WHAT IS GAME SENSE?

 Class 4E
 Miss Alhamwi
 WHAT IS GAME SENSE?
Game sense is an approach to a modified sport which allows students to
become more tactically aware of the game.

Game sense is a break down game which focuses on the skills and techniques
that are required for the actual game (Light, 2006).

Game sense involves developing personal skills such as perception, decision-

making, tactical understanding and the development of motor skills and
technique (Light, 2006).
 WHAT IS GAME SENSE?
Fundamental skills found in game sense:
 Fundamental movement skills are basic skills that are needed for
movement. Students need these skills to be able to successfully participate
in different types of games, physical activity and sports (NSW DET). The NSW
syllabus (2007) states that the fundamental movement skills that a stage 2
student is required to be proficient in are;
 static balance
 sprint run
 vertical jumps
 catch, hop
 side gallop
 skipping
 Overarm throws (BOSTES, 2007).
STRENGTHS OF GAME SENSE:
 Incorporating game sense into lessons is a way of making lessons fun,
inclusive and enjoyable. It leaves all the students with a positive learning
experience.
 Game sense approaches provide students with the opportunity to socially
interact with others and feel a sense of inclusion as the students are
continuously communicating and playing with one another throughout the
games (Light, 2012). The benefits of students being involved in a game
which fosters inclusion and social interaction is that it allows students to:
 Enhance their emotional and social wellbeing
 Build self-esteem and form their own identity
 Experience a sense of belonging and achievement as well as enjoy
movement and have some fun (Light, 2012).
Why do we implement game sense into our
teaching?

 It helps the students make better decisions during the game as it

enhances their thinking skills by allowing them to think
strategically about the game concepts.
 All games are fun and engaging which keeps the students
happy and excited to play and engage in sport. Students will be
learning and developing skills and techniques while engaging in
tactical thinking as they are being put through the pressure of a
‘real’ game (Towns, 2002).
How does Game sense link to the
syllabus
The PDHPE syllabus outlines skills that are found in the game sense approach. These skills are decision making, moving and
problem solving. The following outcomes from the PDHPE syllabus relate to stage 2 students who engage in a game sense
approach.
 Decision making:
 DMS2.2 - Makes decisions as an individual and as a group member

 Moving:
 MOS2.4 - Displays a focus on quality of movement in applying movement skills to a variety of familiar and new situations.

 Problem solving:
 PSS2.5 - Uses a range of problem-solving strategies

 Games and sports:

 GSS2.8 - Participates and uses equipment in a variety of games and modified sports
 References:

 Board of Studies, NSW. (2007). Personal development, health and physical

education K-6 syllabus. Sydney: Author. Retrieved from NESA
website:http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/ learning-
areas/pdhpe/pdhpe-k-10-2018

 Light, R. (2012). Game sense: Pedagogy for performance, participation and

enjoyment. Routledge.
 Light, R. (2006). Game Sense: Innovation or just good coaching?. New Zealand
Physical Educator, 39(1), 8.
 NSW Department of Education and Training. (2000). A K-6 resource to support
the teaching of fundamental movement skills.
 Towns, J. (2018). About Game Sense. University of Wollongong.