDHPE using game sense helps students to develop and

perform fundamental movement skills.
 Rational
How does game sense benefit your child?

What does game sense look like in a PDHPE lesson?

How does game sense link to the NSW PDHPE K-6 Syllabus?
 What are the benefits for my child?
• Engaging way for students to develop their fundamental movement skills

• Encourages critical thinkers by questioning students. Questions allow

students to identify what worked and what needs improved.

• Provides students with the opportunity to take ownership and control of

their learning.

(Pill, 2013)
 What would a game sense approach look like in
a PDHPE lesson?
• Teachers gives instructions on the game and its rules

• Students play the game

• Teacher/students make variation to game

• Teacher asks students focus questions

(Nicolas, 2014)
 Links to the syllabus
Game sense links with the following stage 3 outcomes:
PD3-4 adapts movement skills in a variety of physical activity contexts PD3-5
proposes, applies and assesses solutions to movement challenges
PD3-10 selects and uses interpersonal skills to interact respectfully with others to
promote inclusion and build connections
PD3-11 selects, manipulates and modifies movement skills and concepts to
effectively create and perform movement sequences
(NESA, 2019)
 References
Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER). (2005). Active Schools Active Kids. Building Quality Physical
Education Programs. Perth, WA: ACHPER .

Light, R. (2014). Positive pedagogy for physical education. Retrieved from https://www.achper.org.au/blog/blog-positive-pedagogy-for-
physical-education

Nicolas, R. (2014). The skill based approach vs. the game sense approach. Retrieved from http://www.rogettennicolas.com

NSW Education Standard Authority. (2018). Personal Development, Health and Physical Education K–10 Syllabus (Rev. ed.). Sydney, Australia:
Author. Retrieved from http://pdhpe-k-10-syllabus-2018-pdf.pdf

Pill, S. (2010). Using tactical games. Sport coach, 31(1). Retrieved from
http://www.auspost.gov.au/sportcoachmag/coaching_processes/using_tactical_games

Pill, S. (2013). Playing with Purpose Game Sense to Sport Literacy: A resources to support teachers and coaches in the implementation of a
game-centred approach to sport teaching. Hindmarsh, SA: ACHPER Australia.